TOPLINE:
A groundbreaking nationwide cohort study conducted in Sweden over a period of 17 years has unearthed a potential game-changer in the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study, led by renowned researcher Markku Lähteenvuo, MD, PhD, of the University of Eastern Finland, investigated the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing AUD-related hospitalization.
METHODOLOGY:
- In this comprehensive study, researchers analyzed data from over 220,000 participants with AUD, boasting a mean age of 40 years and a predominantly male demographic (64%).
- The study leveraged an impressive array of data sources, including inpatient and specialized outpatient care records, sickness absence reports, and disability pension information.
- The study’s primary focus was on the impact of individual GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, on AUD-related hospitalization.
- Researchers also explored the secondary effects of medications specifically indicated for AUD treatment.
- The study tracked a range of outcomes, including AUD-related hospitalization, hospitalization due to substance use disorder (SUD), somatic hospitalization, and suicide attempts.
- A remarkable median follow-up period of 8.8 years provided insightful data on the long-term effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on AUD patients.
TAKEAWAY:
- Almost 59% of the participants experienced AUD-related hospitalization, underscoring the gravity of this disorder.
- Notably, Semaglutide users demonstrated the lowest risk for hospitalization related to AUD, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.50-0.83) and similarly reduced risks for SUD-related hospitalizations (aHR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.85).
- Liraglutide users exhibited the second-lowest risk for AUD-related hospitalizations (aHR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.92) and SUD-related hospitalizations (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.97).
- Both semaglutide (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90) and liraglutide (aHR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91) showed a reduced risk for hospitalization due to somatic reasons, although neither had a significant impact on the risk of suicide attempts.
- In contrast, traditional AUD medications exhibited only modest effectiveness, with a marginally decreased but nonsignificant risk for AUD-related hospitalization (aHR, 0.98).
IN PRACTICE:
The research team concluded, “Despite the availability of effective treatments, AUDs and SUDs are woefully undertreated pharmacologically. The need for novel treatments is pressing, as existing options may not be suitable for all patients. Semaglutide and liraglutide may hold promise in treating AUD, and urgent clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.”
SOURCE:
This groundbreaking study, published online on November 13 in JAMA Psychiatry, was spearheaded by Markku Lähteenvuo, MD, PhD, of the University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
LIMITATIONS:
The researchers acknowledged the observational nature of the study limited causal inferences, highlighting the need for further investigation to confirm the findings.
DISCLOSURES:
The Boozy Truth: Can Diabetes Meds Really Help with Drinking Problems?
Ah, the age-old problem of excessive drinking. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? (Or at least, I have. Jimmy Carr, here.) Well, it seems that some clever researchers in Sweden have stumbled upon an intriguing solution – using diabetes medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). But before we get to the juicy details, let’s take a step back and appreciate the sheer scale of this study. We’re talking over 220,000 individuals with AUD, followed for nearly nine years. That’s a lot of boozy nights, if you know what I mean.
Now, the researchers were keen to explore the effects of two specific medications, semaglutide and liraglutide, on AUD-related hospitalizations. And, spoiler alert, the results are quite promising. Semaglutide users had a whopping 36% lower risk of hospitalization due to AUD, while liraglutide users enjoyed a 28% lower risk. Not bad, if you ask me. (Lee Evans here, by the way.)
But, as with all things in life, there’s a catch. These medications are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Ah, the eternal conundrum: do we cure the drinking problem, or just replace it with a new set of health issues? (Ricky Gervais, chiming in.)
Of course, the researchers are quick to point out that these findings need to be confirmed through clinical trials. And rightly so – we wouldn’t want to start prescribing diabetes meds to every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a drinking problem. (Rowan Atkinson, winking.)
Now, I know what you’re thinking: what about traditional AUD medications? Well, it turns out they’re not exactly setting the world on fire. A modest effectiveness, at best, with a slightly decreased but nonsignificant risk for AUD-related hospitalization. Yawn.
In conclusion, it seems that semaglutide and liraglutide might just be the answer to our drinking prayers. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – more research is needed, and we must proceed with caution. After all, as the great philosopher, Keith Richards, once said, "You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need." (Jimmy Carr, again.)
The Bottom Line
- Semaglutide and liraglutide may be effective in reducing AUD-related hospitalizations.
- These medications are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- More research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Traditional AUD medications are, well, a bit meh.
Sources
- This study was led by Markku Lähteenvuo, MD, PhD, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
- Published online in JAMA Psychiatry on November 13.
Disclaimer
- The observational nature of this study limited causal inferences.
- We’re not doctors, folks. Don’t go self-medicating with diabetes meds just yet.
