Question 1

What is the Meaning of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

The SUSTAIN Trial program comprises a series of phase 3 clinical studies evaluating semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, for type 2 diabetes mellitus. These trials were instrumental in establishing the drug's efficacy and safety profile across diverse patient groups, providing crucial data for regulatory approval and clinical integration.

Question 2

What is the Context of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

Within metabolic health, the SUSTAIN Trial program addresses hyperglycemia management in type 2 diabetes, a condition marked by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Semaglutide acts as a synthetic analog of human GLP-1, a natural incretin hormone vital for glucose homeostasis. Its action targets receptors in the pancreas, brain, and other tissues governing glucose regulation.

Question 3

What is the Significance of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

SUSTAIN Trial outcomes significantly shaped clinical guidelines for type 2 diabetes, demonstrating semaglutide's capacity for substantial reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight. Trials also showed a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with established cardiovascular disease, offering protective benefits beyond glycemic control. This evidence offers clinicians a robust therapeutic option.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide, as studied in the SUSTAIN trials, activates GLP-1 receptors, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, lowering postprandial and fasting glucose. It also suppresses inappropriate glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells. Additionally, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, moderating post-meal glucose excursions and promoting satiety, leading to reduced caloric intake and weight loss.

Question 5

What is the Application of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, SUSTAIN Trial findings support semaglutide's use as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed either as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications. Semaglutide is particularly considered for patients not achieving adequate glycemic control or those benefiting from its weight-reducing and cardiovascular protective effects.

Question 6

What is the Metric of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide's effectiveness in SUSTAIN trials was primarily assessed by changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline, indicating long-term glycemic control. Other outcomes included body weight, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. For cardiovascular safety, the primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke.

Question 7

What is the Risk of SUSTAIN Trial?

Accepted Answer

The SUSTAIN Trial program identified common adverse effects of semaglutide, mainly gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially during initiation. Less frequent but serious risks included pancreatitis, cholelithiasis (gallstones), and a theoretical risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Careful patient selection and continuous monitoring are essential for managing these concerns.

SUSTAIN Trial

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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