Evidence Hub

The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on metabolic inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhao F, Wang H, Li S, Yun H, Su W

PeerJ, 2026

1,878 participants · 4 citations

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on metabolic inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), providing evidence-based insights for their potential application in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Methods: Research questions were developed using the PICOS framework, and the study strictly adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Data synthesis and subgroup analyses (focusing on GLP-1 RA subtypes, treatment duration, and administration frequency) were performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results: Out of 1,347 articles retrieved, 25 studies were ultimately included, comprising a total sample of 1,878 participants (879 in the experimental groups and 999 in the control groups). Quality assessment indicated that most studies exhibited a low risk of bias, with only one study rated as high risk and three studies showing some concerns. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that 18 studies reported a significant reduction in CRP levels in T2DM patients treated with GLP-1 RAs (SMD = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.72 to -0.06], P = 0.02, I2 = 88%). Although the results from 13 studies indicated a decreasing trend in IL-6 levels (SMD = -0.52), this change was not statistically significant (95% CI [-1.34 to 0.29], P = 0.21, I2 = 96%). Additionally, 14 studies showed that GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced TNF-α levels (SMD =…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,878 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free