Liraglutide increases insulin sensitivity without causing weight loss: Study

According to a study released in 'Diabetes', a type of medication known as a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, which is commonly used to address type 2 diabetes and obesity, has been shown to quickly enhance insulin sensitivity. The study elaborated that Liraglutide, a GLP-1R agonist, enhances insulin sensitivity without causing any weight loss.

Insulin sensitivity is a measure of how responsive cells are to insulin, a hormone that manages blood glucose levels. A rise in insulin sensitivity means that insulin can more efficiently lower blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes is often marked by decreased insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance. Thus, enhanced insulin sensitivity can reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes or augment its treatment.

GLP-1R agonists are medications that influence metabolism by elevating insulin secretion, and thus, reducing blood sugar levels. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors prevent the degradation of the body's intrinsic GLP-1 and other peptide hormones such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP).

"We've known that GLP-1R agonists aid in weight loss, but we were shocked to discover that the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide quickly impacts insulin sensitivity, irrespective of weight loss," shared Mona Mashayekhi, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism division.

She added that their findings suggest that liraglutide and other GLP-1R agonists impact metabolism differently from raising intrinsic GLP-1 levels, despite utilizing the same receptor. Future studies will focus on potential mechanisms that GLP-1R agonists use to improve insulin sensitivity, independent of weight loss.

The research involved 88 participants with obesity and pre-diabetes. They were split into groups for 14 weeks to receive either the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide, the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin, or a weight loss regimen without medication using a low-calorie diet.

To explore the GLP-1R-dependent effects further, the GLP-1R antagonist exendin and a placebo were administered in a two by two crossover study carried out during mixed meal testing.

The results demonstrated that Liraglutide significantly enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels within two weeks of starting the treatment, without any weight loss.

Mashayekhi commented that GLP-1R agonists are a fascinating class of medications, given their potent glucose-lowering impacts along with impressive weight loss benefits, and are transforming the way we approach diabetes and obesity treatments. She stressed that with more drugs in this class being rapidly developed, improved comprehension of the underlying mechanisms is vital to creating the most effective medications for specific patients.