Do diabetes shots help prevent addiction problems?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of substance use disorders among US veterans with type 2 diabetes: cohort study
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
GLP-1 agonists linked to 50% lower risk of addiction-related death in people with pre-existing SUDs
Most diabetes drugs don’t affect behavior or addiction outcomes—this level of mortality reduction is unprecedented and suggests a powerful neurological effect.
Practical Takeaways
People with type 2 diabetes and substance use risks might discuss GLP-1 agonists with their doctor, especially if addiction history is a concern.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
GLP-1 agonists linked to 50% lower risk of addiction-related death in people with pre-existing SUDs
Most diabetes drugs don’t affect behavior or addiction outcomes—this level of mortality reduction is unprecedented and suggests a powerful neurological effect.
Practical Takeaways
People with type 2 diabetes and substance use risks might discuss GLP-1 agonists with their doctor, especially if addiction history is a concern.
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Claims (6)
Starting diabetes drugs like semaglutide or liraglutide might lower the chance of developing substance use problems, and this seems to be true for people of different ages, weights, races, and types of the drug.
For US veterans with type 2 diabetes, starting a GLP-1 drug (like Ozempic) might help lower the chance of developing addiction problems—like with alcohol, drugs, or smoking—over three years compared to starting a different diabetes drug called an SGLT-2 inhibitor.
For US veterans with type 2 diabetes, taking GLP-1 drugs might help lower the chance of getting hooked on opioids over three years compared to another diabetes drug, SGLT-2 inhibitors — about 1 fewer case for every 1,000 people.
For US veterans with diabetes and substance use issues, taking GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) might lower their chances of ending up in the ER, being hospitalized, or dying from substance-related problems compared to those taking a different diabetes drug called SGLT-2 inhibitors.
For US veterans with type 2 diabetes and a history of substance use, starting a GLP-1 drug (like Ozempic) may lower their chances of overdosing on drugs or having suicidal thoughts compared to starting a different diabetes drug called an SGLT-2 inhibitor.