Benefits of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1) Receptor Agonists for Stroke Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes: A Call to Action for Neurologists
Ronald M. Goldenberg, Alice Y.Y. Cheng, Tess Fitzpatrick, Jeremy D. Gilbert, Subodh Verma, Julia J. Hopyan
Abstract
People living with diabetes are at higher risk for stroke and have a poorer prognosis following a stroke event than those without diabetes. Data from cardiovascular outcome trials and meta-analyses indicate that GLP-1RAs (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists) reduce the risk of stroke in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, many guidelines now recommend the addition of GLP-1RAs to ongoing antihyperglycemic regimens to lower the risk of stroke in type 2 diabetes. The current work summarizes evidence supporting the use of GLP-1RAs for stroke reduction in people with type 2 diabetes and offers 2 new resources for neurologists who are considering GLP-1RAs for their patients-a list of frequently asked questions with evidence-based answers on safely initiating and managing GLP-1RAs, and a practical decision-making algorithm to assist in using GLP-1RAs as part of a stroke reduction strategy.