A recent study highlights a notable shift in the prescribing patterns of GLP-1 medications, indicating a growing share of individuals without diabetes receiving these drugs, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, the study analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023 and found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes fell significantly from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. In contrast, the proportion of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25% during the same period.
GLP-1 medications, which initially received approval for treating type 2 diabetes, gained additional recognition when Wegovy was approved in 2021 for weight management. This has contributed to an increase in demand for these drugs, transforming Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk into leading pharmaceutical companies with soaring sales. However, the escalating demand is causing challenges in ensuring that patients with diabetes can still access their necessary treatments.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, expressed concern over potential medication shortages, stating, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are seeing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, which is a significant public health shift.” As both companies strive to boost production, the global market for GLP-1 drugs is projected to reach a staggering $105 billion by 2030, with adoption rates in the U.S. expected to encompass about 31.5 million individuals by 2035.
This study underlines a significant change in healthcare practices regarding weight management and obesity treatment, highlighting the need for ongoing discussion on balancing demand with accessibility for individuals with diabetes. The positive aspect of this trend is the recognition of GLP-1 medications as a valuable therapeutic option, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for a broader range of patients.
In conclusion, while this shift raises concerns regarding access for diabetic patients, there’s a hopeful outlook for future healthcare advancements focused on obesity and diabetes management.