New research has bolstered the link between GLP-1RAs and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission, further demonstrating that remission can be a realistic goal.
Previously, there has been limited evidence on this link despite the possibility of T2D remission with GLP-1RAs attracting attention.
A new Italian study explored the clinical characteristics, frequency and outcomes of T2D after patients started on GLP-1RAs between January 2010 and January 2022.
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The drugs have shown to reduce glycaemia, cardiovascular and renal risk, and body weight.
They are used to treat T2D, 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 T2D 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%.
Study participants were categorised as being in remission or not based on the following definitions:
- R1: HbA1c <6.5% 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% of the R1 group, 6.2% of R2, 12.2% of R3 and 18.3% of R4.
Another key finding was that remission was more likely among those who had T2D for a shorter period of time, higher BMI, fewer complications, and lower baseline insulin/SGLT2 inhibitor use.
The authors said: “T2D 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 4 years and fewer incident complications.”
Read more in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe
