Type 1 diabetes patients may benefit from the use of Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in managing their condition, according to new research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting in Madrid. The study indicates that these drugs, initially approved for type 2 diabetes, can aid in weight loss and improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Overweight or obese individuals with type 1 diabetes who were administered Mounjaro experienced a reduction in their daily insulin requirements. Both drugs also facilitated weight loss, which can contribute to better blood sugar management.
Mechanism of Action
While Ozempic and Mounjaro enhance insulin production in the body—a mechanism less relevant for type 1 diabetics who lack insulin production—they also slow down food digestion and reduce glucose production by the liver. These effects can help type 1 diabetics manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.
Janet Snell-Bergeon, a professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, noted that the mechanisms by which semaglutide and tirzepatide lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes are also likely to be relevant in type 1 diabetes.
Study Details and Results
The study involved analyzing medical data from 100 adults with type 1 diabetes, with half prescribed Ozempic and the other half Mounjaro. Key findings include:
- Significant weight loss: Ozempic users lost an average of 9% of their body weight, while Mounjaro users lost more than 21% on average.
- Weight loss achievement: 77% of Ozempic users and 93% of Mounjaro users lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to only 14% in the control group.
- Greater weight loss: 47% of Ozempic users and 87% of Mounjaro users achieved at least 10% body weight loss, a result not observed in the control group.
Snell-Bergeon stated that this amount of weight loss has been seen in other studies of these drugs and is likely to lower the risk of a number of consequences of obesity, including heart disease and insulin resistance.
Impact on Insulin Usage
Mounjaro users experienced an 18% reduction in their daily insulin dosage, suggesting an improvement in insulin resistance. According to Snell-Bergeon, this is a substantial reduction and is an indication that insulin resistance has improved.
Clinical Implications
The research suggests that semaglutide and tirzepatide can lead to significant weight loss and improved blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes patients, potentially reducing the risk of complications such as heart disease, eye, nerve, and kidney problems. Snell-Bergeon suggests that these drugs could be a valuable addition to insulin in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Future Research
Larger, prospective trials are necessary to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of semaglutide and tirzepatide in type 1 diabetes patients living with overweight and obesity. These findings, presented at a medical meeting, are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
