I sat down with Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator Diana Isaacs to dig into one of the biggest shifts happening right now in diabetes care and weight management — the rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs have become headline news, but beyond the hype, I wanted to understand how they actually work, why they’re effective, and what they mean for people living with diabetes.

Diana explained that Ozempic and similar medications mimic hormones our bodies naturally produce — specifically GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and, in some cases, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones help regulate insulin secretion, slow down digestion, and send signals to the brain that promote fullness. The result is smoother glucose levels after meals and reduced appetite — a combination that can help with both blood sugar management and weight loss.

For people with type 2 diabetes, these drugs can dramatically improve A1C levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Diana mentioned that some studies are even exploring their role in people with type 1 diabetes, though the research is still early. Beyond blood sugar control, users often experience significant weight reduction, which in turn helps improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health overall.

But it’s not all straightforward. We also cover accessibility and cost, two huge barriers for many who could benefit from these drugs. Insurance coverage varies widely, and shortages have made it difficult for patients to stay consistent with treatment. There’s also an ongoing debate about how long these medications should be taken — are they lifelong, or can their effects be maintained after stopping?

Still, the potential is undeniable. The development of GLP-1 and GIP drugs marks one of the most important advances in diabetes care in decades. And with more combination therapies in the pipeline, the future of these medications looks even more promising — potentially pairing with insulin or other glucose-lowering agents to create fully personalized treatments.

If you want to hear Diana’s full breakdown — from how these drugs interact with insulin to what’s next for GLP-1 therapy — check out my full conversation in the video linked below, or listen to the podcast episode above.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.