Which statement about GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors is true?

• A. They are commonly associated with weight loss
• B. They frequently cause hypoglycemia when used alone
• C. They primarily act by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidney
• D. They are first-line therapy for gestational diabetes

Answer: (A)

Weight loss is a well-supported effect of both GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, and that’s the aspect this statement highlights. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and also slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite, which together help lower caloric intake and body weight. SGLT2 inhibitors cause the body to lose glucose in the urine, which translates into a modest loss of calories and consequent weight reduction. Taken together, these mechanisms make weight loss a common and beneficial outcome with these drugs.

The other statements don’t fit as well. They do not frequently cause hypoglycemia when used alone because their glucose-lowering effects don’t run on insulin release; the risk is higher when they’re combined with other agents like insulin or sulfonylureas. They do not share the mechanism of inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidney—only SGLT2 inhibitors do that, while GLP-1 receptor agonists act primarily on insulin/alpha cell signaling and gut hormones. And they are not first-line therapy for gestational diabetes, where insulin is the typical initial treatment.