GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Internal Medicine: Beyond Diabetes Toward Multisystem Disease Modification

Resumen

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as a cornerstone in modern internal medicine, demonstrating multisystem benefits that extend far beyond glycemic control. This review examines their cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, and metabolic effects, integrating evidence from major clinical trials and meta-analyses. The objective was to analyze and synthesize scientific evidence on the systemic impact of GLP-1 RAs, emphasizing their mechanisms, clinical relevance, and potential integration into internal medicine and public health strategies in Latin America. A systematic literature review was conducted following the DMAIC framework (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control). Twenty peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2025 were selected from PubMed, Scopus, and The Lancet databases. Data were categorized by clinical domain and analyzed for efficacy trends and mechanistic consistency. Results showed that GLP-1 RAs consistently reduced major adverse cardiovascular events, slowed chronic kidney disease progression, improved hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and achieved sustained weight reduction of 10–17%. Their multisystem effects were mediated by endothelial restoration, anti-inflammatory modulation, and metabolic reprogramming. GLP-1 receptor agonists represent a paradigm shift in internal medicine by integrating cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, and metabolic protection into a unified therapeutic model. Their adoption in Latin American health systems could reduce premature mortality, align regional policies with Sustainable Development Goal 3, and establish GLP-1 RAs as disease-modifying agents in global chronic disease prevention.