What it means
It is the most common form of diabetes. Risk rises with excess weight, inactivity, family history and age. Over years, high blood sugar can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Several GLP-1 medicines were first approved for type 2 diabetes: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Trulicity and Victoza. Others, like Wegovy and Zepbound, are approved for weight management, and type 2 diabetes counts as a weight-related condition for eligibility.
People with diabetes tended to lose somewhat less weight in GLP-1 trials than people without diabetes, so projections differ by group.
Weight loss of 5 to 10% can improve blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol for many people with type 2 diabetes. Some reach normal blood sugar levels without diabetes medicines, though it can return.
Why it matters
Having type 2 diabetes changes which drugs are covered and how much weight loss to expect.
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