Clinicians should engage in shared decision-making, discussing the benefits of improved glycemic control and weight loss against potential adverse effects, cost considerations (tirzepatide is significantly more expensive than generic metformin), and injection requirements
Most major insurersincluding UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cignarequire that GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide be prescribed for type 2 diabetes first, with weight loss treated as a secondary benefit
If symptoms persist beyond 812 weeks despite appropriate management, or if they significantly impair quality of life, referral for further assessment may be warranted
Heres why considering semaglutide can be an investment in your overall health and well-being
Important Context About These Numbers These are averages from clinical trials, which means some people lost more and some lost less