This is important news because it means these medications can help a wide range of patients achieve their health goals
GLP-1 medicationsshort for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonistsare prescription drugs that help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar control
Any licensed health care providerincluding primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and specialists such as endocrinologists, cardiologists, and gastroenterologistscan prescribe GLP-1 medications
Studies show that adding lifestyle changes to GLP-1 treatment can reduce cardiovascular risk by up to 43 percent
E., Lavell, J., and Foreman, R
For patients with diabetes, there have been studies showing that medical providers are less likely to prescribe certain medications to commercially insured patients who are Black, than they are to those who are white