In a major new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, researchers have discovered that a group of diabetes drugs called GLP1 agonists—including the well-known Ozempic—might help prevent serious liver problems.
This could be an important step forward for people who have both type 2 diabetes and long-term liver disease.
GLP1 agonists are usually given to people with type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar. These drugs also reduce appetite, which is why they are sometimes used for weight loss. But now, scientists believe their benefits may go even further.
Earlier studies had already suggested that GLP1 drugs might reduce liver damage. To explore this idea more deeply, the research team looked at all the people in Sweden who had both type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease. They then compared people who took GLP1 drugs with those who did not.
The results were very promising. People who stayed on GLP1 treatment for a long time were much less likely to develop serious liver problems like cirrhosis or liver cancer. In fact, those who used the drugs regularly for about 10 years had a 50% lower risk of getting these life-threatening conditions.
This finding is exciting because fatty liver disease is very common in people with diabetes. Until now, there haven’t been any approved drugs that could stop the liver from getting worse. According to Axel Wester, the lead author of the study, this research could change that.
However, not everyone in the study kept taking the medication. When people stopped using the drug, its protective effect went down. This shows that to get the full benefit, long-term use is important.
Even though the results are encouraging, the researchers say that more studies are needed. Clinical trials will take time, so for now, they’re using real-world patient data to learn more. They also know that their current data can’t show everything, like detailed blood test results that tell how bad someone’s liver disease is.
To improve their research, the scientists plan to use a new database called HERALD, which includes blood samples from patients in Stockholm. If the new data shows the same results, it would make the case even stronger that GLP1 drugs protect the liver.
The study was supported by funding from Region Stockholm, the Swedish Research Council, and the Swedish Cancer Society. Even though the researchers have received money from pharmaceutical companies in the past, this study was not funded by any drug companies.
This research gives hope to people living with both diabetes and liver disease. If further studies confirm these findings, GLP1 drugs like Ozempic could become an important way to protect not just blood sugar, but liver health too.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about Healthy liver, happy life: new advice for keeping your liver in top shape and findings of Ibuprofen may have significant impact on the liver.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about Fatty liver disease linked to severe infections and findings of A new drug for weight loss and liver health.
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