Systematic review of the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

In recent years, incretin mimetics have become an important part of type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. We performed a literature search of scientific publications in MEDLINE and Central Library of Medicine databases by predefined keywords for the period 2004 to 2023 containing information for the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The systematic review is in accordance with the PRISMA standard and the PICOS tool. There is strong evidence to support the use of GLP-1 agonists in overweight or obese patients who have cardiovascular disease, impaired renal function or are at high risk of hypoglycaemia. The safety profiles of all representatives of this class are similar. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide demonstrated the highest efficacy in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) - 1.70% and 2.37%, respectively. We found the superiority of GLP-1 receptor agonists over other antidiabetic medicinal prodycts in terms of HbA1c reduction and weight loss without the risk of hypoglycemic episodes.