Popular weight-loss drugs may prevent prediabetes from turning into diabetes

Fox News · Melissa Rudy · 2026-11-05 20:19 UTC

A large study found GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are linked to 41% lower all-cause mortality risk versus metformin in prediabetes.

Adults with prediabetes and obesity who took GLP-1-based medications had a 31% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 41% lower risk of death compared with those taking metformin.

Metformin is an oral medication used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes, widely considered the first-line treatment, combined with lifestyle modifications. It is also sometimes prescribed to people with prediabetes to help prevent or delay progression.

The findings, which come from a large observational study, are set to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 this weekend in Chicago. They have not yet undergone the full peer review process.

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