The best GLP-1 medications for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity

Obesity is linked to 30-53% of new diabetes cases in the U.S. annually. And 80-90% of people with type 2 diabetes also have overweight or obesity. So it’s unsurprising that physicians often choose to treat one’s type 2 diabetes and obesity in tandem.

For those with type 2 diabetes, there’s a relatively new class of medications called GLP-1 medications that can help lower their A1C and, in many cases, lead to significant weight loss.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications are a type of drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (by lowering A1C) and can also be used to help with weight loss. These medications work by stimulating the production of insulin and decreasing the production of glucagon, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. They also slow the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, which can help with appetite control.‍

Which GLP-1 medications are approved for type 2 diabetes?

There are several different GLP-1 medications that are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, including:

• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise): Byetta is the shorter-release form of exenatide, while Bydureon is the extended-release version. This medication is injected—twice a day for Byetta or once a week for Bydureon—and is typically used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been shown to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels and can also cause weight loss.
• Liraglutide (Victoza): This medication is injected once a day and is also often used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been shown to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels and can also cause weight loss. Under the name Saxenda, liraglutide is FDA-approved for obesity treatment.
• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus): In the form of Ozempic, this medication is injected once a week. As Rybelsus, semaglutide is a once-daily pill. Semaglutide is typically used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been shown to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels and can also cause weight loss. Under the name Wegovy, semaglutide is FDA-approved for obesity treatment.
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): This medication is injected once a week and is typically used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been shown to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels and can also cause weight loss. While currently FDA-approved only for type 2 diabetes, studies have shown an effect on weight loss, and as of 2022, it is on the FDA fast-track for obesity treatment approval.
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity): This medication is injected once a week and is typically used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been shown to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels and can also cause weight loss.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of these medications may vary from person to person, and it may take some trial and error to find the medication that works best for an individual. It is also important to remember that these medications are not a replacement for lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, which are important for managing diabetes and achieving weight loss.

We recommend speaking to your endocrinologist or PCP before making any changes to your diabetes treatment.