Research finds new way to treat diabetes and obesity

A recent breakthrough in medical research offers exciting possibilities for people dealing with diabetes and obesity. This discovery focuses on a group of drugs known as GLP-1R agonists, which are already used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.

However, researchers have uncovered an additional benefit of these medicines that could transform treatment approaches.

To understand this, let’s first look at insulin sensitivity, a key factor in managing blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb sugar from the blood to use as energy. When cells respond well to insulin, blood sugar levels remain stable.

However, in type 2 diabetes, cells lose their ability to respond to insulin, leading to a condition called insulin resistance. Improving insulin sensitivity is crucial because it allows insulin to work properly and helps control blood sugar.

GLP-1R agonists, such as liraglutide, are medications that improve blood sugar control by increasing the body’s insulin production. Another type of medicine, DPP-4 inhibitors, helps the body use its natural GLP-1 hormones more effectively. Together, these drugs are powerful tools in managing diabetes.

Dr. Mona Mashayekhi, an expert in diabetes and metabolism, recently shared a groundbreaking discovery. She found that liraglutide can quickly improve insulin sensitivity in people with obesity and pre-diabetes, even without weight loss.

This is surprising because weight loss is typically thought to be the main way to enhance insulin sensitivity. Liraglutide appears to have a direct effect on the cells that respond to insulin.

In a recent study involving 88 participants with obesity and pre-diabetes, researchers tested the effects of liraglutide, a DPP-4 inhibitor called sitagliptin, and diet-induced weight loss. The study used a crossover design, meaning participants switched treatments, allowing researchers to compare the effects of each method on the same individuals.

The results were striking. Liraglutide significantly improved insulin sensitivity within just two weeks, even before participants lost any weight. This quick response highlights liraglutide’s unique ability to directly influence how cells process insulin.

This discovery is particularly exciting because GLP-1R agonists are already widely used to help lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. Their ability to directly improve insulin sensitivity adds another layer to their benefits, making them even more valuable for treating diabetes and obesity.

Dr. Mashayekhi’s previous research also showed that liraglutide can reduce inflammation and improve heart health, benefits that sitagliptin or diet alone did not provide. These findings align with what many doctors observe in clinical practice—GLP-1R agonists can reduce the risk of heart problems in patients with diabetes.

The research team plans to conduct further studies to explore how these drugs work to improve insulin sensitivity independently of weight loss. Understanding their mechanisms could lead to better, more personalized treatments for diabetes and obesity.

This progress offers hope for millions of people living with these conditions. By tailoring treatments to address individual needs, researchers aim to improve outcomes and reduce the health risks associated with diabetes and obesity.

If you’re interested in diabetes management, other studies suggest that eating more eggs may be linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while following a Mediterranean diet could reduce diabetes risk by as much as one-third.

Research also highlights the importance of balanced nutrition to lower the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.

These findings were published in the journal Diabetes and represent an exciting step forward in understanding and treating these widespread health challenges.

If you care about weight loss, please read studies that hop extract could reduce belly fat in overweight people, and early time-restricted eating could help lose weight.

For more health information, please see recent studies about a simple path to weight loss, and results showing a non-invasive treatment for obesity and diabetes.