Medications
Mounjaro for Type 2 Diabetes: Blood Sugar, A1c, and What to Know
Tirzepatide improves diabetes control. Learn about benefits, monitoring, and hypoglycaemia risks.
Well Revolution
February 5, 2026
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was originally developed for type 2 diabetes before its weight loss benefits became apparent. Here's what people with diabetes need to know.
How Mounjaro Helps Diabetes
Tirzepatide improves blood sugar control through several mechanisms:
- Enhanced insulin secretion: Stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high
- Reduced glucagon: Decreases the hormone that raises blood sugar
- Slowed gastric emptying: Reduces blood sugar spikes after meals
- Weight loss: Improves insulin sensitivity as excess weight reduces
What the Research Shows
In clinical trials for diabetes (the SURPASS program), tirzepatide demonstrated:
- Significant HbA1c reductions (often 2% or more)
- Many patients achieving target HbA1c levels
- Substantial weight loss alongside glucose improvements
- Improvements in cardiovascular risk factors
Hypoglycaemia Risk
An important consideration: Mounjaro on its own has a low risk of causing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). However, the risk increases significantly if you're also taking:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, gliclazide)
If you take these medications, your doctor may need to reduce your doses when starting Mounjaro to prevent dangerous blood sugar drops.
Signs of Hypoglycaemia
- Shakiness or trembling
- Sweating
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hunger
Know how to recognise and treat low blood sugar before starting treatment.
Monitoring Requirements
If you have diabetes, you'll typically need more intensive monitoring:
- More frequent blood sugar checks (especially initially)
- HbA1c testing every 3 months
- Regular review of all diabetes medications
- Kidney function monitoring (especially if GI side effects cause dehydration)
Mounjaro With Other Diabetes Medications
Mounjaro can be used alone or with other diabetes treatments:
- Metformin: Commonly used together; generally safe combination
- SGLT2 inhibitors: Can be combined with careful monitoring
- Insulin: May be combined but doses often need reduction
- Other GLP-1 medications: Should NOT be combined
Benefits Beyond Blood Sugar
For people with diabetes, Mounjaro offers benefits beyond glucose control:
- Weight loss (which further improves diabetes)
- Potential reduction in cardiovascular risk
- Improved blood pressure and cholesterol
- Possible reduction in fatty liver disease
Is It Right for You?
Mounjaro may be a good option if you:
- Have type 2 diabetes requiring better control
- Would benefit from weight loss
- Haven't achieved targets with current medications
- Can commit to monitoring and follow-up
It requires a comprehensive discussion with your diabetes care team to ensure safe integration with your existing management plan.
Get Diabetes-Informed Care
At Well Revolution, our doctors understand the complexities of prescribing weight loss medications for people with diabetes. Start a consultation to discuss whether Mounjaro is right for your situation.
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