Tirzepatide Cuts Type 2 Diabetes Risk by 94% and Delivers 22.9% Weight Loss

Eli Lilly announced promising 176-week results from their SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 trial, the longest of its kind, evaluating tirzepatide (Zepbound® and Mounjaro®) for weight loss and delaying type 2 diabetes progression in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting tirzepatide as a powerful tool for managing obesity and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, making it a crucial option for millions of adults worldwide.

What the Study Discovered

The study with 1,032 participants showed tirzepatide reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes progression by 94% and led to an average weight loss of 22.9% at the highest dose.

It also improved insulin use and production.

Over three years—followed by a 17-week off-treatment period—participants regained some weight, but tirzepatide still reduced diabetes risk by 88% compared to placebo.

These results emphasize the potential benefits of tirzepatide for long-term weight management and diabetes prevention.

How Does Tirzepatide Work?

• Tirzepatide works by targeting two hormone receptors—GIP and GLP-1.
• GIP and GLP-1  play a role in regulating appetite and food intake.
• By activating GIP and GLP-1, tirzepatide helps reduce calorie consumption, which leads to significant weight loss.

What is the Safety Profile of Tirzepatide?

The safety profile of tirzepatide was consistent with previous studies, with most side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.

Lilly plans to present these findings at ObesityWeek 2024, which will take place November 2–6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.

WRITTEN BY Daniel Trecroci, POSTED 08/20/24, UPDATED 08/20/24

Dan has written about diabetes for more than 20 years. He was one of Diabetes Health's first recruits, and throughout his 10 + years as Managing Editor he wrote/published thousands of articles and helped establish Diabetes Health as the premiere resource for people with diabetes. He later became the Content Manager for OneTouchGold—Johnson & Johnson/LifeScan’s official digital publication for its metering-technology customers. Under his leadership, OneTouchGold received the Web Marketing Association’s award for “Best Health & Wellness" web site. Dan has also written for the Diabetes Research Institute, dLife, diaTribe, Healthline, CareDx, Pendulum Therapeutics, and Hero Bread.