Researchers are increasingly exploring whether existing medicines may have effects beyond those they were originally developed for.
In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, interest has grown in how medication may influence the risk of other diseases.
A new analysis now raises questions about a possible link between diabetes medication and epilepsy.
Diabetes and risk
According to previous research, people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing epilepsy later in life.
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Epilepsy can have major consequences for quality of life, and not all patients benefit from existing treatments.
It is therefore relevant to investigate whether diabetes treatment may influence the risk of neurological diseases.
In particular, researchers have taken a closer look at a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
What does the study show?
The study, published in Neurology, is based on health data from the United States and includes more than 450,000 adults with type 2 diabetes.
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The participants had no prior history of epilepsy or seizures. They were followed for at least five years after their treatment began.
Half received GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Trulicity, or Victoza, while the other half received another type of diabetes medication known as DPP-4 inhibitors.
The researchers accounted for differences including age and cardiovascular disease.
A signal in the data
Only after adjustments to the data did a difference become apparent.
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According to the analysis, people who used GLP-1 medications had a 16 percent lower risk of developing epilepsy than those who received DPP-4 inhibitors.
The substance semaglutide stood out in particular.
The researchers emphasize that this does not constitute proof that the medication prevents epilepsy. The results show only an association.
According to the study’s lead author, Edy Kornelius, more long-term and controlled studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
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Sources: Science Daily, and Neurology.
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