To Hold or Not to Hold? Periprocedural Management of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor‑based Agonists (GLP‑1ra) in Patients with Diabetes and Obesity

Authors

  • Tayyab S. Khan, MD

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-based agonists have transformed the care of patients with diabetes and obesity. However, case reports that have associated their use with retained gastric contents and pulmonary aspiration have raised concerns regarding their safe use in patients undergoing procedures involving deep sedation, general anesthesia, or upper endoscopy. Here we present the evidence underlying these concerns and provide an evidence-informed framework for the periprocedural management of these agents. Further research is needed to better characterize these risks and provide mitigation strategies for individuals taking them in the perioperative period.

Author Biography

Tayyab S. Khan, MD

Dr. Khan works as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Western University where he serves as the Program Director of the Adult Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship Training Program. At Western, he also founded a fellowship training program in Bariatric Medicine in 2024. He co-led the creation of the Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN) Medical Bariatric Program at London Health Sciences Centre and serves on the OBN Provincial Medical Task Force where he continues to help shape the standards of care for patients with obesity across the province of Ontario in Canada. 

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2026-05-25

How to Cite

To Hold or Not to Hold? Periprocedural Management of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor‑based Agonists (GLP‑1ra) in Patients with Diabetes and Obesity. (2026). Canadian Diabetes & Endocrinology Today, 4(1), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.58931/cdet.2026.4152

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How to Cite

To Hold or Not to Hold? Periprocedural Management of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor‑based Agonists (GLP‑1ra) in Patients with Diabetes and Obesity. (2026). Canadian Diabetes & Endocrinology Today, 4(1), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.58931/cdet.2026.4152