"Terzepatide" may be highly effective in lowering blood sugar levels and losing weight (Reuters)
A recent study found that the drug Tirzepatide facilitates weight loss and improves blood sugar control in patients with type 1 diabetes.
The study was conducted by researchers led by Dr. Satish Garg from the University of Colorado Denver, and was published in the journal Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics on March 20, and the Eurek Alert website wrote about it.
Tirzepatide is a drug licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration, used to treat type 2 diabetes, and sold under the trade name “Mounjaro”.
In addition to its role in lowering blood sugar, terzepatide also helps with weight loss and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is noteworthy that when using terzepatide, you must follow a specific diet and exercise.
Tirzepatide works to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and reducing the amount of sugar made by the liver. It also slows down the rate of food passing through the body, making a person feel full for a longer period.
Sugar level
Tirzepatide mimics two types of hormones produced naturally in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or childhood-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
The researchers divided the study participants into two groups: the first group was prescribed terzepatide to lose weight, and the second group was not prescribed any weight-loss drug.
The researchers found a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) and weight in the first group compared to the second group. They also found a decrease in HbA1c as early as three months and continued during the one-year follow-up, in addition to a decrease in insulin dose during the first three months and throughout the study.
Losing 20 kilograms
Tirzepatide resulted in an average weight loss of 18.5% (more than 20 kg) and improved glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes over one year.
The researchers said that the use of modern drugs such as terzepatide - which works on the glucagon-like peptide receptor - in treating type 1 diabetes carries many challenges, but with careful follow-up, patients may see many benefits such as weight loss, reducing insulin dose, and improving HbA1c levels.
The researchers stated that the long-term side effects of using these medications, such as gastroparesis, esophageal reflux, and gallstones, in diabetics are unknown. Therefore, researchers recommend studies on patients, especially those suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Source: Al Jazeera + Agencies + Eurick Alert