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Metabolic Consequences of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Shortage: Deterioration of Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes.

Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) · 2025

Last updated 2026-05-28

A study of 69 people with type 2 diabetes found that stopping the GLP-1 drug dulaglutide for 3 months led to worse blood sugar control. On average, their hemoglobin A1c rose from 7.0% to 8.1%, and fasting glucose increased from 129 mg/dL to 156 mg/dL. Other diabetes medications did not fully replace the effects of dulaglutide.

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalEndocrinol Metab (Seoul), 2025
Citations1
Molecules
Conditions studied Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

In the context of a global shortage of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, we assessed the impact of discontinuing dulaglutide on metabolic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Our analysis included data from 69 individuals and revealed a significant deterioration in glycemic control following the discontinuation. Specifically, the average hemoglobin A1c level increased from 7.0%±0.9% to 8.1%±1.4% (P<0.001), and fasting glucose levels rose from 129±31 to 156±50 mg/dL (P<0.001) within 3 months after stopping the medication. Alternative treatments such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and sodium glucose cotransporter- 2 inhibitors were insufficient substitutes, highlighting the essential role of continuous GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in maintaining metabolic health.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 39582250 ↗