Researchers recommend GLP-1 and SGLT-2 drugs to help people with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar, but note that high costs can be a barrier to treatment. The American College of Physicians suggests adding an SGLT-2 inhibitor or GLP-1 agonist to metformin and lifestyle interventions in patients with inadequate glycemic control. While these medications can reduce serious complications, they emphasize that medication alone is not sufficient for optimal diabetes management. Underlying root causes such as obesity, inactivity, diet, and aging must also be addressed, and nutrition-based interventions can play a crucial role in diabetes care.
The ACP highlights the benefits of medications like Jardiance and Ozempic in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, chronic kidney disease progression, and heart failure hospitalization in people with type 2 diabetes. SGLT-2 inhibitors like Jardiance work by increasing glucose excretion, while GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic stimulate insulin release and suppress glucagon to control blood sugar. These drugs can also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke among diabetes patients. However, the high cost of these medications poses a significant barrier to access, and there are currently no affordable generic versions available.
It can be frustrating for patients to experience the efficacy of these drugs but face challenges in obtaining and affording them. Cost influences accessibility, with some individuals experiencing difficulty in obtaining needed medications such as Ozempic and being forced to make costly decisions about their health. The ACP guidelines emphasize the need for easier access to these effective medications, especially for patients with obesity and diabetes who stand to benefit greatly from improved glucose control and weight reduction.
The ACP’s guidelines caution against using DPP-4 inhibitors for people with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control, stating that these drugs do not reduce morbidity or mortality. The emphasis is on tailored treatment approaches that account for individual factors like age, co-morbidities, and personal preferences. By aligning with guidelines from organizations like the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology, the ACP aims to improve outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes on a population level by encouraging the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists in primary-care settings.
Dr. William Hsu and other experts stress the importance of addressing underlying factors beyond medication in managing type 2 diabetes. While drugs like Ozempic can deliver quick results and support healthy lifestyle behaviors, they should be complemented with interventions targeting root causes of the disease. The efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists in controlling blood sugar and reducing cardiovascular risks underscores the need for improved access to these medications for people with type 2 diabetes. Despite challenges related to cost and availability, these drugs offer valuable options for enhancing diabetes management and reducing the burden of complications associated with the condition.
