Two years off a GLP-1 tracked 22% higher heart attack, stroke, and death risk in veterans with diabetes

What the research found

Study (target-trial emulation). Yan Xie, Taeyoung Choi, and Ziyad Al-Aly report in BMJ Medicine (2026; 5:e002150; doi 10.1136/bmjmed-2025-002150) on 333,687 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes followed for up to three years. Staying on a GLP-1 medicine (semaglutide or tirzepatide) continuously was linked to an 18% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death than sulfonylurea use. Stopping for one year without restarting tracked a 14% higher risk versus staying on the GLP-1; two years off tracked 22% higher. A six-month gap before restarting still weakened the benefit. About 26% stopped outright and about 23% had a gap of at least six months. Observational. These are prescribed medicines, not longevity supplements. Do not start or stop one because of a headline. Educational notes, not medical advice.

Evidence level: Animal study. Results in animals or cells often don't carry over to people.

Not medical advice. Not a substitute for a prescribed medicine. Off-label prescription use is clinician-only. VitaLonga does not diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Never start, stop, or replace a prescription with a supplement on the basis of a headline.

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