Impact of Glucagon-Like Peptide1 Agonist Deprescription in Type2 Diabetes in a Real-World Setting: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) elicit substantial reductions in glycemia and body weight in people with type2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, but existing data suggest the therapy must be continued indefinitely to maintain clinical improvements. Given the high cost and poor real-world persistence of GLP-1, an effective therapy that enables deprescription with sustained clinical improvements would be beneficial. Thus, the purpose of this real-world study was to assess the effect of GLP-1 deprescription on glycemia and body weight following co-therapy with carbohydrate restricted nutrition therapy (CRNT) supported via telemedicine in a continuous remote care model. A retrospective, propensity score matched cohort study among patients with T2D at a telemedicine clinic was conducted. Patients in whom GLP-1 were deprescribed (DeRx; n = 154) were matched 1:1 with patients in whom GLP-1 were continued (Rx). HbA1c and body weight at enrollment in clinic (pre-CRNT), at date of deprescription or index date (derx/ID), and at 6 and 12months (m) post-derx/ID were utilized in this study. No regression in weight was observed following deprescription with > 70% maintaining ≥ 5% weight loss 12m post-derx/ID. HbA1c rose 6m and 12m post-derx/ID in both DeRx and Rx cohorts, but most patients maintained HbA1c < 6.5%. HbA1c and body weight measured 6m and 12m following derx/ID did not significantly differ between cohorts and were improved at derx/ID and at follow-up intervals compared to pre-CRNT. These results demonstrate the potential for an alternate therapy, such as CRNT supported via telemedicine, to enable maintenance of weight loss and glycemia below therapeutic targets following discontinuation of GLP-1 therapy.