GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a higher risk of smell and taste disturbances among adults with Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published June 25 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Here are four things to know from the study:
- The study matched 438,474 adults with Type 2 diabetes who received a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 438,474 adults with Type 2 diabetes who did not receive the medications. Patients were followed for up to 2 years after treatment initiation.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a 48% higher risk of smell and taste disturbances compared with controls.
- Smell disturbances were more pronounced than taste changes. Researchers found GLP-1 use was associated with a higher risk of smell disturbances (hazard ratio, 1.81) and taste disturbances (hazard ratio, 1.52).
- The authors said clinicians should be aware of the potential association between GLP-1 therapies and smell and taste disturbances and called for additional research to validate the findings and better understand the underlying mechanisms.
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