AANA Journal Course-GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: What CRNAs Need to Know About Their Expanding Role

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and later became widely used for the management of obesity. Recent evidence includes off-label uses for substance use disorders; nicotine and alcohol dependence; neurodegenerative diseases; and cardiovascular, kidney, and liver diseases. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are likely to encounter patients using GLP-1RAs for both Food and Drug Administration-approved and nontraditional purposes. This review explores the pharmacology and mechanisms of action of GLP-1RAs, with a focus on their relevance in the perioperative period. It covers their effects on blood glucose control, gastric motility, and central nervous system pathways. Special attention is given to delayed gastric emptying, concerns about pulmonary aspiration, and the metabolic benefits of glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduced blood glucose fluctuations. Current professional guidelines emphasize personalized, patient-centered perioperative care. The increasing use of GLP-1RAs, combined with more off-label prescribing and unregulated peptide use, emphasizes the need for thorough preoperative screening, clear medication reconciliation, and effective interdisciplinary communication. As more evidence emerges, CRNAs must remain vigilant while recognizing that the expanding role of GLP-1RAs is important for optimizing perioperative safety and achieving optimal patient outcomes in modern anesthesia practice.