GLP-1 analogues are known for their cardio and nephrological protective effects, and against dementia and addictions, as well as for their gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, a study has shown other effects of this therapeutic class, comparing it to traditional antidiabetics. Some are beneficial (fewer infections, clotting disorders), others harmful (kidney disorders, hypotension).
American authors have established an overview of the beneficial and harmful effects of GLP-1 analogues (aGLP-1). Their study, published in “Nature Medicine”, analyzed data from more than 2 million diabetic patients from the American veterans database, focusing on 175 pathologies. In comparison with other antidiabetic treatments (sulfonamides, DPP4, iSGLT2, other hypoglycemic agents, etc.), aGLP-1 (n = 215,970) was associated with numerous significant benefits for cognitive health (reduction in the risk of neurocognitive disorders, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) but also for behavioral health (reduction of the risk of seizures and dependence on substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids). People on aGLP-1 also had a lower risk of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders than others.
The cardio and nephroprotective properties of aGLP-1 have also been confirmed with a reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction, vascular accidents and other cardiovascular conditions, and a reduction in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
-More unexpectedly, the study revealed a reduction in the risk of clotting disorders, infectious diseases and even respiratory conditions. However, aGLP-1 seems to have effects “modest” according to the authors since they quantify between 10 and 20% the reduction in most risks.
On the side effect side, the significant frequency of gastrointestinal disorders associated with aGLP-1 is verified (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) and the increased risk of pancreatitis is particularly notable. More surprisingly, the study also shows an increased risk of hypotension, syncope, headaches, sleep disorders, arthritic disorders and certain renal disorders (nephrolithiasis and interstitial nephritis), sometimes “ very serious”. « Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the disease is advanced and treatment options are limited.warns Professor Ziyad Al-Aly, co-author of the study. Thus, researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring signs of pancreatitis and kidney function in patients taking aGLP-1.
