Possible doses: Injectable tirzepatide is a glucose lowering drug that is taken once weekly by injection. The weekly dose for the treatment of type 2 diabetes ranges between 2.5 mg to 15 mg.
What it does: In addition to lowering glucose, randomized controlled trials have shown that injectable tirzepatide reduces weight.
How it works: Injectable tirzepatide lowers glucose by increasing the amount of insulin made by the pancreas whenever the glucose level is elevated. It does not increase insulin secretion by the pancreas when the glucose level is normal or low. This drug also causes weight loss, reduces appetite, and can lower blood pressure. Whether it reduces strokes, heart disease, or other serious outcomes is being studied.
Side effects: The drug acts on the brain and the intestines (the gut) as well as on the pancreas. Many people report that their interest in certain types of food changes along with a reduced appetite. The drug also slows how fast the stomach empties, so many people report feeling full quickly after eating. This is less of a problem if people eat their meals slower than usual when starting this drug. Some people report nausea and rarely vomiting. Tirzepatide may also cause diarrhea or constipation which gets better in most people within two months time. Although the drug itself does not cause hypoglycemia, it does increase the effectiveness of the drugs that can cause low blood sugar levels (i.e., hypoglycemia) – insulin and sulfonylurea drugs like gliclazide or glyburide. Therefore, when starting tirzepatide, many patients are advised to reduce any insulin or sulfonylurea drugs that they may also be taking.
Bottom line: Injectable tirzepatide is a safe and effective treatment for diabetes. In addition, many people lose weight. Note that it is also prescribed to reduce weight in people without diabetes. It is not approved for people with type 1 diabetes.
About the author
Hertzel Gerstein
Hertzel is an endocrinologist and professor at McMaster University who is in high demand as a speaker, advocate, and educator on diabetes-related topics. His research focuses on using large, international randomized trials to identify and test new ways of preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing serious health outcomes like strokes and death, and achieving type 2 diabetes remissions.
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