GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Critical Review: Revisiting Its Positioning for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Routine Clinical Practice in India

Objective: Despite the benefit–risk ratio favoring glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), knowledge and awareness is lacking among patients and physicians, particularly in India. The current review provides an overview of GLP-1 RAs and the opinion of a group of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) and independent consultants across India on the evidence for using GLP-1 RAs and its applicability to the Indian population. Materials and methods: A panel of eight HCPs met virtually on December 12–13, 2020 met as part of the Diabetes Research Society (DIABAID). They examined and critically discussed the current research on the use of GLP-1 RAs in the management of T2DM. Results: The panel observed that recent diabetes guidelines and recommendations have shifted toward a more individualised and CV risk-focused approach to T2DM management. They proposed that 1) GLP-1 RAs are ideal cardio-metabolic drugs that address multiple aspects of the T2DM; 2) to bring up GLP-1 RAs as early treatment option in discussions with patients; 3) in T2DM patients with a high CV risk or established ASCVD, CKD, or HF, GLP-1 RAs with proven CVD benefits should be initiated; 4) including oral semaglutide in international treatment recommendation guidelines to improve patient and HCP understanding and adaptability; and 5) patient-physician dialogues will be critical in incorporating GLP-1 RAs earlier in the treatment paradigm for effective T2DM management. Conclusions: The recommendations on using GLP-1 RAs and the associated benefits and risks of these drugs comprise essential considerations for using such medications in the Indian population.