Differences in the use of GLP-1 among different populations, how to use it in combination, and what are the dual uses? (Simeglutide, Tilpotide)
GLP-1 has become a "star drug" due to its dual effects of sugar control and weight reduction. Last year, more than 1/4 adult diabetes patients in the United States used this type of injection drug, which has a very high clinical popularity.
1、 There is a significant difference in the usage rate among the population
The data comes from a nationwide survey conducted in the United States in 2024 (with the first addition of GLP-1 usage inquiries), and there are significant differences in usage rates among different populations
Age group: Patients aged 50-64 have the highest usage rate (33.3%), those aged 18-34 have 25.3%, and those aged 65 and above have the lowest usage rate (20.8%), which is related to the risk of complications and medication conservatism.
Ethnicity: Hispanic individuals have the highest usage rate (31.3%), while non Hispanic black and white individuals have similar usage rates (26.5%, 26.2%). Non Hispanic Asian individuals have the lowest usage rate (12.1%), possibly due to differences in medical insurance coverage, drug acceptance, and other factors.
2、 Dual use of sugar control and weight loss as drugs
Lilly: tirzepatide, Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss;
Novo Nordisk: semaglutide, the name of diabetes is Ozempic, and the name of weight loss is Wegovy.
Core mechanism: Simulating natural hormones in the human body, delaying gastric digestion, prolonging satiety, achieving sugar control and weight loss, and exploring potential applications in cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, and other fields.
3、 Currently, combination therapy is becoming a trend
31% of patients who use insulin also use GLP-1;
28% of patients taking oral hypoglycemic drugs also use GLP-1, which can enhance glycemic control and reduce single drug side effects (such as insulin weight gain and gastrointestinal irritation from oral medication).
4、 Price and counterfeit drug issues are risks
High price: The monthly average price is about $1000, which puts great economic pressure on those who do not have sufficient medical insurance coverage, leading to pricing disputes.
There are many counterfeit drugs in the market, such as "knockoff oral versions", which contain unknown harmful ingredients and pose risks of hypoglycemia and liver damage.
