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Study finds no statistical link between use of semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs and risk of degenerative eye disease in adults with type 2 diabetes
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1136615

INTRO: An estimated 27% of U.S. adults with diabetes are using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) — a type of medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone — to lower blood sugar and support weight loss. Some research has suggested that their use can reduce the risk of developing other diseases.

A new, federally funded retrospective study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine strongly suggests that semaglutide and other GLP-1 RAs did not statistically change the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) — a fast-progressing, blinding condition that is caused by uncontrolled, abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye — in adults with type 2 diabetes without a prior history of GLP-1 use.

A peer-reviewed report of the work, funded by the National Institutes of Health, published online in Ophthalmology... (MORE - no ads)

Quote:A new, federally funded retrospective study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine strongly suggests that semaglutide and other GLP-1 RAs did not statistically change the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) — a fast-progressing, blinding condition that is caused by uncontrolled, abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye — in adults with type 2 diabetes without a prior history of GLP-1 use.

"Lowering your A1C does not prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) because they are distinct diseases. However, tight blood sugar control helps prevent diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which can cause overlapping vision loss.

A breakdown of how blood sugar and eye health are connected:

Distinct Conditions: AMD is an age-related deterioration of the macula, while diabetic eye disease is caused by high blood sugar damaging retinal blood vessels.

Overlapping Risks: While lowering A1C doesn't stop AMD, poorly controlled diabetes can worsen existing AMD and speed up vision loss.

Diabetic Eye Disease: Managing your A1C (often recommended to stay below 7%) significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Potential Meds: Emerging studies suggest that the diabetes medication metformin may have protective, anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially lower the odds of developing or progressing AMD."