A Research Study to Look at How Semaglutide Compared to Placebo Affects Diabetic Eye Disease in People With Type 2 Diabetes

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Your diabetes blood sugar levels (measured by an HbA1c test) should be within a specific range, between 7.0% and 10.0%.

Crucially, your eyes will be checked very carefully. Both your eyes need to show certain signs of diabetic eye disease, but not be too severe yet. You cannot have had any eye treatments for your diabetes in the last six months, and you shouldn't need any in the next few months after starting the study. Your vision also needs to be at a certain level. There are also some specific eye conditions or past treatments that would mean you can't join.

There are also some important health conditions that would prevent you from taking part. For example, if you've recently had a heart attack or stroke, or if you have severe kidney problems or certain types of cancer. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant cannot participate.

If you decide to join this study, you would be taking medication for five years. You'll be randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide or a dummy medicine. Whichever you receive, you'll inject it once a week using a pen-injector. This injection goes into a skin fold in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. You will be taught exactly how to do this safely.

Throughout the five years, you will have regular hospital or clinic visits. These visits will involve various tests and checks to monitor your health, particularly your diabetes and eye health. Eye examinations will be a key part of these visits, including special photographs of your eyes. The research team will track any changes in your eye condition, as well as your general health and how well you're tolerating the study medicine. You will also continue with your usual diabetes medications and care from your own doctor.