The effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on alcohol and tobacco craving among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional, questionnaire pilot study

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are widely used in therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity. There are also increasing amounts of data concerning the effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of addictive disorders. This pilot study aimed to assess changes in alcohol-drinking and cigarette-smoking behaviours after the introduction of GLP-1R agonist therapy in patients with DM2. Methods: Forty-eight (48) patients with obesity and DM2 being treated with GLP-1R agonists completed a questionnaire designed by researchers, the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Hunger-Satiety Scale. The severity of alcohol craving and nicotine dependence was compared between one month prior and the week before the evaluation. Results: Among the 48 patients enrolled on the study, 25 (52%) were treated with liraglutide, 11 (23%) with semaglutide and 12 (25%) with dulaglutide. It was found that changes in PACS total score were statistically significant only in patients treated with semaglutide and that these changes were affected by BMI, marital status, and whether the patient stated that they drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes. Smokers treated with semaglutide had lower Fagerstrom total scores than patients treated with liraglutide. Conclusion: Semaglutide exerts a reducing effect on alcohol and nicotine craving that was not seen for liraglutide or dulaglutide.