Efectividad de los agonistas del receptor GLP-1 como tratamiento en pacientes con Diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a disease comprising a group of metabolic disorders; the prevalence is increasing worldwide. With 95% of all cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, it remains difficult to control despite many treatment options. However, GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs defining new management routes. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODOLOGY: A narrative-type literature review was performed by collecting and analyzing several scientific articles that meet the inclusion criteria through databases such as PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and ScienceDirect—in Spanish, Portuguese, or English language, within the last five years (2018-2023). RESULTS: The results found in the studies demonstrated significant efficacy. Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists decreased glycosylated hemoglobin and weight loss more than short-acting ones. They have cardiovascular benefits, with a 12% reduction in major cardiovascular events and a 17% in renal events. They may be limited by adverse events, gastrointestinal being the most common. A low discontinuation rate for adverse events of 10% was evidenced. CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 receptor agonists are a widely recommended class of glucose-lowering agents with efficacy in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin and inducing weight loss, as well as preventing cardiovascular and renal events. Individualized therapy should be considered for effective treatment.