GLP-1 and Diabetes
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
GLP-1 agonists were first introduced as groundbreaking treatments for diabetes, offering an effective way to regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall glycemic control. While their success in weight loss has garnered widespread attention, they remain a vital tool in managing diabetes and improving patients’ quality of life. Beyond their approved uses, these medications also show promise for addressing other health challenges.
This article explores how GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Wegovy (semaglutide), support diabetes management and their expanding role in healthcare.
Do GLP-1 Agonists Help With Diabetes?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medications that mimic a hormone your body naturally produces. This hormone plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release and suppressing glucagon, which reduces blood sugar spikes. Common GLP-1 medications include:
- Ozempic (semaglutide): Approved for type 2 diabetes and prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Approved specifically for chronic weight management.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A newer medication targeting GLP-1 and another hormone for enhanced efficacy in managing diabetes and weight.
These medications are approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss in specific populations. They have shown exceptional success in stabilizing blood sugar, reducing HbA1c levels, and supporting sustained weight loss—key factors in improving overall health for individuals with diabetes.
Current Research & Studies
Scientific research underscores the efficacy of GLP-1 agonists in diabetes care. In a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, patients with type 2 diabetes treated with semaglutide experienced an average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of 1.5% and significant weight loss compared to those on placebo.
The medications’ effects extend beyond glucose control. GLP-1 agonists are also being studied for cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with diabetes. Their ability to decrease appetite and improve insulin sensitivity continues to make them a focus of groundbreaking research.
About Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatment, and Outlook
Diabetes is a chronic condition that impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. The most common forms include:
- Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 diabetes, often associated with lifestyle factors and insulin resistance.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Without effective management, diabetes can lead to severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Traditional treatments include lifestyle changes, oral medications like metformin, and insulin therapy. However, these methods may not always control blood sugar effectively or prevent long-term complications, emphasizing the need for innovative therapies like GLP-1 agonists.
Can I Get GLP-1 Medications for Diabetes?
Yes, GLP-1 agonists are FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in certain populations. These medications are readily available through a prescription from healthcare providers.
While their use for other conditions is currently limited to off-label prescriptions, GLP-1 agonists offer significant benefits for individuals managing both diabetes and obesity. For example, Ozempic and Wegovy help with sustained weight loss, which can improve insulin sensitivity and ease the burden of diabetes.
At The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, we provide telehealth consultations for GLP-1 prescriptions, ensuring you receive expert guidance tailored to your health needs. Our knowledgeable doctors can help determine if medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide are right for you.
Conclusion
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro represent a new era in diabetes management. These medications not only help regulate blood sugar but also provide additional benefits, such as weight loss and cardiovascular protection, transforming how we approach chronic health conditions.
At The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, we offer convenient telehealth services to help you access GLP-1 medications. Contact us today to learn more about these groundbreaking treatments and how they can improve your quality of life.
States Where We Offer GLP-1 Agonist Prescriptions
We currently offer GLP-1 prescriptions via telehealth in the following states:
How we reviewed this article:
- TD Müller, B Finan, SR Bloom, D D’Alessio, DJ Drucker, PR Flatt, A Fritsche, F Gribble, HJ Grill, JF Habener, JJ Holst, W Langhans, JJ Meier, MA Nauck, D Perez-Tilve, A Pocai, F Reimann, DA Sandoval, TW Schwartz, RJ Seeley, K Stemmer, M Tang-Christensen, SC Woods, RD DiMarchi, MH Tschöp (2019). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6812410/ - FDA (2024). Update on FDA’s ongoing evaluation of reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking a certain type of medicines approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/update-fdas-ongoing-evaluation-reports-suicidal-thoughts-or-actions-patients-taking-certain-type - Peter D. Reaven, M.D., Nicholas V. Emanuele, M.D., Wyndy L. Wiitala, Ph.D., Gideon D. Bahn, Ph.D., Domenic J. Reda, Ph.D., Madeline McCarren, Ph.D., William C. Duckworth, M.D., and Rodney A. Hayward (2009). Intensive Glucose Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes — 15-Year Follow-up
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1806802 - Nikolaus Marx, MD, Mansoor Husain, MD, Michael Lehrke, MD, Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, and Naveed Sattar (2022). GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for the Reduction of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.059595 - CDC (2024). About Type 1 Diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-1-diabetes.html - CDC (2024). Type 2 Diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-2-diabetes.html
Current Version
November 29, 2024
Written By
Nick DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
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Nicholas DiBella received his psychology degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2023. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
