A recent study using Medicare data found that older adults with type 2 diabetes who newly started treatment with a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist had a lower risk for depression compared to those taking a DPP-4 inhibitor. However, the study showed no difference in depression risk between GLP-1 users and SGLT2 inhibitor users.
The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed data from 13,711 matched pairs of patients who initiated treatment with either an GLP-1 receptor agonist or a DPP-4 inhibitor. The study found that GLP-1 users had a 10% lower risk for depression compared to DPP-4 users over a two-year follow-up period.
While the study’s findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may be beneficial in reducing depression risk, it is essential to note that the results are based on a relatively short follow-up period and may not capture the long-term effects of these medications. The researchers emphasized the importance of considering other factors, such as adherence to treatment and overall health status.
The study’s lead author, Jingchuan Guo, noted that GLP-1 receptor agonists have been linked to various benefits, including improved glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular protection, which may contribute to better mental well-being. Despite the absence of a significant difference in depression risk between GLP-1 users and SGLT2 users, Guo’s group suggested that these two drug classes may still offer similar benefits for reducing depression risk.
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the neuropsychiatric effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and highlight the need for further research on this topic. As depression is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes, interventions aimed at reducing depression risk are crucial, particularly among older adults who are disproportionately affected by both conditions.
Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/diabetes/114353