Comparative Efficacy of various GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Managamenet of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Author(s): Zaid Muthana A. Abdelkarim, Zaid Arif, Dr Shamna VK, Dr. Hiba Naveed Sharieff, Fetha fathima, Ghada Ali Wehbe, Laweezah Arif Zulquarnain, Alsadiq Mohammed Sadiq Mohammed, Mohamed Saifalyazal Karrar Ibrahim, Ayman Salahaldeen Ahmed, Hosam Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed, Anisa Abdullahi

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with rising global prevalence, necessitating effective glycemic control to reduce complications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are key therapies offering glucose lowering, weight reduction, and cardiovascular benefits. Multiple agents exist, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. This meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials involving over 15,500 patients compared efficacy and safety among semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, and lixisenatide. Semaglutide showed the greatest mean HbA1c reduction of -1.5% (95% CI: -1.7 to -1.3) and weight loss of 4.5 kg, with liraglutide and dulaglutide following. Gastrointestinal adverse events were common but generally mild. These findings support semaglutide as the most efficacious GLP-1 RA, guiding optimal T2DM management.