New research indicates that medications similar to Ozempic can also manage type 1 diabetes, not just type 2.
In a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Viral Shah, a diabetes researcher at Indiana University, semaglutide - the active ingredient in Ozempic - has shown promising potential benefits for adults with type 1 diabetes. The study, published on June 23 in the journal NEJM Evidence, recruited 72 patients with type 1 diabetes and obesity.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is currently FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, where it helps control blood sugar by reducing liver-made hormones that raise blood sugar and slowing down digestion. However, the recent clinical trials and studies suggest that semaglutide could also offer significant advantages for those with type 1 diabetes.
One of the key benefits of semaglutide is weight loss. Participants in the study lost an average of 18.5 pounds (approximately 8.4 kg) over six months, while another study reported an average weight loss of 16 pounds. This is a significant benefit, as many people with type 1 diabetes struggle with weight management.
In addition to weight loss, semaglutide also improved blood sugar control. Participants experienced modest improvements in average blood sugar levels (A1C) and spent more time with glucose levels within the healthy target range. Furthermore, 36% of patients on semaglutide met three critical goals: improved blood glucose, reduced time in hypoglycemia, and at least 5% weight loss, compared to 0% in the placebo group.
Semaglutide also helped improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the need for insulin doses, which can ease the burden of insulin management in type 1 diabetes care. Importantly, the trials indicated no increase in serious side effects like severe low blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis, though monitoring for high ketone levels remains important.
The mechanism of action for semaglutide involves mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which enhances insulin release, slows stomach emptying, reduces liver sugar production, and suppresses glucagon (which raises blood sugar). While people with type 1 diabetes cannot produce their own insulin, semaglutide's effects on insulin sensitivity, glucagon suppression, and weight loss still provide metabolic benefits.
If approved, semaglutide could represent the first significant treatment advance beyond insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes in a century, especially for patients who are overweight or obese. It might help reduce complications linked to poor weight and glucose control, improving quality of life. Larger regulatory trials are needed for FDA approval of semaglutide as an adjunct therapy for type 1 diabetes.
While generally well-tolerated, some potential side effects like vision issues and dry mouth have been noted in other studies. Patients must consult healthcare providers to weigh benefits against risks. Dr. Viral Shah and his colleagues hope for more clinical trials with bigger cohorts of patients to gather enough evidence for the Food and Drug Administration to approve the use of GLP-1s for type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Viral Shah envisions Ozempic-like drugs as a potential firstline treatment for type 1 diabetes, expressing excitement about the potential of semaglutide being the first drug beyond insulin for people with type 1 diabetes to use. All participants continued using insulin as needed throughout the trial and their blood sugar was monitored using continuous glucose monitors.
In conclusion, semaglutide offers promising benefits for weight loss, better glucose control, and reduced insulin needs in type 1 diabetes, potentially transforming management for patients with additional metabolic challenges. Further studies and approvals are necessary before widespread use, but the potential for this new treatment is undeniably exciting.
Semaglutide, given its potential benefits in weight loss and improved blood sugar control, could also be beneficial for adults dealing with chronic diseases like medical-conditions or chronic-diseases, especially type-1 diabetes, as indicated in the research led by Dr. Viral Shah. This medication, with its effects on insulin sensitivity, glucagon suppression, and reduction in the need for insulin doses, might enhance health-and-wellness for type-1 diabetes patients, potentially reducing complications linked to weight management and glucose control.
