A new study finds patients with type 2 diabetes who take GLP-1 receptor agonists are 27% more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared to those taking other common drugs called SGLT-2 inhibitors.
People using GLP-1 medications are more likely to suffer severe acid reflux, a new study suggests.
Researchers found patients with type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1s had a greater risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, compared to those taking another medication.
The researchers tracked more than 24,700 patients who were newly prescribed GLP-1 drugs and compared their health to about 89,000 patients given SGLT-2 inhibitors (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors).
Those taking GLP-1 drugs were 27% more likely to develop GERD and 55% more likely to have GERD complications, according to the results.
The risk for serious GERD-related complications was higher among smokers, people with obesity and folks with existing stomach problems.
While more research is needed to confirm these findings in other groups, including those taking GLP-1 drugs for obesity, the researchers say “Clinicians and patients should be aware of the possible adverse effect of GLP-1 RAs (GLP-1 Receptor Agonists) on GERD.”
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
Author Affiliations: McGill University, Jewish General Hospital in Montreal
Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply