Mounjaro Tirzepatide Injection – The Latest in A1c Control
Whenever “first in a class” medication is approved by the FDA, it creates a lot of interest and publicity. It was no different when on May 13, 2022 tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was approved for improving glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
Our patients have used so-called “incretin enhancers”, or GLP-1 agonists ever since the first one, Byetta, showed up back in 2005. That required two daily injections before meals. The field then expanded first with Victoza, as a once-daily injection, to weekly injections of Bydureon, Trulicity, and Ozempic, and even a daily pill Rybelsus. This class revolutionized the care of people with diabetes since they not only lower A1c but also can lead to weight loss, have practically no risk of causing hypoglycemia, and several won approvals from the FDA for lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death and also for the treatment of obesity.
Now we are seeing the next stage in addressing the “incretin defect” in those with type 2 diabetes by having Mounjaro (tirzepatide) which is a “dual incretin agonist” or “twincretin”, working on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors and leading, in clinical studies, to even better results in lowering glucose and A1c. Since weight loss observed has been also impressive, a slew of studies are now ongoing among those who need to lose weight but don’t have diabetes to see if it can win FDA nod as a treatment for overweight and obese patients. And, finally, the cardiovascular safety/benefit study is well underway with an expected finish in 2024.
Mounjaro is given as a weekly injection with the same single-use disposable device used for Trulicity. It has been available to our patients since June and we are so excited to see the results our patients experience over time.
Conclusion
Keeping track of all options that would be best for your diabetes management can be overwhelming. However, we hope that you now know you can meet with us at Grunberger Diabetes Institute (GDI) and allow us to guide you through the process to help simplify your glycemic control and reduce any stress you may be feeling around diabetes management.
About Grunberger Diabetes Institute
GDI offers Diabetes and Endocrine management, Medical Nutrition Therapy, as well as our weight management program. Care at GDI is individualized. We treat the patient, not just the ailment. What this means is that each person’s well-being is assessed and their treatment plan includes an improvement of their overall health and quality of life. Schedule with us today and ask for a Diabetes Education Consult.
