August 14 – A new national health survey has revealed that more than one in four adults in the United States living with diabetes used a GLP-1 medication in 2024. The findings highlight the rapid adoption of this new class of injectable drugs, which have transformed diabetes care and, increasingly, weight management strategies.
The medicines, which include Eli Lilly’s (LLY.N) Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO) Ozempic, were originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes but have also become widely recognized for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss. When prescribed under different brand names such as Zepbound and Wegovy, they are being used by patients who do not have diabetes but are struggling with obesity. Researchers are also studying these drugs for potential benefits in conditions ranging from sleep apnea to heart disease.
According to the survey, use of GLP-1 drugs varied by age but remained significant across the adult population. Among individuals between the ages of 50 and 64, 33.3% reported taking one of the injectable medications. This middle-aged group has long been known to carry a higher burden of type 2 diabetes, which may explain the higher adoption rates. Younger adults between 18 and 34 were also turning to these medications, with 25.3% reporting use. Meanwhile, among adults aged 65 and older, about 20.8% said they had been prescribed a GLP-1 treatment. These numbers suggest that while older patients still rely heavily on insulin and oral medications, many are beginning to embrace newer therapies that offer added benefits beyond blood sugar control.
This was the first year the nationwide survey specifically asked people diagnosed with diabetes whether they were using GLP-1 therapies. Data was gathered through in-person interviews with follow-up phone calls, covering adults aged 18 and older from diverse backgrounds across the country.
The medications mimic the actions of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. By enhancing insulin release, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite, these drugs regulate blood sugar while also helping patients feel fuller for longer. This dual effect explains why GLP-1 therapies have rapidly become some of the most sought-after treatments in modern medicine. For people with type 2 diabetes, the benefits often go beyond glucose control. For many people, these drugs lead to noticeable weight loss, reduced chances of heart problems, and a stronger quality of life. The growing body of evidence has made GLP-1 drugs one of the most disruptive advancements in healthcare in recent decades.
Although these medications are widely used, their high cost remains a significant obstacle for many patients. The list price for a month’s supply of medications such as Mounjaro or Ozempic is around $1,000, putting them out of reach for many patients without robust insurance coverage. Some insurers cover the drugs for diabetes management but not for weight loss, sparking debates about access and fairness. Critics argue that high costs could widen health disparities, leaving certain groups unable to benefit from treatments that are reshaping diabetes care. Manufacturers have defended the prices by pointing to the drugs’ clinical effectiveness and the long-term savings they may provide by reducing complications associated with obesity and diabetes.
The survey also found that GLP-1 drugs are not being used in isolation but rather as part of broader treatment regimens. Roughly 31% of individuals who were already using insulin also reported adding a GLP-1 drug to their therapy. Similarly, about 28% of patients on oral diabetes medications were supplementing with injectables. This integration suggests that healthcare providers increasingly view GLP-1 therapies as complementary rather than replacement treatments.
Usage patterns also differed across ethnic groups. Hispanic adults with diabetes had the highest rate of GLP-1 adoption, at 31.3%. Among adults with diabetes, 26.5% of Black non-Hispanic individuals reported using these medications, while the rate was slightly lower at 26.2% for White non-Hispanic individuals. The lowest adoption was among Asian non-Hispanic adults, at just 12.1%. These differences raise questions about access, cultural acceptance, and potential barriers in healthcare delivery. Lower use among Asian patients, for instance, may point to gaps in availability, awareness, or prescription practices in certain communities.
The findings underscore just how dramatically diabetes management has changed in only a few years. While insulin and oral medications remain essential tools, GLP-1 therapies are increasingly viewed as the new standard for many patients. Their appeal lies not only in their effectiveness but also in the fact that they address multiple health concerns at once. Experts believe the role of GLP-1 drugs will expand even further in the coming years as research explores their benefits for conditions like kidney disease, cardiovascular health, and even addictive behaviors. As adoption grows, however, the question of affordability will remain at the center of policy debates, with patients, doctors, and insurers all seeking sustainable ways to make these therapies accessible.