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This study evaluates how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect metabolic inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients.

February 5, 2026Open Access

The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on metabolic inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

This study evaluates how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect metabolic inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients.
Used PICOS framework to develop research questions
Conducted comprehensive literature searches across multiple databases
Performed data synthesis and subgroup analyses using RevMan 5.4 software
Included 25 studies in the final analysis with a total of 1,878 participants
18 studies showed significant reduction in CRP levels (SMD = -0.39, P = 0.02)
13 studies indicated decreasing trend in IL-6 levels, but not statistically significant (SMD = -0.52, P = 0.21)
14 studies demonstrated significant reduction in TNF-α levels (SMD = -0.51, P = 0.001)
Longer treatment durations (≥36 weeks) led to more pronounced improvements

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on metabolic inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), providing evidence-based insights for their potential application in anti-inflammatory therapy. Methods Research questions were developed using the PICOS framework, and the study strictly adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Data synthesis and subgroup analyses (focusing on GLP-1 RA subtypes, treatment duration, and administration frequency) were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Out of 1,347 articles retrieved, 25 studies were ultimately included, comprising a total sample of 1,878 participants (879 in the experimental groups and 999 in the control groups). Quality assessment indicated that most studies exhibited a low risk of bias, with only one study rated as high risk and three studies showing some concerns. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that 18 studies reported a significant reduction in CRP levels in T2DM patients treated with GLP-1 RAs (SMD = −0.39, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.06, P = 0.02, I 2 = 88%). Although the results from 13 studies indicated a decreasing trend in IL-6 levels (SMD = −0.52), this change was not statistically significant (95% CI −1.34 to 0.29, P = 0.21, I 2 = 96%). Additionally, 14 studies showed that GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced TNF- α levels (SMD = −0.51, 95% CI −0.81 to −0.20, P = 0.001, I 2 = 81%). Subgroup analyses revealed that both the type of GLP-1 RA and a longer treatment duration (≥36 weeks) were associated with more pronounced improvements in inflammatory markers. Conclusion GLP-1 RAs exhibit a certain degree of anti-inflammatory effect in patients with T2DM, effectively reducing CRP and TNF- α levels. The anti-inflammatory efficacy appears to be influenced by both the type of drug used and the duration of treatment, with more pronounced effects observed for specific drug classes and with longer treatment periods. These findings provide further evidence supporting the use of GLP-1 RAs in the anti-inflammatory management of T2DM.

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