Trial of Semaglutide for Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 1 Diabetes

A parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study will rigorously test effects of semaglutide on the kidney. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring will be used to control glycemia during study run-in (prior to randomization) and during active therapy, which investigators anticipate will lead to similar glycemic control according to treatment assignment and ability to assess effects independent of glycemia. The trial duration is 26 weeks, a period of time sufficient to gradually titrate study medications to maximum target dose (over 12 weeks) and then observe the full short-term effect of semaglutide on the kidney. Study Aims and Hypotheses: Aim 1: Determine the effects of semaglutide vs. placebo on kidney oxygenation in type 1 diabetes. Hypothesis 1: Semaglutide will improve kidney oxygen availability in adults with type 1 diabetes. Aim 2: Determine the effects of semaglutide vs. placebo on urine albumin-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate in type 1 diabetes. Hypothesis 2: Semaglutide will lower albuminuria and slow estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in adults with type 1 diabetes. Aim 3: Determine the glycemic effects and safety of semaglutide vs. placebo in type 1 diabetes. Hypothesis 3: Semaglutide will reduce total daily insulin dose and improve glycemic variability without increasing risk of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis in adults with type 1 diabetes.