Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)Dec 9, 2024

The promising role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor drugs in improving type 2 diabetes treatment

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve glycemic control and promote weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with lowering A1C levels, which indicates better blood sugar control.
These treatments may also lead to significant weight reduction, particularly with semaglutide.
Cardioprotective effects are noted, potentially reducing endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood pressure.
Once-weekly injections tend to enhance adherence compared to more frequent dosing, although gastrointestinal side effects may hinder persistence.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are considered cost-effective due to associated reductions in healthcare costs and mortality rates.
Safety concerns include gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and rare occurrences of diabetic retinopathy and thyroid C-cell tumors.

Simplified

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic disorder caused by inadequate production and resistance to insulin. The prevalence of DM is rapidly increasing, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for more than 90% of cases. Despite new treatments, many patients with T2D do not meet their glycemic targets due to clinical inertia. This review provides an overview of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in the management of T2D. The review synthesizes data from clinical trials and meta-analyses on the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs. It also discusses the mechanisms of action, classification, and barriers to adherence and persistence in therapy. GLP-1 RAs improve glycemic control by lowering A1C levels and promoting weight loss. They have cardioprotective effects and may reduce endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood pressure. Adherence to GLP-1 RAs is better with once-weekly injections, though gastrointestinal side effects and cost can affect persistence. Semaglutide and liraglutide have shown significant weight reduction, with semaglutide being particularly effective. GLP-1 RAs are cost-effective due to reduced healthcare costs associated with fewer hospitalizations and lower mortality rates. Safety concerns include gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and rare cases of diabetic retinopathy and thyroid C-cell tumors. For clinical practice, GLP-1 RAs represent a valuable option not only for glycemic control but also for weight management and cardiovascular protection. Incorporating GLP-1 RAs into treatment plans can improve patient outcomes, and optimizing dosing regimens and addressing barriers such as cost and side effects are crucial to enhancing patient adherence and long-term treatment success.

Key numbers

0.55 to 1.38 percentage points

A1C Reduction

Reduction in A1C levels compared to placebo in meta-analysis of 34 trials.

3.5 kg

Weight Loss with Liraglutide

Mean weight reduction compared to glimepiride in GRADE trial.

2–3 mmHg

Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction

Estimated decrease in systolic blood pressure with GLP-1 RA treatment.

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Funding

Competing interests

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article.

PubMed

The promising role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor drugs in improving type 2 diabetes treatment

Abstract

Key numbers

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Competing interests

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Abstract

Key numbers

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the glp-1 therapies brief