Incretin-based therapies, such as GLP-1s and GIPs, have transformed treatment for people with Type II Diabetes (T2D) and obesity. In turn, many clinicians have harnessed these medications to help patients achieve greater weight loss and improved glycemic control. As GLP-1/GIP use continues to rise, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center Member Dr. Kathleen Robinson, MD, PhD, wanted to examine whether medical consultations affect treatment outcomes for patients undergoing incretin therapy. 

In a recent publication in Obesity Science and Practice, Robinson compared A1C, weight, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol among UI Health Care patients prescribed incretin therapy, with particular attention to their engagement in medical consultations. 

The project grouped subjects according to the care they received during the study period. Authors categorized those who visited the Weight Management clinic at least once, in addition to receiving standard diabetes care, as the DM + WM group; those who received diabetes care only were categorized as the DM group. 

The study found that people in both groups experienced significant weight loss and improvements in hemoglobin A1c and LDL cholesterol levels over five years. However, people who attended at least 4 weight management visits achieved greater weight loss. Meanwhile, those who attended only one weight management consultation experienced less weight loss than those who received standard diabetes care alone. 

While emphasizing the benefits of diabetes consultations, Robinson notes that it is challenging for clinicians to cover the full range of topics most beneficial to people struggling with T2D and weight loss. 

“The American Diabetes Association recommends addressing weight for patients with diabetes, but there are so many things to manage in those visits that it becomes very difficult to have a detailed conversation about lifestyle changes, and weight in and of itself,” Robinson said. “Patients who have supportive care from a diabetes provider see benefits, but having a separate weight management specialist can help them dig into the weight management side of their diabetes. In weight management, we use different strategies to address lifestyle change.” The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center is proud to recognize FOEDRC faculty member Kathleen Robinson, MD, PhD, and her and her coauthors groundbreaking work. A link to the study’s abstract can be found at here.