A RETROSPECTIVE study has found no statistically significant association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) use and abnormal oesophageal motility patterns in patients with Type 2 diabetes, offering reassurance for clinicians managing patients undergoing oesophageal function testing.
The study evaluated whether GLP-1RA therapy influences oesophageal motility or reflux testing outcomes. While GLP-1RAs are known to delay gastric emptying and are commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects, their effect on oesophageal function has remained unclear.
Study Reassures on GLP-1RA Safety
Researchers retrospectively analysed 132 patients with Type 2 diabetes who underwent high-resolution manometry (HRM) between December 2022 and October 2024. Participants were divided into two groups based on GLP-1RA use at the time of testing. Patients with previous foregut surgery or conditions linked to dysmotility, including scleroderma, were excluded from the analysis.
Among GLP-1RA users, semaglutide was the most commonly prescribed agent, accounting for 57.1% of cases. Most users of GLP-1RAs were female (69.0%), and median glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were identical in both groups at 6.6%.
The investigators found that 64.3% of GLP-1RA users had normal HRM results. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in HRM diagnoses between patients taking GLP-1RAs and those not receiving these therapies (P=0.07). In addition, no association was identified between specific GLP-1RA type or dose and abnormal oesophageal motility diagnoses (P=0.51).
Formal reflux testing was also assessed in a subset of patients. Rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease were comparable between GLP-1RA users and nonusers, with no significant difference observed (P=0.51).
Oesophageal Testing Findings Unaffected by GLP-1RAs
The authors concluded that GLP-1RA use does not appear to significantly impact oesophageal motility or reflux testing outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest patients may not need to discontinue GLP-1RA therapy prior to oesophageal function testing and are unlikely to face increased risk of altered motility diagnoses related to these medications.
Reference
Wang AL et al. Esophageal motility patterns are not impacted by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2026; DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000002395
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