Study links GLP-1 drugs to better outcomes than metformin in prediabetes

Adults with prediabetes and obesity taking GLP-1 receptor agonists were more likely to return to normoglycemia and less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those taking metformin, researchers reported at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. Healio reported that the study matched 128,846 people in each group. Participants had a mean age of 52 years, 76% were women, and follow-up lasted approximately 3 years.

Researchers found normoglycemia in 37.3% of the GLP-1 group and 29.3% of the metformin group. Type 2 diabetes developed in 25.1% and 37%, respectively. The GLP-1 group also had lower risks of all-cause mortality and several cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure, ischemic stroke and heart attack. Serra cautioned that the analysis was observational and based on diagnosis codes and prescription records. He said prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.