How GLP-1 Drugs Affect Capsule Endoscopy: Transit Times and Preparation Quality | Research

The takeaway

GLP-1 receptor agonist use significantly affected gastrointestinal transit times and preparation quality during video capsule endoscopy in diabetes patients, requiring adapted protocols.

Transit times changed
GLP-1 drugs significantly affect how capsule endoscopy cameras travel through the GI tract, impacting diagnostic quality

What the researchers found

GLP-1 RA use significantly altered GI transit times during video capsule endoscopy, affecting preparation quality and requiring protocol adaptations for diagnostic accuracy.

Why it matters

Millions of GLP-1 drug users will need GI procedures. Understanding how these drugs affect diagnostic testing ensures accurate results and appropriate procedure modifications.

The numbers in context

Patients aged ≥35 included. Compared diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients. GLP-1 RA and insulin use analyzed separately.

How the study worked

Evaluation of video capsule endoscopy outcomes including transit times, preparation quality, and completion rates in diabetes patients stratified by GLP-1 RA use.

Who was studied

Patients aged ≥35 undergoing video capsule endoscopy, comparing diabetic to non-diabetic

What this study cannot tell us

Single-center study. Different GLP-1 drugs may affect transit differently. Optimal VCE preparation modifications for GLP-1 users not yet standardized.

How to read the evidence

Moderate evidence: clinical evaluation of GLP-1 drug effects on an established diagnostic procedure.

When this study was published

Published in 2025. Addresses a practical challenge as GLP-1 prescribing intersects with GI diagnostics.

The bigger picture

GLP-1 drugs' GI effects extend beyond weight management — they impact how GI diagnostic procedures work. As prescribing expands, all GI procedures (endoscopy, colonoscopy, VCE, motility studies) need adapted protocols for GLP-1 drug users.

Questions still open

Should GLP-1 drugs be held before video capsule endoscopy?
What specific preparation modifications optimize VCE in GLP-1 drug users?
Do different GLP-1 drugs affect capsule transit times differently?

Common questions

Do I need to stop my GLP-1 drug for capsule endoscopy?

This study shows GLP-1 drugs affect capsule transit times. Discuss with your gastroenterologist — they may modify preparation protocols or timing rather than stopping the drug entirely. Always inform your doctor about GLP-1 drug use before any GI procedure.

How do GLP-1 drugs affect GI procedures?

GLP-1 drugs slow stomach emptying and alter intestinal transit. This means the capsule camera may take longer to pass through your GI tract, potentially affecting image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Adapted preparation protocols can compensate.

Read the original research

Evaluating video capsule endoscopy in diabetes mellitus: transit times, preparation adequacy, and the influence of insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonist use.

Therapeutic advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy, 18, 26317745251359459

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Akerman, Nimrod; Fliss-Isakov, Naomi; Thurm, Tamar; Shnell, Mati; Sofer, Yael; Shibolet, Oren; Deutsch, Liat. (2025). Evaluating video capsule endoscopy in diabetes mellitus: transit times, preparation adequacy, and the influence of insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonist use.. Therapeutic advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy, 18, 26317745251359459. https://doi.org/10.1177/26317745251359459