In a nutshell
This study examined the connection between glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and gallstones in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It was found that GLP-1 RAs did not increase the risk of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, but did increase the risk of gallstones.
Some background
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is made in the intestines and released after a meal. GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin (the hormone needed to break down the glucose taken in from food) and inhibits the release of glucagon (a hormone that increases blood glucose) from the pancreas. These hormonal changes reduce blood glucose. GLP-1 RAs are drugs that mimic the effects of GLP-1.
It has been suggested that GLP-1 RAs might increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer, and gallstones. However, research examining this is limited.
Methods & findings
113 studies examining the effects of GLP-1 RAs in 59,850 patients with T2D were compared. 28 studies examining pancreatitis were included. 15 trials examining pancreatic cancer were included. 26 trials examined gallstones.
Patients treated with GLP-1 RAs were 30% more likely to develop gallstones than those who received no treatment, or another kind of treatment. GLP-1 RAs were not found to have any significant effect on pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
The bottom line
The study concluded that GLP-1 RAs increased the risk of gallstones. However, it found that they were not associated with an increase in the risk of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
The fine print
Obesity increases the risk of developing gallstones, and a majority of the patients in the studies were obese. This may have influenced the results. Also, the studies being compared were not designed to investigate pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or gallstones. This could have caused some inaccuracy in reporting these events.
Several of the authors had connections to companies that manufacture GLP-1 RAs.
What’s next?
Discuss the possible complications of GLP-1 RAs with your physician.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Feb 28, 2017
