A common medication for obesity has been shown to decrease the risk of disease progression by 54%.
CHICAGO, June 21, 2025 — According to a new analysis released today, semaglutide offers vascular benefits for individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and type 2 diabetes. These benefits include improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and slowing disease progression. The findings come from an analysis of the STRIDE trial, which was presented as a late-breaking symposium at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) in Chicago. The analysis was also simultaneously published in Diabetes Care®.
PAD is a serious condition affecting 230 million people worldwide. It narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs, which can cause significant disability, reduce quality of life, and increase the risk of severe complications such as amputations and death. Current treatment options are limited, and there have been few advancements in PAD treatment in over 25 years.
The STRIDE trial was a phase 3, multinational, double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted at 112 outpatient clinical trial sites across 20 countries in North America, Asia, and Europe. The trial involved 792 patients aged 18 and older with type 2 diabetes and PAD, experiencing intermittent claudication (leg pain or cramping during physical activity) and reduced ankle-brachial or toe-brachial index (indicators of restricted blood flow to the legs). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide (n=396) or a placebo (n=396) for 52 weeks. The study assessed the impact on walking capacity, symptoms, and quality of life. The median age of participants was 68 years, with 195 (25%) females and 597 (75%) males.
This sub-analysis expands on previously published results, demonstrating that semaglutide significantly improved walking outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and reduced the risk of disease progression by 54% in people with PAD and diabetes. At week 52, the estimated median ratio to baseline in maximum walking distance was 1.21 in the semaglutide group, compared to 1.08 in the placebo group. Semaglutide was well tolerated, with no treatment-related deaths and a low rate of serious adverse events (1%), consistent with its established safety profile. The STRIDE analyses presented new and important information on the benefits of semaglutide, which were observed regardless of baseline A1C levels, duration of diabetes, or intensity of diabetes treatment. Furthermore, the benefits were consistent across all BMI categories and irrespective of treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors.
According to Professor Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAHA, FCAHS, cardiovascular surgeon at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada, and senior author of the STRIDE trial, these findings suggest that clinicians can now recognize semaglutide as a vascular protective medication with benefits beyond weight loss or A1C reduction. “The comprehensive data now indicate that in individuals with diabetes, semaglutide positively impacts the arteries [atherosclerosis], heart [heart failure], and kidneys [kidney outcomes]. Additionally, in patients with PAD, the new data offer strong evidence that semaglutide can improve their function, quality of life, and disease progression.” The study authors suggest that further research is needed to determine if these benefits extend to individuals with PAD who do not have diabetes.
Research presentation details:
Dr. Verma will present the findings at the following symposium:
- Symposium: Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease—Evolving Role of GLP-1 RA and New Insights from the STRIDE Trial
- Presented on Saturday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. CT
About the ADA’s Scientific Sessions
The ADA’s 85th Scientific Sessions, the world’s largest scientific conference focusing on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will take place in Chicago, IL, from June 20–23. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are expected to attend in person and virtually to discover cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advancements toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will have exclusive access to thousands of original research presentations and participate in discussions with leading diabetes experts. Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADASciSessions.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to ending diabetes and helping people live well. This year, the ADA is celebrating 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we are fighting for them all. To learn more or get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (), Spanish Facebook (), LinkedIn (), and Instagram (). To learn more about our advocacy efforts for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X ().
Media Contact: Mimi Carmody,
SOURCE American Diabetes Association
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