Benefits of GLP-1 Medications in People With Type 1 Diabetes

Historically, treating Type 1 diabetes has been centered around replacing insulin. While modern technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors have been a lifesaver for many, they don’t solve the metabolic struggles many people living with Type 1 diabetes face on a daily basis. Insulin resistance, cardiovascular health and stubborn weight management can all be difficult factors for people with Type 1 diabetes.

A study recently published in Nature Medicine is shifting that conversation. Researchers analyzed data from over 174,000 people to see how GLP-1 medications, the class of drugs including Ozempic and Mounjaro, affect people with Type 1 diabetes. The major takeaway from this study is that GLP-1s were associated with cardiovascular and kidney benefits without increasing major safety risks in people with Type 1 diabetes across age groups. These medications are currently only approved for Type 2 diabetes or obesity, making them challenging or even impossible for many with Type 1 diabetes to access.

Results from the study proved that these aren’t just weight-loss drugs. For the Type 1 diabetes community, they have huge metabolic impacts that can also protect the heart and kidneys. Yet, these drugs remain off-label for people with Type 1 diabetes at this time.

Reducing Major Complications

The ultimate goal for anyone with diabetes is to avoid long-term complications. This study looked at the real-world impact of GLP-1s over five years, and the data spoke for themselves.

The data showed that people with Type 1 diabetes who used a GLP-1 saw a 15% reduction in major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. The data also showed an 18% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations. Even more impressive was the protection offered to the kidneys. There was a 19% lower risk of end-stage kidney disease.

While the heart and kidney protection made the headlines, the study also found that these medications had other metabolic benefits. Patients were 22% more likely to achieve significant weight loss of at least 15%. The research also showed a 28% reduction in major liver events. Fatty liver disease is becoming a bigger concern for people with diabetes, so this is a huge win. By reducing inflammation and clearing out excess fat in the liver, these medications allow insulin to work more efficiently.

Addressing the Safety of GLP-1 Use in People With Type 1 Diabetes

In the past, many doctors were nervous about prescribing GLP-1s to their patients with Type 1 diabetes. The fear was that if you reduce your insulin too quickly while on these medications, you might risk diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). There was also concern about having more hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, while taking these medications.

The study found that hospitalizations for severe hypoglycemia were 18% lower in the GLP-1 group, and DKA hospitalizations were 17% lower.

By slowing the rate at which food leaves your stomach and curbing the over-release of sugar from your liver, these medications eliminate many of the sharp spikes and crashes that often follow. It makes blood sugars more predictable.

Final Thoughts

The findings from this study are a turning point. While insulin will likely always be the cornerstone for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes, we are entering a time where we can finally address the whole person, not just the blood sugar number.

The incredible results from this study and others like it can’t be ignored. If you find yourself struggling with weight gain, insulin resistance, inflammation or frustrating “roller coaster” blood sugar levels despite your best efforts, it might be worth having a conversation about GLP-1s with your health care provider. Integrating powerful tools like GLP-1s into your toolbox could be the key to moving past just surviving and actually thriving with diabetes.