Summary:In adults with type 2 diabetes, exenatide and glucagon co-infusion significantly increased myocardial glucose uptake and improved markers of diastolic dysfunction compared to no exenatide-glucagon treatment, though it was associated with transient gastrointestinal side effects.
Source: James Goodman, et al. “Exenatide and glucagon co-infusion increases myocardial glucose uptake and improves markers of diastolic dysfunction in adults with type 2 diabetes.” Read article here.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a population with increased risk of heart failure and metabolic complications. |
| Intervention | Co-infusion of exenatide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and glucagon. |
| Comparison | Absence of exenatide and glucagon co-infusion (control condition). |
| Outcome | Exenatide and glucagon co-infusion significantly increased myocardial glucose uptake and improved markers of diastolic dysfunction. These benefits were accompanied by transient gastrointestinal side effects. |
RCT
Sci Rep · 2025
Exenatide-glucagon and the diabetic heart
Crossover RCT · type 2 diabetes · acute infusion
Trial design
Change from baseline — both arms
Myocardial glucose uptake
9.2 → 20
median, ×10⁻³ µmol/g/min
Responders
7/8 (88%)
MGU increased
Diastolic strain rate
0.619 → 0.686
1/s, P<0.05
Longitudinal strain
-16.0 → -16.6%
P=0.123 (NS)
⬡ Bottom Line
In a small randomised crossover study, acute exenatide-glucagon co-infusion more than doubled median myocardial glucose uptake and improved diastolic strain rate versus saline, at the cost of transient gastrointestinal effects. Proof-of-concept only; larger outcome trials are needed.
P
Population
Adults with type 2 diabetes (n=8)
I
Intervention
Exenatide + glucagon co-infusion
C
Comparator
Saline control infusion
O
Outcome
Myocardial glucose uptake; diastolic strain
