GLP-1 Agonists – Why All the Hype?

If you read the news or are on social media, you likely have heard at least a little about a class of medications, called GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1.  GLP-1 agonists have received a lot of attention for their ability to cause weight loss, but their main use is to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). Some examples of GLP-1 agonists you may have heard of are Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), Exenatide (Byetta), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), and Liraglutide (Victoza).

In people with T2D, these medications effectively lower blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and have additional benefits for heart health and kidney function.  While GLP-1 agonists are only approved for people with T2D currently, researchers believe people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may see similar benefits.

GLP-1 Agonists in Type 1 Diabetes

Although GLP-1 agonists are not yet approved for the treatment of T1D, there is increased interest in exploring their use for glucose and weight control, as well as for their possible protective effects on the heart and kidney.  Here’s why they might be beneficial:

• Weight management: GLP-1 agonists delay digestion, ensuring that nutrients from food are released gradually. This prevents rapid blood sugar spikes after meals. The slowed stomach transit time also leads to a feeling of fullness, causing people generally to eat less and thus lose weight.  Weight gain is an issue for many people with T1D, particularly since insulin itself can cause weight gain.
• Improved glucose control: In T2D, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin.  Research suggests that these medications may lower A1C levels and enhance glucose regulation in T1D, as well.
• Glucagon suppression: GLP-1 agonists inhibit glucagon secretion, thereby preventing excessive sugar release from the liver into the bloodstream.
• Heart and kidney protection: Researchers think that the protective effects of GLP-1 agonists seen in patients with T2D may be seen similarly in patients with T1D. Given a lack of medications to treat these long-term complications in those living with T1D, this benefit would be very exciting.

GIP Agonists – What Do They Do?

GIP or Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide is another hormone that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. There is an emerging class of drug that combines GLP-1 and GIP agonists in one medication. Similar to the expected benefit of GLP-1 agonists in treating people with T1D, researchers think that a combination of GLP-1/GIP alongside insulin may provide improved glucose and weight control in T1D.

GLP-1/GIP Clinical Trial Enrolling Now!

Currently, there is one GLP-1/GIP medication FDA approved for glucose and weight control in diabetes: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Currently, Tirzepatide is only approved for T2D and is not yet approved for the treatment of T1D. However, other similar medications are being developed and investigated, including for the treatment of T1D.

We are very fortunate that one of these new GLP-1/GIP medications is being studied in a T1D clinical trial at Rainier Clinical Research Center in Seattle!  Please consider enrolling in this trial, as we continue to push forward to increase glucose control, improve weight management, and reduce long-term complications of those living with T1D.

Qualified Participants Must:
• Be a generally healthy adult with no tobacco use
• Have A1C levels between 7%-10%
• Be using a CGM within 3 months
• Have a BMI ≥ 27 and not be using any weight loss supplements within 6 months

Additional criteria apply

Qualified Participants May:
• Receive access to study professionals
• Receive up to $1800 compensation for time and travel
• Have access to study medications

If you are interested, you can find details here for the Carmot GLP-1/GIP T1D Study

You can also contact RCRC at:

Phone: 1-425-251-1720
Email: recruitment@rainier-research.com