Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) confirmed that semaglutide increases insulin secretion by binding to, and activating, the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor. Semaglutide also suppresses glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying, meaning those who take it feel fuller for longer. Other side effects of the medication may include: constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
New research – published in The New England Journal of Medicine – shows that tirzepatide achieved superior results compared to semagutide.
In the 40-week trial, tirzepatide lowered blood sugar levels more than 1mg injectables of semagutide in people with type 2 diabetes.
Participants who had the highest dose of tirzepatide lost 12.4kg compared to 6.2kg for those on semaglutide.
Knowing that obesity is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, and that remission can be achieved via weight loss, the researchers are very excited about the results.
Professor Melanie Davies – a professor of diabetes medicine at the University of Leicester – commented on the findings.
“Head-to-head data like [this is] very exciting, and underscore that, if approved, tirzepatide may be a promising new treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes here in the UK.”
Tirzepatide is currently in phase three of clinical trials for blood glucose (i.e. sugar) management.
The drug is also being investigated as a potential treatment option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Dr Kunal Gulati – a leader in diabetes care at Lilly, Northern Europe (who research and develop innovative medicines) – is chuffed with the “meaningful” results.
“As a leader in diabetes care, Lilly is proud to be researching and developing solutions that can lead to meaningful HbA1C [blood sugar] reductions,” he said.
A 15mg dose of tirzepatide lowered blood sugar levels, on average, by -2.46 percent.
Even a 5mg dose of tirzepatide lowered blood sugar levels by around -2.09 percent.
As with any type of medication, some people still experienced side effects from taking tirzepatide.
A handful of people taking tirzepatide reported “gastrointestinal-related” side effects, including nausea.
Nearly four million people in the UK suffer from type 2 diabetes, stated Diabetes UK.
This is why Dr Gulati is glad tirzepatide has shown some promising results.
If you’re concerned you might have diabetes, the symptoms to look out for include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
Having high blood sugars can damage blood vessels, leading to further health complications.
This is why it’s so important to lower blood sugar levels, and to take any medication that is prescribed to you, including semaglutide.
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