GLP-1 Drugs and Type 1 Diabetes: What Research Shows About a Promising Add-On Treatment

For over a century, insulin has been the cornerstone of type 1 diabetes treatment. Today, advances in continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems have transformed daily management for many people. Now researchers are exploring whether GLP-1 receptor agonists—a class of medications that has revolutionized type 2 diabetes and obesity care—could serve as a helpful add-on therapy for people with type 1 diabetes.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that work by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. These drugs slow digestion, help regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss. Since exenatide was introduced in 2005, several versions have been developed, including newer dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists that work on two related hormone systems.

While GLP-1 drugs have shown remarkable benefits in type 2 diabetes and obesity, regulatory approval for type 1 diabetes use has not yet been granted. However, early research suggests these medications may help people with type 1 diabetes use their insulin more effectively when used together.

A landmark randomized controlled trial published in 2025 tested semaglutide (a GLP-1 drug) combined with automated insulin delivery systems in adults with type 1 diabetes. Twenty-four participants completed the study, which compared semaglutide to placebo over two treatment periods of 4 weeks each.

The results showed that semaglutide improved time spent in the target blood sugar range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) by an average of 4.8 percentage points compared to placebo. Importantly, this improvement occurred without an increase in severe low blood sugar episodes. During the trial, no cases of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia occurred, though two participants experienced episodes of euglycemic ketosis—a rare condition where ketones rise without significant blood sugar elevation—during semaglutide use.

Other clinical trials currently recruiting participants are investigating whether GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP medications might reduce the burden of carbohydrate counting—one of the most challenging daily tasks for people with type 1 diabetes. These ongoing studies aim to enroll participants in Canada, Switzerland, and other locations.

Even with modern insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, many people with type 1 diabetes struggle to maintain steady blood sugar levels. GLP-1 drugs may help by slowing how quickly food moves through the digestive system, reducing after-meal blood sugar spikes, and lowering overall insulin requirements.

For some people, this combination approach might mean less time spent counting carbohydrates at each meal—a significant quality-of-life consideration. Additionally, weight management is a concern for some individuals with type 1 diabetes, and GLP-1 drugs have demonstrated weight loss benefits.

However, it is important to note that GLP-1 drugs are being studied as adjunctive therapy—meaning they work alongside insulin, not instead of it. People with type 1 diabetes will continue to require insulin therapy for life.

A 2026 consensus report highlighted that while GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists have strong safety and efficacy records in type 2 diabetes and obesity, their use in type 1 diabetes requires careful study. The main safety concerns being investigated are the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia-related ketosis when these medications are started.

Currently, these drugs are only officially approved for type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, and certain liver conditions. Regulatory approval for type 1 diabetes has not yet been granted, primarily because the number of rigorous clinical trials in type 1 diabetes populations remains limited. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are ongoing or in planning stages.

For people with type 1 diabetes interested in these developments, the key takeaway is that research is moving forward, but these medications should only be used under medical supervision as part of an approved clinical trial or, in some cases, through individual clinical decision-making with healthcare providers. Anyone considering off-label use should have a detailed discussion with their diabetes care team about potential benefits and risks.

Origin: YouTube / MGB MEDIZIN (Video report). Evidence: Video report, corroborated with 5 indexed studies. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.