A new study revealed that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) significantly reduced the risk of progressing from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes in adults who were diagnosed with obesity. Among participants who received a weekly injection of the drug over three years, only 1.3 percent developed type 2 diabetes, compared to 13.3 percent of those who received a placebo (inactive treatment). This represents a 90 percent risk reduction.

Additionally, participants who received tirzepatide experienced an average body-weight reduction of between 12.3 percent and 19.7 percent depending on their weekly dose, compared to an average of 1.3 percent body-weight loss for participants who received a placebo.

Tirzepatide mimics the action of two natural hormones involved in regulating blood glucose (sugar) and controlling appetite: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By activating both hormone receptors, the drug enhances insulin production, reduces insulin resistance, slows digestion, and suppresses appetite.

A Promising Treatment

Prediabetes, if unmanaged, often progresses to type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with serious complications. Newer drugs including tirzepatide — as well as GLP-1 receptor agonists liraglutide (Victoza) and semaglutide (Ozempic) — have demonstrated promising results in preventing that progression.

Importantly, this category of drug — as with any treatment — can cause side effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain) and injection site reactions like skin discoloration and swelling. Rare but serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder issues, and kidney problems.

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes and obesity, consider speaking with your health care provider about options to prevent long-term health issues.

Learn more about the latest diabetes treatment and research.

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