A new study has found that discontinuing GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 333,600 Veterans Affairs users with Type 2 diabetes who were using GLP-1s or sulfonylureas between 2017 and 2023.
The study showed that people who stopped GLP-1 treatment had higher risks of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to those who continued the medication. The longer the treatment was interrupted, the greater the risk. Participants who used GLP-1s for the full three years had nearly a 20% lower risk of these events.
Researchers warned that even short breaks in treatment could erode the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s. They recommended strategies to reduce treatment discontinuation to maximize cardioprotective effects.