Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are dependent on residual beta-cell function and insulin availability, meaning that as Type 2 Diabetes progresses and beta-cell function declines, GLP-1 RAs lose efficacy and patients eventually require insulin therapy.
If you have Type 2 Diabetes, GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic or Trulicity) work by asking your pancreas to make more insulin. If your pancreas is still working well, these drugs are very effective. However, Type 2 Diabetes is progressive, and your pancreas naturally makes less insulin over time. Eventually, these drugs may stop working well enough on their own. At that point, adding insulin is not a failure; it is the necessary next step to keep your blood sugar safe and protect your body from complications.
because GLP-1 RAs are dependent upon beta-cell function and insulin availability, basal insulin and, eventually, prandial insulin are often required due to the progressive nature of T2D
Why this rating
Supported by cohort studies (Jones et al.) and general consensus on T2D pathophysiology (UKPDS data cited).
Source
The Current and Future Role of Insulin Therapy in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review
Janet B. McGill et al. · Diabetes Therapy · 2024
DOI 10.1007/s13300-024-01569-8
More from this paper
- Combining GLP-1 RAs with basal insulin provides superior glycemic management and cardiorenal protection compared to using either therapy alone, while mitigating the side effects of high-dose GLP-1 RAs.Strong
- Discontinuation of GLP-1 RA therapy is associated with significant weight regain, loss of cardiorenal protection, and an increased risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE).Good
Related findings · Hormonal
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