Ozempic's concealed advantage: Potential protection against stroke
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), are well-known for their role in managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. However, new research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting suggests these drugs could have a far broader impact, potentially reducing stroke deaths, aiding recovery from brain injuries, and preventing strokes.
Three studies were presented, each exploring the potential effects of GLP-1 drugs on various aspects of stroke care.
In the first study, a global dataset was analysed, revealing that 5.26% of Ozempic users died from their strokes, compared to 21.61% of non-users. Long-term survival was significantly higher for Ozempic users (77.5%) compared to non-users (30.95%).
The second study indicated an association between likely Ozempic users and reduced odds of having a stroke. While this is promising, researchers emphasised the need for pharmacy data to confirm the relationship more precisely.
The third study connected the use of GLP-1 inhibitors, including Ozempic, to lower risks of cognitive problems, seizures, further brain hemorrhages, and death following hemorrhagic strokes or ischemic events.
These findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, may protect the brain. Dr. Matias Costa, from the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Texas Medical Branch, stated that this research could introduce a new perspective to discussions about preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of stroke and related brain injuries.
While the evidence is promising, more controlled, prospective clinical trials are necessary to fully establish the role of GLP-1 drugs in stroke prevention and recovery. Despite this, the current research offers an encouraging potential for these drugs to contribute to stroke risk reduction, improved recovery from brain injury, and lower stroke death rates.
References:
[1] Costa, M., et al. (2023). GLP-1 receptor agonists and stroke outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Stroke Journal.
[2] Cheng, Y., et al. (2023). GLP-1 receptor agonists and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Circulation.
[3] Bril, M., et al. (2023). The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on stroke and brain injury outcomes: A clinical trial framework. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
[4] UW-Madison cohort (2023). Death rates in stroke patients using Ozempic compared to non-users. University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Report.
[5] American Diabetes Association (2023). GLP-1 receptor agonists and stroke risk reduction: A position statement. Diabetes Care.
- The new research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide (Ozempic), may not only manage type 2 diabetes and weight loss but also potentially contribute to reducing stroke deaths, aiding recovery from brain injuries, and preventing strokes, highlighting a broader impact on health-and-wellness and neurological-disorders.
- The third study presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting connected the use of GLP-1 inhibitors, including Ozempic, to lower risks of cognitive problems, seizures, further brain hemorrhages, and death following hemorrhagic strokes or ischemic events, suggesting these drugs may protect the brain and offer a potential strategy for stroke prevention and recovery.
