New research has bolstered the link between GLP-1RAs and type 2 diabetes remission, further demonstrating that remission can be a realistic goal.
Previously, there has been limited evidence on this link despite the possibility of type 2 diabetes remission with GLP-1RAs attracting attention.
A new Italian study explored the clinical characteristics, frequency and outcomes of type 2 diabetes after people started on GLP-1RAs between January 2010 and January 2022.
The drugs have shown to reduce glycaemia, cardiovascular and renal risk and body weight.
They are used to treat type 2 diabetes, levels of which are now at pandemic levels and are set to continue rising.
The study group was made up of 14,141 adults with type 2 diabetes with an average age of 60 and an average 10-year diabetes history, with a BMI of 32 kg/m², and a baseline HbA1c of 8.1 per cent.
Study participants were categorised as being in remission or not based on the following definitions:
R1: HbA1c <6.5 per cent for ≥3 months without glucose-lowering medication
R2: Same as R1 but allowing continued GLP-1RA use
R3: Same as R1 but without new glucose-lowering medications compared to baseline
R4: Same as R1 regardless of ongoing pharmacotherapy.
Remission occurred in 5.8 per cent of the R1 group, 6.2 per cent of R2, 12.2 per cent of R3 and 18.3 per cent of R4.
Another key finding was that remission was more likely among those who had type 2 diabetes for a shorter period of time, higher BMI, fewer complications and lower baseline insulin/SGLT2 inhibitor use.
The authors said: “Type 2 diabetes remission is not rare after initiation GLP-1RA, its frequency and duration varying by definition.
“When achieved, remission is associated with durable metabolic improvements up to four years and fewer incident complications.”
Read more in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
