GLP-1 diabetes drugs could stop anxiety and depression worsening, study finds

"Type 2 diabetes affects more than 800 million people globally and research shows that those with the condition are about twice as likely to have depression as the wider population. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide are commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity. While studies have found other health benefits beyond weight loss and better blood sugar levels, the medications' effects on mental health have been unclear."

"The authors found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in the drugs Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, as well as liraglutide (Saxenda) were associated with a lower risk of worsening mental illness in those with anxiety and depression. Semaglutide had a 42% lower risk of worsening mental health, while liraglutide was linked to an 18% lower risk."

"Semaglutide was associated with a 44% lower risk of worsening depression, a 38% lower risk of worsening anxiety and a 47% lower risk of worsening substance use disorder. For anxiety and depression that co-occur with diabetes and obesity, semaglutide and, to a lesser extent, liraglutide might be useful dually effective therapeutic options."

Type 2 diabetes patients are twice as likely to experience depression compared to the general population. GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity, but their mental health effects remained unclear. Swedish researchers analyzed health records of nearly 95,000 people with depression or anxiety diagnoses who were taking various diabetes medications between 2009 and 2022. The study measured worsening mental health through psychiatric hospital admissions, mental health-related sick leave, self-harm hospitalizations, and suicide deaths. Semaglutide demonstrated a 42% lower risk of worsening mental illness overall, with 44% lower risk for depression, 38% for anxiety, and 47% for substance use disorder. Liraglutide showed an 18% lower risk. Other GLP-1 drugs tested did not demonstrate similar benefits. The findings suggest semaglutide and liraglutide may serve as dual-purpose treatments for patients with concurrent diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and depression.

Read at www.theguardian.com