|
In 2023, about 12% of the U.S. population was estimated to have diabetes, and roughly one in four cases were likely undiagnosed [1]. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by dysregulated blood sugar control. Its causes can vary: Type 1 diabetes stems from an autoimmune disorder; type 2 results from reduced insulin production or sensitivity (insulin being the "hormonal key" that allows sugar into the body's cells); and gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. Given the disease's substantial cost and quality-of-life burden—an estimated $412.9 billion annually in the United States, plus complications like neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease [2]—improving diabetes prevention and treatment remains a public health priority.
GLP-1 receptor agonist-containing therapies have emerged as a promising diabetes prevention tool. A recent systematic review suggests that these medications can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by roughly half in high-risk adults with obesity or overweight, though the benefit varies by the medication being used [3]. At the same time, a multimodal approach that combines established pharmacotherapies for diabetes prevention with dietary monitoring and support provided by a dietitian has been shown to produce even greater and more sustainable blood sugar control [4]. Whether nutrition support offers the same benefit for users of newer GLP-1 therapies is less clear. Most current guidance is extrapolated from other patient populations rather than GLP-1 users specifically [5], though evidence in this area is evolving quickly.
ODS aims to help close this gap by hosting a virtual workshop, GLP-1 Containing Medications, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements: Assessment, Monitoring, and Sustaining Health Outcomes for People with Obesity in February 2027. Discussions will focus on (1) understanding current evidence on nutrition-related indicators and outcomes, (2) identifying opportunities to improve nutrition care, and (3) establishing recommendations for integrating nutrition and other nonpharmacological strategies into care for both adult and pediatric users of GLP-1 medications. Interested workshop attendees can also help inform the discussion during pre-workshop webinars. More information on registration will be coming soon.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report . Updated September 16, 2026. Accessed October 30, 2026.
2. Parker ED, Lin J, Mahoney T, et al. Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2022. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(1):26-32.
3. Tsironikos GI, Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, et al. Effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 Inhibitors in Preventing T2DM in High-Risk Patients: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Clin Diabetes Healthc. 2025;6:1694808.
4. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1):S50-S58.
5. Dobbie LJ, Tolvanan L, Alves D, et al. Nutritional, Functional, and Psychological Considerations for Incretin-Based Therapies in Adults—An EASO, EFAD, and ECPO Consensus Statement. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2026;14(9):754-777.
|