Translations:GLP-1 receptor agonist/5/en
Indications
Type 2 diabetes
GLP-1 agonists were developed initially for type 2 diabetes. The 2022 American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards of medical care in diabetes include GLP-1 agonist or SGLT2 inhibitor as a first line pharmacological therapy for type 2 diabetes in patients who have or are at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heart failure. They are also a first line treatment for people with both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Both types of medication can be combined with metformin. One of the advantages of GLP-1 agonists over older insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas or meglitinides, is that they have a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia. The ADA also recommends use of GLP-1 agonists instead of starting insulin in people with type 2 diabetes who need additional glucose control, except where there is catabolism, hyperglycemia above a certain threshold, or autoimmune diabetes is suspected.