People with type 2 diabetes who stopped taking GLP-1 medications had roughly twice the annual rate of heart attack, stroke or death as those who continued treatment, according to a study reported by Global News. Researchers cautioned that the findings do not establish that stopping the drugs caused the higher risk.

The observational study, published Monday in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, examined data collected between 2004 and 2024 on more than 80,000 people in Italy with type 2 diabetes and no established heart disease.

Among patients who discontinued treatment, about four in every 100 each year experienced a non-fatal heart attack or stroke, or died. That compared with about two in every 100 among those who remained on the medication.

About 60 per cent of the patients stopped treatment, typically after roughly one year. Those who continued took the medications for about three years. The study also found higher risk among people who discontinued treatment and had a body mass index of at least 30, compared with those below that threshold.

A central uncertainty is why patients stopped. According to Global News, a British Medical Journal analysis noted that the study did not examine whether discontinuation reflected gastrointestinal side effects, costs or illness. Some patients may already have been in poorer health, potentially helping explain their subsequent outcomes.

Dr. Christopher Labos, a cardiologist and epidemiologist at McGill University, told Global News that the findings also reflect the known cardiovascular benefits of these medications.

“If you stop them, you don’t get that cardiovascular benefit,” he said.

The findings have limits beyond the question of cause and effect. Most participants used liraglutide or dulaglutide, with only a small group taking semaglutide. Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, was not included.

Researchers also cautioned that the results may not apply to people without type 2 diabetes who use GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or other conditions.

Labos said the study should not be interpreted as showing the drugs are dangerous. Rather, he said, it reinforces that medications for chronic conditions should not be started and stopped on a whim.

Sources