GLP-1 diabetes drugs could stop anxiety and depression worsening, study finds
Drugs such as semaglutide may be useful for mental health conditions associated with diabetes, authors say
TL;DR
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, may help prevent the worsening of anxiety and depression in individuals with diabetes.
- Semaglutide was associated with a 42% lower risk of worsening mental health and a 44% lower risk of worsening depression.
- Other GLP-1 drugs like exenatide and dulaglutide did not show the same mental health benefits.
- Experts urge caution, noting that improved physical health often leads to better mental health, and that these drugs may not work as standalone treatments for depression or anxiety.
- A separate study found that women taking semaglutide or liraglutide for diabetes during early pregnancy had a higher relative risk of preterm birth.