Healthcare professionals suggest GLP-1 medication to people with diabetes and obesity. The use of this medication is rapidly increasing as it helps to reduce blood sugar levels and appetite. However, some of the earlier studies have suggested that it can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. But there was not enough data that proved GLP-1 is associated with the development of thyroid cancer.Â
Researchers from Karolinska Institute conducted a study to determine whether the use of GLP-1 medication increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer. The study published in The BMJ reveals there is no such risk. Â
Researchers used national register data from Denmark, Sweden and Norway. They involved a total of 435000 people and divided them into two groups such as the GLP-1 group, consisting of 145000 patients who took GLP-1 medication (liraglutide or semaglutide), and the DPP4 inhibitor group, consisting of 290000 people who took DPP4 inhibitor medication. The follow-up period of this study was 4 years.Â
When researchers compared the data between these two groups, they found there was no risk of the development of thyroid cancer found in the GLP-1 group. Researchers also compared the data of the GLP-1 group with that of another group that used SGLT2 inhibitors, and the results were consistent. Â
One of the researchers from Karolinska Institute says it was very important to know the risks of GLP-1 that are associated with the development of thyroid cancer as many people are taking these medicines these days. The researchers are still trying to understand more about the side effects of medications such as GLP-1 And SGLT2 inhibitors. Â
Even though these results are positive, more research is needed, as clinical reality might differ. Researchers also need to know how this medication works in everyday clinical settings. These results will help healthcare professionals treat people with diabetes and obesity, as GLP-1 medication does not increase the risk of the development of thyroid tumors and helps to reduce sugar levels and appetite. Â
Reference link:Â
Björn Pasternak, Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use and risk of thyroid cancer: Scandinavian cohort study, The BMJ (2024). Â
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