Many people with type 2 diabetes have had real success with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). These drugs help lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and support weight loss — which can make managing diabetes noticeably easier day to day.
That said, they're not a perfect fit for Show Full Answer
Many people with type 2 diabetes have had real success with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). These drugs help lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and support weight loss — which can make managing diabetes noticeably easier day to day.
That said, they're not a perfect fit for everyone. A large study found that nearly half of people with type 2 diabetes stopped taking GLP-1 medications within a year. The most common reasons included:
- Digestive side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- High cost or insurance barriers
- Personal preference or other challenges
The good news? Among those who stopped, nearly half restarted within a year — often after noticing weight regain or blood sugar changes. When someone stops taking a GLP-1 medication, the effects tend to reverse over time. Appetite usually returns to its previous level, which can lead to weight regain, and blood sugar control may worsen without the medication's support.
If side effects or cost are making it hard to stay on track, it's worth talking to a healthcare provider before stopping. They may be able to adjust the dose, switch medications, or explore assistance programs to help make treatment more manageable.
May 20