A new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, may also help reduce the risk of epilepsy.
The findings provide early evidence of potential neurological benefits from these medications, though researchers caution that larger, long-term randomised controlled trials are required to confirm a direct protective effect.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide, mimic the action of the naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.
Semaglutide is sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy. In India, Ozempic is approved for adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. These drugs have gained widespread attention for both diabetes management and weight loss.
Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to Lower Epilepsy Risk
The research was led by Dr Edy Kornelius, MD, PhD, of Chung Shan Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan.
“Additional randomised, controlled trials that follow people over time are needed to confirm these findings,” Kornelius said. “But these results are promising, since people with diabetes are at increased risk for developing epilepsy later in life.”
Epilepsy often carries significant physical, psychological, and social consequences, and many patients do not respond well to existing medications, making preventive strategies particularly valuable.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers analysed data from a large U.S. health database, focusing on adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. None had a prior history of epilepsy or seizures.
- 452,766 participants were included
- Average age: 61 years
- 226,383 patients received GLP-1 drugs (dulaglutide, liraglutide, or semaglutide)
- The remaining participants were treated with DPP-4 inhibitors (also known as gliptins)
- Patients were followed for at least five years
Key Findings
- 1,670 epilepsy cases (2.35%) occurred among GLP-1 users
- 1,886 cases (2.41%) were reported in the DPP-4 inhibitor group
- After adjusting for factors such as age, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, GLP-1 users showed a 16% lower risk of developing epilepsy
Among the drugs studied, semaglutide demonstrated the strongest protective association, while dulaglutide and liraglutide also showed favourable trends, though to a lesser degree.
Expert Perspective and Study Limitations
“These findings do not suggest that DPP-4 inhibitors are harmful,” Kornelius clarified. “Nor do they definitively prove that GLP-1 drugs improve brain health.”
The study’s observational design means it cannot establish causation. Important factors such as genetic predisposition, alcohol use, sleep disorders, or family history of epilepsy were not available in the dataset.
Newer drugs like tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro or Zepbound) were not included, as they entered the market after the study period.
Why the Findings Matter
Diabetes and epilepsy share several biological pathways, including inflammation, vascular damage, and metabolic dysfunction. With epilepsy affecting more than 50 million people worldwide, even a modest reduction in risk could have meaningful public health implications.
Animal studies have previously suggested that GLP-1 drugs may have neuroprotective effects, including potential benefits for conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, adding to interest in their broader neurological role.
Bottom Line
While more research is needed, this large-scale study strengthens the idea that GLP-1 diabetes medications may offer benefits beyond blood sugar control, potentially lowering the risk of epilepsy in people with type 2 diabetes.