Does this mean GLP-1 drugs boost my immune system?

Not exactly. The reduced infection risk appears largely linked to weight loss and improved blood sugar control, both of which help your immune system work better. There may also be direct anti-inflammatory effects, but more research is needed.

Should I start a GLP-1 medication just to avoid infections?

This finding is a potential added benefit, not a standalone reason to start these medications. Speak with your doctor or diabetes care team to decide if a GLP-1 RA is appropriate for your overall health needs.

Were people without diabetes also included in this research?

The trials included people with type 2 diabetes as well as some individuals taking GLP-1 medications for weight management, making the findings relevant to a broad group of patients.

GLP-1 Drugs May Reduce Infection Risk in Diabetes

Key takeaways

✓11% reduction in serious infections across 164,000+ patients in 136 trials
✓Significant reductions in respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal, vascular, and COVID-19 infections
✓Greater weight loss and better blood sugar control linked to even lower infection risk

Quick specs

Journal	The Journal of infection
Year	2025
PMID	41173399

What This Study Found

Researchers analyzed 136 clinical trials involving over 164,000 people to see whether GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications — like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide — affect the risk of getting infections.

The Key Results

People taking GLP-1 RA medications had:

11% fewer serious infections overall
16% fewer serious respiratory infections (like pneumonia)
23% fewer skin and tissue infections
21% fewer musculoskeletal infections (affecting bones and joints)
35% fewer vascular infections (affecting blood vessels)
18% lower risk of serious COVID-19 infection

Why Might This Happen?

The researchers found that people who lost more weight, had better blood sugar control, or took higher doses of GLP-1 medications tended to have the greatest reduction in infection risk. This suggests the benefits may come from:

Weight loss reducing inflammation and improving immune function
Better blood sugar control, since high glucose can impair the immune system
Possible direct anti-inflammatory effects of the medication itself

What Does This Mean for You?

If you have diabetes and are already taking or considering a GLP-1 RA medication, this research suggests an added benefit beyond blood sugar and weight control — a potentially lower risk of serious infections. Talk to your diabetes care team about whether a GLP-1 RA might be right for you.

Source: The Journal of Infection (2025) — systematic review and meta-analysis of 136 randomized controlled trials.

References & Sources

Frequently asked questions

The review covered multiple GLP-1 RA medications, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza), and others used across 136 clinical trials worldwide.

Editorial note

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management. Last reviewed: July 16, 2026 by the MDS Diabetes editorial team.

What to do next

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GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic May Cut Infection Risk