A major study of nearly two million patients with type 2 diabetes has highlighted the potential wide-ranging health benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists — but also potential risks.

Researchers mapped links between the medications and 175 health outcomes, comparing them to those of patients taking other common antiglycaemics such as sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors or SGLT2 inhibitors, and those continuing with their usual care.

Compared with these treatments, GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) were linked to a lower risk for dozens of conditions, including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

However, the authors said they identified new potential beneficial effects beyond those currently recognised, including reduced risk of seizures, bacterial infections and pneumonia.