The Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Add-On Therapy

The Role of Gasotransmitters in Gut Peptide Actions

Although gasotransmitters nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) receive a bad connotation; in low concentrations these play a major governing role in local and systemic blood flow, stomach acid release, smooth muscles relaxations, anti-inflammatory behavior, protective effect and more. Many of these physiological processes are upstream regulated by gut peptides, for instance gastrin, cholecystokinin, secretin, motilin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and 2. The relationship between gasotransmitters and gut hormones is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of NO, CO and H₂S on gut peptide release and functioning, and whether manipulation by gasotransmitter substrates or specific blockers leads to physiological alterations.

A review of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: A focus on the mechanism of action of once-weekly agents

What is known and objective

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) are one of the preferred approved treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and inadequate glycaemic control. The objective of this review is to provide a general clinical overview of the similarities and differences in the mechanisms of action (MoA) of the once‐weekly GLP‐1 RA class of medications, highlighting the role of pharmacists in providing optimal medication management, education and care for people with diabetes.

Methods

This is a narrative review of the published literature regarding the MoA of the currently available once‐weekly GLP‐1 RAs in T2D.

Results and discussion

GLP‐1 RAs have an established efficacy and safety profile. Their benefits derive from their blood glucose‐lowering effects, which include pancreatic beta‐cell‐mediated glucose‐dependent insulin secretion and suppressed glucagon release, and their ability to slow gastric emptying and promote satiety. GLP‐1 RAs may also exert beneficial effects on multiple organ systems in which GLP‐1 receptors are present, including the cardiovascular and renal systems. Differences between individual GLP‐1 RAs with regard to their molecular size, structure and duration of action (short or longer acting) have led to differing pharmacodynamics and clinical effects such as degree of glycaemic control, weight loss abilities, cardiovascular effects and tolerability profiles.

What is new and conclusion

From the literature, this appears to be the first review of the evidence base supporting the MoA of once‐weekly GLP‐1 RAs in T2D aimed at pharmacists, with a particular emphasis on the expanding role of pharmacists in team‐based diabetes management. As a class, GLP‐1 RAs are an effective treatment option for people with T2D, shown to achieve multi‐factorial clinical benefits. The results suggest that when selecting or advising about treatments, pharmacists should consider how the different once‐weekly GLP‐1 RAs and their MoA affect clinical outcomes in order to ensure optimal treatment for individuals.

Economic burden of diabetes-related hypoglycemia on patients, payors, and employers

The economic and psychological consequences of diabetes-related hypoglycemic events are multifold and shared across various parties, including patients and their family or caregivers, payors, and employers. Hypoglycemic events contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, and a substantial portion of diabetes economic burden. Both severe and non-severe hypoglycemic episodes contribute to economic and psychological burden, and can have short-term consequences, such as emergency services, hospitalization, clinic visits, and increased use of diabetes supplies. Severe hypoglycemic events also generate additional follow-up costs, and are likely to occur again. Left untreated, hypoglycemia can have long-term consequences including, death, cardiovascular events, and cognitive issues. Costs vary geographically based on the treatment protocols which focus on outpatient treatment versus increased in-patient hospitalization. Certain types of medications are also associated with increased hypoglycemia, which requires closer monitoring of the patient, such as with basal insulin initiation. Some individuals with diabetes may be more vulnerable to hypoglycemia, such as the elderly, postoperative bariatric patients, and adolescent females. Measures to mitigate hypoglycemia are essential to ease the economic burden of these events. Medication management, optimal glucose control, lifestyle modifications and frequent glucose monitoring are some interventions which may help prevent hypoglycemia.