New research suggests that weight loss injections, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, could be more effective than the traditional diabetes drug metformin in preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. The analysis also indicates that patients using these GLP-1 injections experienced fewer adverse side effects compared to those on metformin.
According to the study, individuals taking GLP-1 injections had a 31% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to those taking metformin. Furthermore, they showed a 41% lower risk of all-cause mortality and experienced fewer instances of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The injections were also associated with a 25% reduction in heart failure cases, a 20% reduction in strokes, and a 15% reduction in heart attacks, along with an 8% decrease in atrial fibrillation.
Experts suggest these findings open the possibility of using these medications for preventative purposes, rather than solely for treating established type 2 diabetes or obesity. Dr. Vinicius de Sousa Barzon Serra, a research fellow at the Mayo Clinic and an author of the study, noted that prediabetes is often reversible and that this research could support earlier consideration of GLP-1 medications for certain patients.
The study examined the medical records of over 250,000 adults diagnosed with obesity and prediabetes. Half of these individuals were using drugs containing semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (found in Mounjaro), while the other half were taking metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes medication.
Researchers believe the significant weight loss associated with these injections may be a key factor in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar levels. While metformin remains a cost-effective first-line treatment, the injections, which can cost up to £300 per month, offer an additional option for prevention.
Robert Eckel, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association, commented that these weight loss jabs "provide another option for prevention." However, the research, which is set to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026, has not yet undergone peer review and was based on medical records, meaning it cannot definitively prove causation. The study authors also cautioned that it cannot prove the drugs directly caused the observed benefits.