GLP-1 medications could offer better protection against type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications among people with prediabetes and obesity than metformin, according to research scheduled to be presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) scientific sessions this weekend.
The study examined medical records of more than 256,000 adults diagnosed with prediabetes and obesity. Researchers compared patients using GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide and dulaglutide, with those receiving metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for managing elevated blood sugar.
Over three years, patients taking GLP-1 medications were 50% more likely to return to normal blood sugar levels and had a 31% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Their risk of death from any cause was also 41% lower than that of patients taking metformin.
The findings further indicated a 15% reduction in heart attacks, 20% fewer strokes and 25% fewer cases of heart failure among GLP-1 users.
Lead researcher Dr Vinicius de Sousa Barzon Serra of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona said the findings support considering these medications earlier for selected patients.
Researchers believe weight reduction associated with GLP-1 treatments may contribute significantly to these benefits, as maintaining a healthy weight can reduce diabetes risk.
However, metformin continues to be an established first-line treatment because of its affordability, safety record and proven effectiveness.
The findings are based on observational research and do not establish that GLP-1 medications directly cause the reported improvements.
