A major international study has revealed that a pill form of semaglutide—a drug already used to treat type 2 diabetes—can also reduce the risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.
This discovery could bring new hope to people living with both diabetes and heart disease.
The study, called the SOUL trial, was led by Dr. John Buse and Dr. Matthew Cavender at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Their research focused on people who had type 2 diabetes and also had a history of heart disease or kidney disease. These people are especially vulnerable to heart attacks, strokes, and other dangerous heart problems.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs act like a natural hormone in the body and help control blood sugar levels. Until now, most of the evidence for heart protection came from the injectable version of semaglutide. But this study is one of the first to show that the pill version offers similar heart benefits.
The trial included 9,650 participants. Each person was randomly given either a 14 mg pill of semaglutide once a day or a placebo pill, while continuing their usual diabetes and heart medications. The researchers tracked how many people in each group had serious heart problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, or death related to heart disease.
The results were encouraging. People who took oral semaglutide had a 14% lower risk of major heart problems compared to those who took the placebo. The biggest benefit was seen in reducing the risk of nonfatal heart attacks.
This is important news because heart disease is a leading cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and raise blood pressure and cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Semaglutide helps not only by lowering blood sugar, but also by offering protection to the heart.
Dr. Buse said, “Heart attacks and strokes are among the most common and devastating complications of diabetes… Having an oral option to deliver this highly effective therapy is a big advance.” Many people prefer pills over injections, so this new option could make it easier for patients to stay on their medications.
This study also adds to growing interest in GLP-1 drugs. These medications are now being studied not only for diabetes, but also for helping people lose weight and even reduce cravings for things like alcohol. The pill version of semaglutide might become part of a larger effort to treat multiple health problems with one drug.
The researchers say more studies are needed to find out whether the pill or injection works better for long-term heart protection. But for now, the results give doctors and patients a powerful new tool to fight diabetes and prevent life-threatening heart issues.
In short, oral semaglutide is a promising new option that may make it easier and more effective to protect the heart while managing diabetes. It’s a step forward in helping people live longer, healthier lives.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Scientists find a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes and findings of Certain type 2 diabetes treatment may bring heart risks.
For more about diabetes, please read studies about New type 2 diabetes treatment could help patients stop taking insulin and findings of Scientists find true cause of inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
