Tirzepatide helps weight loss among people living with type 1 diabetes, research shows

In adults living with type 1 diabetes and obesity, low dose tirzepatide reduced their weight, HbA1c levels and insulin dose requirements, a clinical trial has demonstrated.

Presented at this year’s EASD meeting in Vienna, the study highlighted that tirzepatide may play a role in weight management in adults living with type 1 diabetes and obesity, even at a low dose.

During the TIRTLE1 trial, the team of researchers looked at the health outcomes of 24 adults, all of whom have type 1 diabetes.

Each participant was randomly assigned either tirzepatide or placebo for 12 weeks. In-facility dosing took place, as well as weekly phone support.

The findings have shown that the participants in the tirzepatide group lost more weight than those in the placebo group.

In addition, those in the tirzepatide group saw their HbA1c drop by 0.5 per cent compared to 0.2 per cent among the individuals in the placebo group, the study has reported.

Among the participants in the tirzepatide group, their basal insulin reduced by 25 per cent, while their bolus insulin dropped by 49 per cent, according to the researchers.

All of the people in the tirzepatide group agreed that the study medication helped to address their treatment needs.

Meanwhile, only 37 per cent of those in the placebo group believed that the study medication helped to address their treatment needs.

One participant said: “With the reduction of food noise and time I spend thinking about or making decisions around my sugars, I have more bandwidth to focus on other parts of my life. I hope to be able to stay on this drug for the long-term if not the rest of my life.”

The researchers conclude that studies are needed to assess the mechanisms for rapid tirzepatide-driven metabolic impacts in type 1 diabetes.