Can GLP-1 Medications Help People With Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity?

Rebecca Guldberg
2 days ago
3 min read

New diabetes guidelines are starting to consider GLP-1 medications—not just for type 2 diabetes, but also for people with type 1 diabetes who struggle with obesity.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body can’t make insulin on its own. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to control their blood sugar. Traditionally, weight gain wasn’t common with type 1, but now many patients are also living with overweight or obesity. (Bloomberg School of Public Health)

What Is a GLP-1 Therapy?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone your body naturally makes to help regulate blood sugar after you eat. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone and:

Help control blood glucose
Slow how fast food leaves the stomach
Reduce appetite, which may lead to weight loss

These drugs are already FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity and include well-known names like semaglutide and liraglutide. (NCBI)

Why Are Doctors Talking About GLP-1s for Type 1 Diabetes?

Recent updates in diabetes care guidelines (from the American Diabetes Association) now open the door for considering GLP-1 therapies in people with type 1 diabetes who also have obesity. This is a shift toward more holistic treatment, focusing not just on blood sugar but overall health outcomes.

Here’s why this matters:

1. Obesity is More Common in Type 1 Diabetes Than You Might Think

Thanks to improved insulin therapy and modern lifestyles, more people with type 1 diabetes are now dealing with overweight or obesity—just like the general population.

2. GLP-1 Drugs Could Offer Added Benefits

Early research shows these therapies might help people with type 1 diabetes:

Lose weight
Improve blood sugar control
Reduce insulin requirements (in some cases)

However, these results are still being investigated, and GLP-1s aren’t officially approved for type 1 diabetes yet in the U.S. (PMC)

Important Safety Notes

Because type 1 diabetes is very different from type 2, there are some important concerns:

GLP-1 drugs don’t replace insulin—they supplement treatment.
Using them with insulin can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or even ketoacidosis if insulin is reduced too much. (diaTribe)
Most research so far has been small or off-label (meaning not officially approved), so doctors proceed with caution.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

Right now:

GLP-1 therapies are approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, but
They are beginning to be considered for some people with type 1 diabetes and obesity, especially when conventional treatment isn’t enough. (Diabetes in Control)

Before anyone with type 1 diabetes starts a GLP-1 medication, they need to talk with their doctor or endocrinologist about benefits, risks, and monitoring.

Bottom Line

GLP-1 medications—originally for type 2 diabetes and obesity—are gaining attention in people with type 1 diabetes who struggle with weight. New diabetes care standards are recognizing this possibility, but more research and careful medical judgment are still needed before these drugs become a standard part of type 1 treatment.

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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health or treatment options.