Paradigm Shifts in GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use Among Patients with T2 in the USA

What's the Story?

About 10% of Americans have Type 2 diabetes (T2), often along with obesity and heart disease. As treatment strategies evolve, GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a widely adopted therapeutic option.

Our latest analysis reveals how the characteristics and expectations of people with T2 embarking on GLP-1 therapy have evolved over the last three years, highlighting key trends shaping today’s treatment landscape.

Study Findings

Changes in Health Profiles of T2s New to a GLP-1
Changes in Reasons for Initiating a GLP-1 Among New T2 Users
(from 2021 to 2024)
  • From 2021 to 2024, more T2s starting GLP-1 therapy had HbA1c ≤7 (46% to 58%, p<0.05), while BMI stayed constant. This suggests that a rising number of new GLP-1 users with T2 are initiating therapy with stronger glycemic control.

  • In 2024, fewer T2s began GLP-1 therapy for glycemic control (84% to 75%, p<0.05) or hyperglycemia prevention (42% to 32%, p<0.05), while more cited weight loss as a primary goal (59% to 70%, p<0.05). This shift highlights weight loss as an increasingly important driver for T2s to start GLP-1 therapy.
  • Heart risk reduction remained a stable motivator for GLP-1 use (22% to 26%, p<0.05) from 2021 to 2024. However, among at-risk T2s not using GLP-1s, 39% never discussed them with their provider, 21% were unaware of heart benefits, and 46% believed their current medications addressed CVD risk. This underscores a significant gap in understanding the cardiovascular advantages of GLP-1s among the T2 population.

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