Study links discontinuation of GLP-1 drugs to higher cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes
Research of over 80,000 Italian patients suggests that stopping GLP-1 therapy may double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death among people with type 2 diabetes, independent of weight or blood-sugar changes.
British researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust analysed data from more than 80,000 type 2 diabetes patients treated at 300 clinics in Italy between 2004 and 2024. The study compared individuals who remained on GLP-1 medications for an average of three years with those who discontinued the drugs after about a year.
The findings, published in Lancet Regional Health, indicate that people who stopped GLP-1 therapy experienced roughly four non-fatal heart attacks or strokes per 100 patients, versus two per 100 among those who continued treatment. The risk of death or cardiovascular events was also higher among participants who were obese and stopped the weight-loss medication.
"These findings suggest that people with type 2 diabetes who stop taking GLP-1 medicines may face a higher risk of future heart attack, stroke or death than those who continue treatment," said Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist at Royal Brompton Hospital. She added that the study was observational and called for further research to clarify long-term benefits and risks.
"We know that GLP-1 medication can help protect against heart attacks and strokes. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution," said Dr Faye Riley, research communications lead at Diabetes UK, noting that the observational design cannot establish a direct causal link between stopping the drugs and increased risk.
The researchers observed only modest changes in weight, blood sugar and blood pressure after discontinuation, and similar changes regardless of whether participants suffered cardiovascular events, suggesting that these factors alone may not explain the heightened risk.