A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the proportion of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is on the rise, while new prescriptions for diabetics are declining. The authors of the study express concern that this shift may lead to potential shortages of these important treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and reduces appetite, were initially authorized for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug, specifically for weight loss. This approval has fueled demand for GLP-1 treatments, making it difficult for manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to keep up.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated a decrease in the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes, dropping from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, highlighted the significance of these findings, noting, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, which indicates a major public health shift.” However, Yeo cautioned about the potential risk of medication shortages and emphasized the importance of ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.
The study’s data, sourced from the healthcare analysis company TriNetX, may not be fully representative of the national landscape. Over recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with some users experiencing a weight loss of up to 26%.
The surge in demand for these drugs has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the increased demand has also led to difficulties for certain patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have committed significant investments to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030. They also estimate that the adoption of these medications in the U.S. may rise to about 31.5 million individuals, approximately 9% of the population, by 2035.