GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of T2DM
At least six oral and two injectable medication classes are available as therapeutic options in Australia
Need to know:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are now commonly used in the treatment of T2DM
- These agents can be prescribed as daily or weekly injections and potently lower HbA1c through multiple mechanisms of action — including insulin secretion, glucagon suppression and delaying gastric emptying — and thereby reduce both fasting and postprandial hyperglycaemia
- The actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists are glucose dependent. This means there is minimal risk of hypoglycaemia either when they are used as monotherapy or in combination with other medications which do not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia
- Recent large scale CVOTs have demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists have cardio-renal benefits, especially in those with established atherosclerotic disease
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with clinically meaningful weight loss; liraglutide is TGA approved as a weight loss therapy for individuals with obesity who do not
