A large new study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) — medications already widely used in type 2 diabetes as well as many people with type 1 diabetes — may also help protect the heart and kidneys in people with type 1 diabetes.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed health data from more than 174,000 individuals with type 1 diabetes, with 14,000 of them taking GLP-1 medication.
After following them for a median of 3 years, they found exciting results:
- Those taking GLP-1 medication had a 15% lower risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
- The risk of developing end-stage kidney disease was reduced by 19%.
- Hospitalizations for heart failure dropped by 18%.
- Participants also experienced meaningful weight loss, with many achieving reductions of 5%, 10%, or even 15% of body weight.
Almost as exciting as these results is that there was no increased risk of hospitalization for DKA or severe hypoglycemia, which has historically been a concern when using these medications in type 1 diabetes.
Today, GLP-1RAs have become a helpful staple for T2D management — but not for T1D.
With these findings and more to come, we may see an increase in GLP-1RA use as a beneficial supplement to T1D management to help protect the liver, heart, and kidneys while supporting weight management as well.
Together, day by day, we break new ground and strive for a better life with diabetes! If you have any questions about the use of GLP-1RAs, IDS is here with firsthand experience to help walk through it with you.
References:
Tucker, M. E. (2026). Cardiorenal benefits of GLP-1s found in type 1 diabetes. Medscape. Medscape
