Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists for Weight Reduction and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes
Ernest Nsubuga
Department of Clinical Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda
Email: ernest.nsubuga@studwc.kiu.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was characterized by hyperglycemia and frequently accompanied by obesity and elevated cardiovascular risk. Incretin hormone-based therapies, especially glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), had demonstrated efficacy in glycemic control, weight reduction, and cardiovascular risk mitigation. Recently, dual agonists targeting both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors had emerged as promising therapeutic agents aiming to enhance these benefits. This review assessed the efficacy and safety of dual GLP-1/GIP agonists specifically regarding weight reduction and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM. A systematic literature search was conducted, prioritizing randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and high-quality observational studies published within the last decade on dual GLP-1/GIP agonists in T2DM management. Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists produced superior weight loss and glycemic control compared to GLP-1 monoagonists, attributable to complementary incretin receptor signaling that enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, and reduces appetite. Cardiovascular outcome trials demonstrated noninferiority to established GLP-1 RAs and suggest potential additional cardioprotective effects, although evidence for superiority remains inconclusive. These dual agonists also exerted beneficial effects on risk factors such as lipid profiles and blood pressure. However, data heterogeneity and evolving trial designs merit cautious interpretation. Dual GLP-1/GIP agonists represented a significant advance in T2DM treatment, offering enhanced weight reduction and promising cardiovascular benefits. Further large-scale and long-term studies are warranted to fully characterize their cardiovascular protective profile and optimize clinical application.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, Weight reduction, Cardiovascular outcomes, Incretins
CITE AS: Ernest Nsubuga (2026). Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists for Weight Reduction and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. IAA Journal of Scientific Research 13(1):65-70.