Posted by Medivizor on Aug 26, 2017 in Diabetes mellitus |

In a nutshell

This study examined the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on death, heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). They determined that GLP-1 RAs were associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks and death from cardiovascular causes.

Some background

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is made in the intestines and released after a meal. GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin (the hormone that lowers blood glucose) and inhibits the release of glucagon (hormone that raises blood glucose). These hormonal changes control blood glucose levels. GLP-1 RAs are drugs that mimic the effects of GLP-1. Recent research has found that GLP-1 RAs do not increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes. However, it is less certain whether these drugs can reduce the risk of these events.

Methods & findings

The results of 113 studies examining 37219 people with T2D were examined. In these studies, GLP-1 RAs were compared to either a placebo (drug with no active effect) or another anti-diabetes drug. 32 studies examined death from all causes. GLP-1 RAs reduced death from all causes by 12%. 83 trials reported deaths due to cardiovascular disease. Participants treated with GLP-1 RAs were 16% less likely to die from cardiovascular causes than those who did not. The participants treated with GLP-1 RAs were 10% less likely to have a heart attack compared to those who took placebo or another drug. People who had a higher BMI (body mass index; a measure of weight that takes height into account) at the start of the studies experienced the greatest benefit. Minor differences were found between groups for strokes and heart failure. 1.4% of participants treated with GLP-1 RAs had a stroke, compared to 1.7% of people not treated with GLP-1 RAs. 2.3% of people treated with GLP-1 RAs experienced heart failure, compared to 2.8% of people who did not.

The bottom line

The study found that GLP-1 RAs was associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks and death from cardiovascular causes.

The fine print

The authors of this study had several ties to companies that manufacture GLP-1 RAs.

What’s next?

Discuss the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 RAs with your physician.