Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: An Alternative for Dysglycemia in Hospitalized Patients?

In the outpatient management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are proven to benefit long-term glycemic control and reduce complications related to chronic inflammation. Emerging clinical data suggest that GLP-1 RAs may serve as an alternative or complement to insulin for glycemic management in hospitalized patients. Preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1 RAs influence the inflammatory response in models of acute inflammation, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, sepsis-induced vascular dysfunction, acute lung injury, and acute kidney injury. Although aspiration is a potential risk linked to GLP-1 RAs, it can be minimized by following established medical society guidelines.