Surge in GLP-1 Drug Use: A Double-Edged Sword for Diabetes Patients

A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the percentage of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers expressed concern that this trend could lead to potential shortages of these important treatments.

GLP-1 medications are designed to imitate a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. Initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the approval of the GLP-1 treatment Wegovy for weight loss in 2021. Since this approval, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have been struggling to keep up with the skyrocketing demand for their GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.

The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, examined medical records from 45 million American patients who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. The findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without type 2 diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.

Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo commented on the findings, noting that more healthcare providers are recognizing the efficacy of these medications for obesity treatment, which marks a significant public health evolution. However, this shift raises concerns regarding medication access for diabetes patients.

While the study utilized data from the healthcare software provider TriNetX, it may not represent the entire national landscape. In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, including the potential for users to lose up to 26% of their body weight.

The soaring sales of these medications have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk into leading positions as some of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, this demand has led to challenges in fulfilling prescriptions for many patients. In response, both companies have invested substantial resources to increase their production capabilities.

Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, anticipating that approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. will adopt these medications by 2035, equivalent to about 9% of the population.

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