GLP-1 RAs Associated With Small ION Risk Increase - Report - MDSpire

GLP-1 RAs Associated With Small ION Risk Increase

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  • Andrea Surnit

  • July 13, 2026

  • 5 min

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GLP-1 RAs Associated With Small ION Risk Increase

Overview

Initiation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) was linked to a higher adjusted 18-month risk of ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) compared to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in a large observational analysis of commercially insured US adults with type 2 diabetes. The absolute difference in risk was approximately 3 to 4 cases per 10,000 patients.

Background

The association between GLP-1 RAs and ischemic optic neuropathy is due to the increasing use of these medications in managing type 2 diabetes. This study adds to the evidence regarding the safety profile of GLP-1 RAs, particularly concerning ocular health.

Data Highlights

MedicationION Risk per 10,000
GLP-1 RA9
SGLT2 Inhibitor6
DPP-4 Inhibitor4

Key Findings

  • GLP-1 RA initiators had an adjusted cumulative risk of ION of approximately 9 cases per 10,000.
  • The risk for SGLT2 inhibitor initiators was about 6 cases per 10,000, resulting in a difference of 3 cases per 10,000.
  • Among DPP-4 inhibitor initiators, the risk was approximately 4 cases per 10,000, leading to a difference of about 4 cases per 10,000 compared to GLP-1 RAs.
  • 85% of ION events in GLP-1 RA initiators occurred in patients older than 50 years.
  • Numerically larger risk differences were observed among patients with preexisting ocular conditions.
  • Specific outcome definitions reduced the adjusted risk differences, indicating potential residual confounding.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential increased risk of ischemic optic neuropathy associated with GLP-1 RA initiation.

Conclusion

This study highlights a potential association between GLP-1 RAs and an increased risk of ischemic optic neuropathy, necessitating further research to clarify these findings and their clinical significance.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The New Gastroenterologist, Source, 2025 -- Recent Findings Link GLP-1 Receptor Agonists to Increased Risk of GERD
  2. conexiant, Source, 2025 -- GLP-1 Drugs Linked to GI Effects, Uncertain Signals
  3. The New Gastroenterologist, Source, 2025 -- GLP-1s Increase GERD Risk Over SGLT2 Inhibitors in T2D
  4. conexiant, Source, 2025 -- GLP-1 RAs Show Mixed Pancreatitis Risk
  5. 12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 - PMC, 2026
  6. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists or SGLT2 Inhibitors and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy | Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology | JAMA Network Open, 2026
  7. Semaglutide and the Risk of Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Certainty of Evidence Meta-Analysis - ScienceDirect, 2026
  8. 12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 - PMC
  9. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists or SGLT2 Inhibitors and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy | Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
  10. Semaglutide and the Risk of Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Certainty of Evidence Meta-Analysis - ScienceDirect

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