Effect of Semaglutide Combined With Conventional Insulin Therapy on Blood Glucose Control and Renal Function in Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background Poor glycemic control in elderly diabetes patients leads to complications like nephropathy. Semaglutide (SEM), a GLP‐1 receptor agonist, may improve both blood glucose (BG) control and renal function (RF). This study evaluates the effects of SEM combined with insulin therapy on BG and RF. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 220 elderly type 2 diabetes patients from January 2023 to May 2024. Patients were assigned to either a control group (CG, insulin therapy) or an observation group (OG, SEM + insulin). Key outcomes included BG levels, insulin indices, vascular function, RF, and safety parameters. Results SEM reduced FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, HOMA‐IR, VEGF, ET‐1, 24hUpr, and UACR, while improving HOMA‐β, NO, and eGFR. The OG showed greater weight loss compared to CG. No significant differences in adverse events were observed. Conclusions SEM combined with insulin therapy effectively controls BG, improves insulin function, and may offer short‐term renal protective benefits in elderly diabetes patients; however, long‐term studies are needed to confirm effects on CKD progression.