GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist therapy is linked to a higher risk of smell and taste disturbances in patients with Type 2 diabetes, a new multicentre retrospective cohort study has found.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained traction in recent years as a popular option for glycaemic control and weight loss.
Various adverse events have been reported by users, however the potential impact of GLP-1s on smell and taste has previously been unknown.
The Study
Researchers analysed electronic health records from 5th December 2017 to 20th April 2026, with a follow-up of up to two years after beginning treatment with GLP-1s.
Patients above age 18 years, who were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes with no record of smell or taste disturbances, were split into two groups: patients prescribed Type 2 diabetes medications that were not GLP-1s (control) and patients who received GLP-1 prescriptions after their first recorded diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
Each cohort included 438,474 patients.
In the control group, patients had a mean age of 57.6 years and 56% were female.
In the GLP-1 cohort, there was a mean age of 57.7 years and 54.9% were female.
48% Higher Rate of Smell and Taste Disturbances
Patients who used GLP-1s had a 48% higher rate of developing smell and taste disturbances, compared with the control group.
The GLP-1 group had an 81% higher rate of developing smell disturbances, and 52% higher rate of developing taste disturbances, than those taking other antidiabetic medications.
Findings were consistent throughout the follow-up period.
Clinical Implications
Researchers called for the closer monitoring of patients taking GLP-1s , alongside greater public health awareness of the medication’s side effects.
Future research, they reported, is necessary to validate the findings and analyse the underlying pathways and mechanisms that may cause the disturbances.
Reference
Zontag J, Zontag N. Smell and taste disturbances among glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist users. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026;DOI:10.1001/jamaoto.2026.1498.
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