Summary: A recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care has shed light on an intriguing trend in the prescription and adherence rates of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight management and diabetes treatment. Researchers found that patients under the care of endocrinologists were significantly less likely to discontinue their GLP-1 therapy compared to those treated by primary care physicians or other healthcare providers.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers from several leading medical institutions, analyzed data from a large nationwide claims database, encompassing over 100,000 patients prescribed GLP-1 agonists between 2018 and 2022. The findings revealed that the discontinuation rate within the first year was approximately 35% among patients treated by primary care physicians, compared to only 20% for those under the care of endocrinologists.
Endocrinologists are specialists who focus on hormonal disorders, including diabetes and obesity, and have extensive experience in managing complex metabolic conditions. The researchers suggest that this expertise may contribute to better patient education, more effective management of side effects, and a deeper understanding of the long-term benefits of GLP-1 therapies, ultimately leading to improved adherence.
Additionally, the study highlighted the potential impact of provider-patient communication and shared decision-making on treatment outcomes. Endocrinologists may be better equipped to address patients’ concerns, manage expectations, and collaborate on personalized treatment plans, fostering a stronger commitment to the prescribed therapy.
While the study did not directly investigate the reasons behind the observed differences, the authors emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing education for healthcare providers to optimize the use of GLP-1 medications and improve patient outcomes in the management of obesity, diabetes, and related conditions.
