Treatment by GLP-1 agonist modulates hedonic response to food and taste sensitivity in type 2 diabetes

Abstract : Context: Besides their potential action in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), GLP-1 analogues have been shown to decrease satiety and food intake. However, little is known about their effects on food hedonic and taste perceptions. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of GLP-1 analogue Liraglutide on the liking and wanting component of the food reward system as well as on taste sensitivity in T2DM patients. Research design and methods: Thirty T2DM patients were studied before and after 3 months of daily Liraglutide treatment (1.2 mg). In each trial, blood samples were collected and body mass composition was analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Liking, recalled liking and wanting for lipids, proteins and carbohydrates were assessed and detection thresholds for salt, sweet and bitter tastes were measured. Results: After three months of daily treatment with Liraglutide, T2DM patients had a significant decrease in hunger sensation (p<0.01), food intake (p<0.01) and weight (p<0.01) but not in the pleasure in eating. A reduction in plasma leptin (p<0.01) and ghrelin (p<0.01) levels was also observed. Liking (p=0.04), recalled liking (p=0.05) and wanting (p<0.01) for fatty foods were lowered by the treatment. Sensitivity to sweet taste was improved (p=0.04) whereas it remained unchanged for salty and bitter tastes. Conclusions: This is the first study to show a decrease in hedonic response for fatty foods and an increase in sweet taste sensitivity induced by GLP-1 analogues. These results are of interest in the understanding of weight loss mechanisms and cardiovascular risk improvement induced by GLP-1 analogues.