Semaglutide, widely known for managing type 2 diabetes and weight, now shows promise for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. PAD occurs when arteries in the limbs narrow, limiting blood flow. This can cause pain, cramps, and difficulty walking. Recent evidence suggests semaglutide may improve mobility and reduce symptoms.
PAD develops when fatty deposits build up in arteries, reducing blood flow to legs. People often experience intermittent claudication, pain during walking that stops with rest. It mostly affects older adults but can also occur in younger people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Smoking and obesity further increase risk.
The reduced blood flow limits oxygen delivery, causing leg cramps and fatigue. Over time, PAD can severely affect daily life. Patients often struggle with routine activities, such as climbing stairs or walking moderate distances.
Semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, could change PAD management. Studies show it improves metabolic health, supports cardiovascular function, and may reduce arterial inflammation. These effects help explain why PAD patients report less pain and better walking ability.
At UCLA, researchers studied 792 people with diabetes and PAD. Those using semaglutide had fewer symptoms and could walk further without discomfort. Another long-term study, with 1,363 PAD patients, reported similar results over nearly four years.
Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone, GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar. It also reduces weight, lowers cholesterol, and improves blood vessel health. By doing this, it may relieve leg pain and improve walking distances.
While not yet licensed for PAD, these findings are promising. Doctors caution that semaglutide should be prescribed carefully. People with severe gastrointestinal issues or a history of thyroid cancer should avoid it. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and stomach upset.
PAD limits many patients’ independence. One example is a 74-year-old woman who struggled to walk more than a mile without rest. After learning about semaglutide, she considered it as part of a strategy to reduce symptoms and improve daily life.
Patients are encouraged to discuss off-label treatments with specialists. They should ask about dosing, side effects, and monitoring plans. Second opinions can also provide reassurance.
Experts emphasise that semaglutide is not a replacement for lifestyle changes. Exercise, smoking cessation, and a heart-healthy diet remain crucial. Regular walking programmes and physiotherapy can improve circulation and overall mobility.
Currently, PAD management relies on lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. Patients are advised to quit smoking, manage diabetes, and maintain a heart-healthy diet. Exercise therapy, especially supervised walking programs, helps improve circulation. Yet, many patients still struggle with pain and limited mobility.
Medications like antiplatelets or statins reduce cardiovascular risks but do not directly relieve leg pain. Surgical options, including angioplasty or bypass surgery, are effective but invasive. They carry risks like infection, bleeding, and long recovery periods. Therefore, new treatment options that are less invasive are in high demand.
Semaglutide for PAD could provide a less invasive option. By improving metabolic health and reducing inflammation, it may slow disease progression. Unlike surgery, it does not require hospitalisation and has manageable side effects. For many patients, this can translate to increased independence and daily comfort.
PAD often affects older adults’ quality of life. Simple tasks like climbing stairs or walking to a shop can become difficult. Semaglutide may help patients regain mobility. Improved walking distance can encourage more physical activity, which further benefits cardiovascular health.
PAD is underdiagnosed, and many patients only seek help when symptoms worsen. Increasing awareness about semaglutide’s potential could change patient outcomes. Doctors may consider it for high-risk individuals or those who cannot tolerate current therapies. Early intervention remains key to preventing severe complications, such as ulcers or amputations.
Several studies are underway to assess semaglutide’s long-term benefits for PAD patients. Researchers are monitoring walking ability, leg pain, and cardiovascular events. Results from these trials could inform treatment guidelines and offer a new avenue for PAD management.
Researchers call for formal clinical trials to evaluate semaglutide specifically for PAD. Positive results could change treatment guidelines. Meanwhile, patients and doctors must weigh potential benefits against side effects and limited long-term evidence.
Semaglutide offers new hope for PAD patients. Evidence shows potential improvements in walking distance and symptom relief. With careful medical supervision, it could become a valuable addition to PAD management. Further research will clarify its role in improving quality of life for millions of patients.
Sources:
- UCLA Health. (2026). Using a semaglutide off-label to treat PAD. Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/using-semaglutide-label-treat-pad
- Criqui, M. H., & Aboyans, V. (2015). Epidemiology of peripheral artery disease. Circulation Research, 116(9), 1509–1526. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.305223
- Meier, J. J. (2012). GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes therapy. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 8(10), 728–742. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3507759/
- Norgren, L., Hiatt, W. R., Dormandy, J. A., Nehler, M. R., Harris, K. A., & Fowkes, F. G. R. (2007). Inter-society consensus for the management of peripheral arterial disease (TASC II). Journal of Vascular Surgery, 45(1), S5–S67. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002914907013645
