Semaglutide: 54% Less PAD in Type 2 Diabetes

Ozempic, type 2 diabetes, peripheral artery disease, PAD, walking distance, quality of life, STRIDE trial“>

CHICAGO,June 21,2025

Ozempic Boosts Walking,Life Quality

Semaglutide improves outcomes for diabetes patients with PAD.

• Semaglutide (Ozempic) improves walking distance in PAD patients.
• The drug enhances the quality of life for those with type 2 diabetes.
• Benefits appear autonomous of diabetes severity or treatment.
• Semaglutide shows a good safety profile in trials.

New research indicates that semaglutide, known as Ozempic, can substantially improve walking ability and overall well-being for individuals battling both type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Subodh Verma, MD
Credit: Unity Health Toronto

Imagine the relief of walking further without pain, of enjoying daily activities with newfound ease. That’s the promise suggested by the STRIDE trial, which explored the impact of semaglutide 1.0 mg (Ozempic) on people living with both type 2 diabetes and PAD.

STRIDE Trial Details

The STRIDE trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study launched in 2020, involved 792 patients across 20 countries. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide or a placebo for 52 weeks. The goal? To see if semaglutide could improve their walking distance.

The study population’s median age was 68 years, with a median BMI of 28.7 kg/m. A important majority were male (75%) and White (68%).Over half (61%) had been living with diabetes for at least 10 years.

Did you know?-The STRIDE trial’s design, using a placebo control, helps ensure that the observed benefits are truly due to semaglutide and not other factors. This rigorous approach strengthens the evidence.

Walking Distance and Quality of Life

The results, initially presented at the American College of Cardiology 2025 Annual Scientific Sessions, showed a clear benefit with semaglutide. The ratio from baseline in maximum walking distance at 52 weeks favored semaglutide (1.21) compared to placebo (1.08). This yielded an estimated treatment ratio (ETR) of 1.13 (95% CI, 1.06-1.21; P = .0004).

Secondary outcomes further reinforced semaglutide’s positive impact.At week 52, improvements in walking distance were greater (ETR, 1.08; P = .038), quality-of-life scores were significantly higher (median difference, 1.00; P = .011), and pain-free walking distance also improved more compared to the placebo (ETR, 1.11; P = .0046).

did you know? Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of Americans, often leading to reduced mobility and a lower quality of life.

Reader question:-If semaglutide improves walking distance for PAD patients with diabetes, could it potentially benefit those without diabetes as well? Share your thoughts in the comments.

subanalysis Highlights

At the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA 2025) in Chicago, Illinois, a subanalysis of the STRIDE trial provided even more encouraging news. Professor Subodh Verma, MD, phd, FRCSC, FAHA, FCAHS, a cardiovascular surgeon at the University of Toronto and senior author of the STRIDE trial, presented these findings.

This deeper dive revealed that semaglutide’s benefits on walking outcomes were consistent, irrespective of factors like HbA1c level, SGLT2 inhibitor use, duration of diabetes, or BMI.

Impact Beyond Glycemic Control

“These findings indicate that clinicians can now recognize semaglutide as a vascular protective medication, with benefits that extend beyond lowering weight or A1C,” said Dr. Verma.

According to Verma, the subanalysis demonstrated use of semaglutide was associated with significantly improved walking outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and reduced the risk of disease progression by 54% in people with PAD and diabetes. The estimated median ratio to baseline in maximum walking distance was 1.21 in the semaglutide group versus 1.08 in the placebo group at week 52.

Safety Profile

The safety data from the trial showed that semaglutide was well-tolerated, with no treatment-related deaths and a safety profile consistent with previous studies. This is reassuring news for both patients and healthcare providers.

The Bigger Picture

“The totality of data now suggest that in people with diabetes, semaglutide favorably affects the pipes [atherosclerosis], pump [heart failure], filter [kidney outcomes]. And,in patients with PAD,these new data provide robust evidence that semaglutide is a therapy to improve their function,quality of life,and progression of disease,” Verma concluded.

Digging Deeper: Understanding PAD and its Impact

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when arteries become narrowed, mainly due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). This restricts blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD affects millions, often leading to pain, especially during walking (claudication), and significantly affecting quality of life. According to the CDC, PAD is more common in people over 50, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking.

The consequences of PAD can be far-reaching:

• Reduced Mobility: Walking becomes difficult, limiting daily activities.
• Pain and Discomfort: Cramping,numbness,and pain in the legs and feet.
• Increased Risk of Complications: Including foot ulcers, infections, and potential amputation.
• Cardiovascular risks: individuals with PAD have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Semaglutide: beyond the Basics

While semaglutide is commonly used for type 2 diabetes management, this research highlights its potential benefits for people with PAD, nonetheless of their diabetes control. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These drugs work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slow down digestion, and reduce appetite.

In the context of PAD, semaglutide appears to offer several mechanisms of action:

1. Improved Blood Vessel Function: Semaglutide may help improve the health of blood vessels, encouraging better blood flow, essential for PAD treatment.
2. Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to atherosclerosis. Semaglutide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Potential for Weight Loss: Many people with diabetes and PAD are overweight or obese. Semaglutide can assist with weight management, which can directly ease PAD symptoms .

Actionable Steps: What This Means for Patients

If you have type 2 diabetes and PAD, or are at risk, discuss these findings with your doctor. Here are some practical steps:

• Consult Your Doctor: Talk about the potential benefits of semaglutide. Discuss how it fits into your overall treatment plan.
• Adhere to Treatment: Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medication, diet, and exercise.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Quit smoking, as smoking intensely worsens PAD. Adopt a heart-healthy diet and aim for regular exercise.
• Monitor Walking Ability: Keep track of your walking distance and any pain you feel. Report any changes to your healthcare provider.
• Foot Care: Inspect your feet daily for any signs of ulcers or infection, and seek prompt care if needed.

Myths vs. Facts About PAD Treatment

Here’s a speedy look at common misconceptions and the realities of PAD management:

Myth	Fact
PAD onyl affects older people.	While more common in older adults, PAD can occur in younger individuals, especially those with risk factors.
PAD is not a serious condition.	PAD significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and limb amputation.
exercise will make my leg pain worse.	Supervised exercise programs can improve walking distance and reduce pain.
There’s nothing I can do to treat PAD.	Lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures like angioplasty can effectively manage PAD symptoms and reduce risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about semaglutide, PAD, and improving your health:

Q: How quickly can I expect to see improvements if I start taking semaglutide?

A: Betterment timelines vary, and it’s vital to be patient.Consult with your physician on expected timeframes.

Q: Is semaglutide safe for everyone with PAD?

A: Semaglutide appears safe in trial data, but discuss your medical history with your doctor for personalized advice and to confirm if it lines up with your health needs.

Q: What other treatments are typically used for PAD?

A: Many treatments improve blood flow and mobility: Exercise,medication,and possibly surgery.

Q: Can lifestyle changes alone manage PAD?

A: Lifestyle is critical, but medications or procedures might be needed for optimum results. Together, they create an effective plan of attack for improving health.