GLP-1 RA Adherence Linked to Reduced Comorbidity Burden in High-Risk Patients With Diabetes
A large retrospective study has found that patients with higher baseline comorbidity burden who adhere to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy experience a measurable reduction in comorbidities over 12 months, as assessed by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores.
Using data from the Optum® Market Clarity Database, the study evaluated adults aged 18 years and older who had at least 1 prescription for GLP-1 RA between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. Among 1.4 million patients identified, 461 856 met the criteria of continuous enrollment for 1 year before and after the initiation of therapy.
The study found that across the full sample, the average CCI score increased slightly from 1.37 to 1.50 following initiation of GLP-1 RA therapy. However, a key subgroup analysis revealed a different outcome. Among patients with a baseline CCI score of 3 or higher and a high adherence level—defined as a proportion of days covered (PDC) greater than 0.8—the average CCI score decreased from 4.19 to 3.56.
“The study’s findings suggest that patients with higher CCI scores who adhere to GLP-1 RA treatment experience a reduction in the burden of comorbidities,” the authors stated. This change was statistically significant (P < 0.001), based on paired t-test results comparing pre- and post-treatment scores.
This association suggests that adherence to GLP-1 RA therapy may be especially beneficial for patients with more complex health profiles, potentially reducing overall disease burden beyond glycemic control. “Among patients with a baseline CCI score of 3 or higher and a high proportion of days covered...the average CCI score decreased,” the study reported.
For clinicians managing patients with type 2 diabetes and multiple comorbidities, these findings support the continued emphasis on medication adherence as a strategy to mitigate broader health risks. The results also highlight the potential value of GLP-1 RA therapy in improving health outcomes in more medically complex populations.
Reference
Markan R, Verma V, Nayyar A, et al. Evaluating the impact of GLP-1 on health outcomes in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists: insights from real-world evidence. Presented at: AMCP 2025; March 31-April 3; Houston, TX.
