Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists switching patterns in type two diabetes: A retrospective real-world study.

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) play a key role in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Transitioning between different GLP-1RA has been proposed as a treatment strategy.

AIM: To investigate switching patterns between GLP-1RA and their impact on glycemic control.

METHODS

A retrospective study involving patients with T2DM who initiated GLP-1RA therapy between 2009 and 2021 and transitioned to another GLP-1RA. Baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was defined as the most recent measurement within 1 year prior to switching, and follow-up HbA1c was the first measurement recorded 4-15 months post-switch.

RESULTS

Among 70654 patients initiating GLP-1RA therapy, 18047 (25.5%) switched regimens. In the 13970 patients with available HbA1c, levels decreased from 8.5% ± 1.6% to 7.6% ± 1.4% (P < 0.001). HbA1c decreased in 78.3% (10943/13970) of these patients, with the most frequent improvement observed in those switching from daily to weekly GLP-1RA (81%, 5582/6890).

CONCLUSION

Switching between GLP-1RAs can serve as a practical alternative to treatment intensification for effectively managing T2DM.