The Connection Between Weight Loss Medication and Diabetes

When living with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, addressing excess weight is often one of the most effective forms of long-term management. In fact, research shows that obesity is one of the leading contributors to insulin resistance, which can make it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar naturally. Weight loss, therefore, is a significant part of diabetes management for most patients, but it's not always easy. Several things can make it challenging to lose weight, from genetics to lifestyle habits. Yet, in the last few years, there have been promising results from weight loss medications. But how do weight loss medications affect diabetes exactly? Here, we'll shed some light on the relationship between the two and how GLP-1 agonists can add to a robust diabetes management plan.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Weight

The connection between diabetes and weight is undeniable. Extra body fat, particularly around the abdomen, interferes with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. This results in insulin resistance, which forces the pancreas to produce more and more insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. Over time, this strain can lead to type 2 diabetes, making weight management a cornerstone of diabetes prevention and care.

Studies have shown that shedding even a modest 5-10% body weight can enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting blood sugar levels, and lower A1C levels. Weight loss also reduces the risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and neuropathy. The degree to which improvements occur tends to be proportional to the amount of weight loss. This is why many people are looking into diabetes drugs that help with weight loss.

Some Common Weight Loss Medications Used Today

Weight loss medications work in various ways to manage weight and control glucose. Some suppress appetite by targeting hunger hormones, while others alter how the body processes sugar and fat. Among the most widely used are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which mimic hormones that regulate appetite and insulin production. These drugs, including Ozempic® and Wegovy®, not only help lower blood sugar levels but also promote significant weight loss, making them a dual-purpose option for managing diabetes.

A semaglutide (the weight loss drugs listed above) is usually taken as an injection, but there is also one that's prescribed in pill form—Rybelsus. The variation in administrative techniques allows individuals to work with their doctor and find the best option for their circumstances. Other types of weight loss drugs are a bit different from GLP-1 agonists.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a dual-acting GLP-1/GIP agonist, which is similar to GLP-1 agonists, except that the GIP agonist also promotes insulin sensitivity.

Another notable category is sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which reduce blood sugar by encouraging the kidneys to excrete glucose through urine. Although their weight loss effects are less pronounced, they contribute to better glycemic control and can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Medications like appetite suppressants and lipase inhibitors also play a role but are often less commonly used for diabetes-specific care. Instead, they're used with the primary goal of causing weight loss

The Relationship Between Weight Loss Medications and Diabetes

Although diabetes medications like GLP-1 agonists weren't created solely for the purpose of weight loss, many found this one of the common side effects. This led to the creation of a branch of medications approved for weight loss in individuals without diabetes. However, there are still several different ways that weight loss medications positively affect diabetes, some of which include the following:

Improved Satiety and Hunger Control

Wei Many weight loss medications slow gastric emptying, which allows you to feel full for longer periods. This can help reduce intake and hunger between meals. Additionally, studies have shown that many people with diabetes have an abnormal regulation of the hormone amylin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and food intake. Without enough of this hormone, hunger cues are disrupted and tend to be stronger and often overwhelming.  Weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists interact with the brain’s regulatory centers, which helps reduce unbalanced hunger signals.

Improved Glycemic Control

Weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, help stabilize blood sugar levels. These medications stimulate insulin release when glucose levels rise, ensuring that blood sugar remains within a healthy range. Simultaneously, they suppress the secretion of glucagon—a hormone that typically raises blood sugar—and slow down the rate at which the stomach empties. This combination prevents post-meal sugar spikes, which are common for individuals with diabetes. With improved glycemic control and reduced insulin spikes, we see less free insulin in the bloodstream. Therefore, the body becomes less prone to storing fat and more efficient at burning fat, leading to improved weight loss outcomes.

Reduced Insulin Resistance

Excess weight makes it harder for cells to respond to insulin, a hormone crucial for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Medication can alleviate this resistance by promoting weight loss, making it easier for the body to use insulin effectively. This improved insulin sensitivity often translates to better glycemic control and a reduced need for other diabetes medications.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to heart disease, with high blood sugar and weight both contributing to cardiovascular risks. Weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, have shown benefits in reducing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. These drugs not only lower blood sugar and promote weight loss but also have direct effects on heart health, providing comprehensive benefits for individuals with diabetes. However, the decreased risk of cardiovascular events could result from weight loss and improved insulin control, so diabetes drugs are not necessarily a stand-alone preventative tool for cardiovascular events.

Who Can Benefit from Weight Loss Medications?

Weight loss medications are typically recommended for individuals who meet specific criteria. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved weight loss drugs for individuals who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher with an obesity-related health condition.
• Have any form of diabetes.
• Have been unable to lose at least 5% of their body weight in three to six months with lifestyle changes alone

Additionally, these medications may be prescribed to people with diabetes who struggle to manage their blood sugar despite following a healthy diet, exercising, and using other diabetes treatments.

The Importance of Integrating Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss With Lifestyle Changes

Medications that affect body weight can be helpful in long-term diabetes care, but they shouldn't be considered an easy fix. It's still important to follow a diabetes management plan that includes healthy foods, physical activity, stress management, and more. Doing so can help maintain a healthy weight over time, thus improving overall diabetes care.

For example, a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables is essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels and supporting weight loss. Regular exercise, whether walking, swimming, or strength training, further enhances insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. Weight loss medications are a great way to complement your efforts, but they should not replace the foundational elements necessary to treat type 2 diabetes. If you have any questions or concerns about your current plan, talk to your diabetes specialist today.

What to Know About Weight Loss Drugs and Diabetes Management

Many common diabetes medications are used for weight loss today, but it's important to understand that that's not why they were created. Regardless, millions of people are using them to address obesity, reduce their risk of developing diabetes, reverse prediabetes, and continue helping people with type 2 diabetes decrease body weight and improve insulin function.

While these medications are not a cure, they do provide a valuable tool for individuals struggling to manage their diabetes through lifestyle changes alone. Combining these treatments with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ongoing medical supervision can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications. However, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine whether or not you're a good candidate for GLP-1 receptor agonists or other diabetes medications.

Your doctor will also help you better understand how to adjust your current diabetes management plan based on the introduction of weight loss medications. You may need to reduce other diabetes medications to avoid low blood sugar. Your dose and timing of diabetes medications will also need to be altered to accommodate the rate of digestion while on weight loss medications. To ensure that you are staying healthy and balanced while losing weight, it’s recommended to work with a nutritionist.

If you do begin using one of these types of diabetes medications for weight loss, talk to your doctor about pairing it with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The relationship between CGM systems and GLP-1 medications is positive and offers unique opportunities for diabetes management.

Byram Healthcare carries a wide range of continuous blood glucose monitors. We also offer diabetes support and educational materials to give you everything you need for comprehensive care.