Ozempic and Mounjaro May Outperform Metformin in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes, Study Finds

Could popular weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro help prevent type 2 diabetes more effectively than metformin? New research suggests that GLP-1-based medications may significantly reduce diabetes risk among people with obesity and prediabetes, while potentially offering additional cardiovascular benefits.

The preliminary findings are expected to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, taking place from November 6 to 9 in Chicago.

Researchers analysed health records from more than 250 adults with obesity and prediabetes, comparing those receiving GLP-1-based treatments and related medications with patients taking metformin.

The medications examined included semaglutide, used in Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro.

The findings revealed that participants receiving these newer medications had a 31% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those taking metformin.

Importantly, patients receiving GLP-1-based and related treatments also had a 50% higher relative likelihood of returning to normal blood glucose levels.

Researchers observed potential cardiovascular benefits, including a 41% lower risk of death from any cause and a 25% lower risk of heart failure.

The analysis also found associations with a 20% lower risk of stroke, a 15% lower risk of heart attack and an 8% lower risk of atrial fibrillation.

Researchers suggested that improvements in body weight, insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation may help explain these associations.

Semaglutide acts through GLP-1 receptors, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, influencing appetite and metabolic regulation.

However, the study was observational and could not establish that these medications directly prevented diabetes or cardiovascular complications.

The findings have also not yet undergone peer review or publication in a scientific journal.

Researchers emphasised that metformin remains an important established treatment and that larger clinical trials are needed to determine whether newer weight-loss medications should be used more widely for diabetes prevention.

REFERENCE: Vinicius de Sousa Barzon Serra, et al.; GLP-1 meds linked to lower diabetes, heart risks than standard diabetes prevention med; American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2026; https://newsroom.heart.org/news/glp-1-meds-linked-to-lower-diabetes-heart-risks-than-standard-diabetes-prevention-med