Am J Gastroenterol

GLP-1 RAs linked to reduced complications, mortality in T2DM patients with acute pancreatitis

May 26, 2025

Study details: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from over 740,000 patients with T2DM using the TriNetX platform (2015–2023). Researchers compared 20,459 GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) users with a matched cohort of non-users, excluding common confounders for acute pancreatitis (AP). Outcomes assessed included AP incidence, systemic and local complications, and all-cause mortality.

Results: GLP-1 RA use wasn’t associated with increased AP risk. Among patients who developed AP, GLP-1 RA users had significantly lower risk of the following: complicated pancreatitis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.32), sepsis (HR, 0.71), acute kidney injury (HR, 0.54), shock (HR, 0.52), mechanical ventilation (HR, 0.23), and need for parenteral nutrition (HR, 0.28). All-cause mortality was also significantly reduced (HR, 0.45). A non-significant trend toward reduced uncomplicated AP was observed.

Clinical impact: These findings support the safety of GLP-1 RAs in T2DM patients regarding AP risk and highlight their potential protective role in reducing AP-related complications and mortality. This may influence therapeutic decisions, especially in high-risk diabetic populations. Prospective studies are warranted to explore underlying mechanisms.

Source:

Nieto LM, et al. (2025, May 13). Am J Gastroenterol. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Use Does Not Increase the Risk for Acute Pancreatitis and Is Associated with Lower Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Who Develop Acute Pancreatitis: A Multi-Center Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40358430/