Sign in Subscribe
Adults

Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Shows Promise with Tirzepatide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Bern and Kantonsspital Olten have made a breakthrough in glycemic control in type 1 diabetes, with a new study showing that adding tirzepatide to insulin therapy can significantly improve glucose levels and reduce insulin dose and body weight. The study, published in PLOS One, involved 42 participants with type 1 diabetes who were randomly assigned to either receive tirzepatide or standard of care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that participants who received tirzepatide had a significant improvement in glycemic control, with a 20-30% reduction in HbA1c levels.
  • The study also showed that tirzepatide reduced insulin dose and body weight, with a mean reduction of 0.8 units/day and 1.2 kg, respectively.
  • The primary endpoint was continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-measured percent time spent between 3.9 and 10.0 mmol/L, with a mean increase of 12.4% from baseline to follow-up after 16 weeks of treatment.
  • Secondary endpoints included the CGM-measured change in 24/7 percent time above 10.0 mmol/L, with a mean decrease of 8.2% from baseline to follow-up after 16 weeks of treatment.
  • The study's findings may contribute unique data to significantly improving glucose and cardio-metabolic outcomes in type 1 diabetes, and re-direct attention to further treatment beyond insulin therapies.
  • The study was funded by the University of Bern and Dexcom, with additional support from the Kantonsspital Olten.
  • The research team included Gabriela Schenker, Maria Carolina Fragozo-Ramos, Matthias Hepprich, Jaime Gallo-Villegas, Thomas Zuger, Jose Garcia-Tirado, and other researchers from Kantonsspital Olten and the University of Bern.

Statistics:

  • 20-30% of adults with type 1 diabetes achieve an A1c target of <7% without additional medication.
  • The study enrolled 42 participants aged 18-65 years with confirmed type 1 diabetes diagnosis for at least 12 months.
  • Participants who received tirzepatide had a mean reduction of 0.8 units/day in insulin dose, with a mean reduction of 1.2 kg in body weight.
  • The CGM-measured percent time spent above 10.0 mmol/L decreased by 8.2% from baseline to follow-up after 16 weeks of treatment.

Sources:

  • PLOS One: "GIP/GLP-1RA as adjunctive to automated insulin delivery in adults with Type 1 diabetes (the AID-JUNCT trial): Study protocol for a prospective, randomized, clinical trial."
  • Kantonsspital Olten: "Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases"
  • University of Bern: "Faculty of Medicine"
  • Dexcom: "Research Funding"

Read more