In a new study, people with type 2 diabetes achieved better outcomes by switching medications rather than increasing the dose of their current treatment. The study found that switching from dulaglutide (Trulicity) to tirzepatide (Mounjaro) led to greater improvements in both blood glucose (blood sugar) control and weight loss over 40 weeks.

Dulaglutide and tirzepatide are both injectable medications, typically given once per week, that help lower blood sugar. Dulaglutide works by activating the same receptors as a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Tirzepatide is a newer, dual-action medicine that activates receptors for both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) — two natural hormones that help control blood sugar and appetite. When combined with dietary changes and regular physical activity, these medications have been shown to improve blood sugar levels and support weight loss goals, among other health benefits.

The study included 282 adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels had not been well controlled by taking a low dose of dulaglutide. Participants either increased their dulaglutide dose or switched to tirzepatide. After 40 weeks, those who switched to tirzepatide saw an average A1c reduction of 1.44 percentage points and lost 23.1 pounds (10.5 kilograms). An A1c test shows what your average blood sugar level has been for the past two to three months.

In comparison, people who stayed on dulaglutide — at an increased dose — saw a smaller A1c drop of 0.67 points and lost an average of 7.9 pounds (3.6 kilograms).

The rate of serious side effects, including nausea and diarrhea, was similar in both groups.

Increasing Dosage vs. Switching Treatments: What To Consider

Managing blood sugar and weight is different for everyone living with type 2 diabetes. For some people, increasing the dose of their current medication may be enough. In other cases, switching to a different treatment might offer greater benefits.

In this study, more than half of the people who switched to tirzepatide lost at least 10 percent of their body weight — a level associated with disease-modifying effects in type 2 diabetes. However, doctors emphasize that treatment decisions should also factor in side effects, cost, how well the medication is tolerated, and whether it helps reduce other health risks like heart disease.

Talk to your doctor if your current diabetes treatment isn’t helping you reach your health goals. You may reach your goals by adjusting your dosage or by exploring a different treatment option. Your care team can help you decide what’s best for your needs.

Learn more about treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage type 2 diabetes.

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On DiabetesTeam, the social network for people living with type 2 diabetes and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

Have you ever switched medications to better manage your diabetes? What helped you make that decision? Share your experiences in a comment below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.