How GLP-1 Therapy Helped Brian Manage Psoriasis and Diabetes

As part of Psoriasis Action Month, we’re highlighting powerful patient stories like Brian Lehrschall’s to raise awareness of the challenges people face living with psoriasis and related conditions — and the resilience it takes to manage them.

Brian was diagnosed with psoriasis at just 13 years old. Practically overnight, his skin went from clear to 98% covered in plaques, sparing only his face. Since then, he has lived with the daily challenges of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which cause pain and stiffness and make exercise difficult. Thanks to biologic treatments, his skin is now about 25% covered — but that still means living with 25 “palm-sized” areas of psoriasis across his body.

Over time, Brian’s limited ability to stay active led to weight gain and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes. He didn’t know he had diabetes until one frightening night when he returned home from judging a Kansas City Barbeque Society contest and suddenly began sweating heavily with a racing heart. Fearing a heart attack, he went to the hospital — where he learned his blood sugar was dangerously high at over 800 milligrams per deciliter.

At first, Brian’s doctors prescribed metformin, but it wasn’t enough to bring his blood sugar under control. Eventually, his care team recommended trying a GLP-1 medication, a newer type of diabetes treatment that can also help with weight loss. With his first prescription, Brian lost about 30 pounds. After switching to another GLP-1, his results were even more dramatic — he has now lost more than 100 pounds.

This weight loss not only improved his diabetes but also had a surprising benefit: His psoriatic arthritis symptoms became less severe. Within just a few months, he noticed less pain in his hips, knees and back, making it easier to stay active and enjoy life again.

Brian says the weight loss has boosted his confidence and helped him return to outdoor activities he loves. He encourages other patients to work closely with their care teams, especially endocrinologists, and to explore whether GLP-1 therapy might be an option. Most importantly, he reminds people to keep moving in whatever way they can — even small steps like chair exercises can make a difference.

Brian’s journey shows how managing overlapping conditions like psoriasis, arthritis and diabetes often requires teamwork and persistence.

For more information, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation.