“Sharp Increase in Usage of GLP1 Medications among Type 1 Diabetes Patients”
GLP1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound have seen a significant rise in usage among individuals with type 1 diabetes in recent years. Originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes, these drugs were not initially studied in those with type 1 diabetes. Despite limited data on their safety and effectiveness for this condition, the use of GLP1 receptor agonists has surged, particularly among individuals with obesity who also have type 1 diabetes.
This growing trend is highlighted in a recent study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Analyzing medical records of over 200,000 individuals with type 1 diabetes from 2008 to 2023, the study revealed a substantial increase in obesity rates among this population. Correspondingly, the use of GLP1 medications among adults with type 1 diabetes, especially those with obesity, also saw a significant spike over the study period.
Despite the potential benefits reported by some individuals with type 1 diabetes who have experienced improved blood sugar control and weight loss with these medications, there remains a lack of robust clinical trial data specifically focused on this population. While retrospective studies suggest advantages to using GLP1 medications with type 1 diabetes, the need for randomized, double-blinded studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these drugs in individuals with type 1 diabetes is emphasized by Dr. Jung-Im Shin, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Viral Shah, an endocrinologist and director of diabetes clinical research at Indiana University School of Medicine, mentioned that some forthcoming data indicates that certain type 1 diabetes patients may benefit from additional medication, such as GLP-1 drugs or SGLT-2 inhibitors. These medications can help reduce insulin dependence and aid in weight loss for individuals with type 1 diabetes and obesity. However, caution is advised when managing dosages to prevent low blood sugar risks. Dr. Shah suggested that type 1 diabetes patients who are not overweight should be wary of taking GLP-1 drugs due to potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Ongoing studies, including one conducted by Dr. Shah, are exploring the use of GLP-1 medications in type 1 diabetes patients. His study focused on type 1 diabetes patients with obesity who use an artificial pancreas system to control blood sugar levels. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide injections or a placebo over a six-month period. A similar trial at Yale University is set to provide data in 2028 after following patients for a year.
For more news from CNN and to subscribe to newsletters, visit CNN.com.
