Eli Lilly Announces Tirzepatide Cuts Diabetes Risk by 94% in Three-Year Study
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Eli Lilly and Company has announced encouraging results from a three-year study of its drug tirzepatide, which is used for long-term weight management and to delay the onset of diabetes. The study showed that weekly injections of tirzepatide dramatically reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 94% in adults who have pre-diabetes and are either obese or overweight, compared to those who received a placebo.
In addition to lowering diabetes risk, tirzepatide also led to significant and sustained weight loss over the course of the study. Participants taking the highest dose (15 mg) lost an average of 22.9% of their body weight, compared to just 2.1% in the placebo group.
"Obesity is a chronic disease that puts nearly 900 million adults worldwide at an increased risk of other complications such as type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Jeff Emmick, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Lilly. "Tirzepatide reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 94% and resulted in sustained weight loss over the three-year treatment period. These data reinforce the potential clinical benefits of long-term therapy for people living with obesity and pre-diabetes."
The SURMOUNT-1 study included 1,032 adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight. Participants were treated for 176 weeks, about three years, followed by a 17-week period without treatment. During the off-treatment period, some participants who had stopped taking tirzepatide began to regain weight and showed an increase in the progression to type 2 diabetes, though the overall reduction in diabetes risk remained significant.
The safety profile of tirzepatide was consistent with earlier studies, with the most common side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
Tirzepatide works by activating hormone receptors that help regulate appetite and calorie intake, leading to decreased calorie consumption and improved insulin sensitivity. This combination makes tirzepatide effective in both weight management and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Eli Lilly plans to present the full study results at ObesityWeek 2024, which will take place in early November, and submit them to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.
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