This week, Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Aundrea Loftley about type 2 diabetes and GLP-1 medications. Dr. Loftley is an Associate Professor of Medicine and an endocrinologist at MUSC.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. It's estimated that 26% of people in the U.S. with type two diabetes are being treated with GLP-1 medications. Doctor Dr. Aundrea Loftley is here to talk about the details. Doctor Loftley is an Associate Professor of Medicine, and she's an endocrinologist at MUSC. Doctor Loftley, tell us about the GLP-1 medications being prescribed now for patients with type two diabetes.
Dr. Loftley: GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, and they're usually given as weekly or daily injections. But there are also pill forms that are available too. And they work in a few ways. So first off, they tell the pancreas to release insulin when the blood sugar is high. They slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, so you feel full longer after you eat. And then they reduce a hormone that would otherwise raise the blood sugar levels. So, if I had to summarize this in plain terms, they help the body regulate blood sugars closer to how it's actually designed to do so.
Conner: Why is this therapy gaining so much attention as a treatment specifically for individuals with type two diabetes.
Dr. Loftley: So, for a few reasons. First off, the GLP-1 medications lower blood sugars really well. Usually as well as or better than some of the older diabetes medications. And second, most people, not all people, but most people lose meaningful weight on GLP-1 therapy. And this matters because a lot of people with type two diabetes are also managing excess weight. And then third, large clinical trials have shown several of these medications actually reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with diabetes. And some also protect the kidneys. So, these have moved well beyond just being blood sugar drugs. And they're now recognized for protecting the heart and kidneys, too.
Conner: And what are the recommendations about which type two diabetes patients might benefit from this therapy?
Dr. Loftley: So, the American Diabetes Association's current standards of care recommend considering a GLP-1 medication early, in some cases right at diagnosis rather than waiting for other medications to fail. And, they're especially recommended for people with type two diabetes who also have heart disease or high cardiovascular risk, chronic kidney disease, obesity, or fatty liver disease.
Conner: If patients have questions about whether they're a good candidate for this type of medication, where should they begin?
Dr. Loftley: You want to start by speaking with the health care professional that's currently helping you manage your diabetes. These medications certainly have tremendous benefits across the board, but they are not for everybody. And so, understanding your profile, understanding your unique needs as a person who is managing diabetes. All of those things are important in helping to determine whether or not you should start a GLP-1. And it is worth mentioning, these are prescription medications that should always be used under medical supervision. These are not meds that I would ever advise you to obtain from an unregulated source, or use without medical supervision.
Conner: Doctor Loftley, thanks for this update regarding type two diabetes treatment.
Dr. Loftley: You're welcome, Bobbi.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm. Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
