Project Description

REB #: 20250327-01H

Smoking is a major cause of preventable illness and death worldwide, and people living with diabetes who smoke face an even greater risk of cardiovascular and other health complications. Although treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioural support can help people quit smoking, relapse remains common, and weight gain after quitting can be an additional challenge.

This pilot study is exploring whether semaglutide, a medication commonly used to manage diabetes and weight, can improve smoking cessation when added to combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Semaglutide may have benefits beyond blood sugar and weight management, and emerging research suggests that GLP-1 medications may also influence nicotine cravings and addiction-related pathways. However, more research is needed to understand whether these medications can help people quit smoking.

What is the study looking at?

The study will evaluate whether adding semaglutide to combination NRT can help people living with diabetes quit smoking compared with combination NRT alone. We will also examine changes in:

• Smoking levels, nicotine dependence and withdrawal

• Blood sugar control, including HbA1c

• Weight, BMI and waist circumference

• Blood pressure and cholesterol

• Mental health and quality of life

• Physical activity, appetite and eating behaviours

• Treatment satisfaction and safety

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial designed to determine the feasibility of conducting a larger study and to provide preliminary evidence on the potential benefits of semaglutide for smoking cessation.

If successful, this research could contribute to the development of new smoking cessation approaches that address both nicotine dependence and the metabolic effects associated with quitting, particularly for people living with diabetes.

Study Contact: nagrawal@ottawaheart.ca