Rising Diabetes In US Kids: Can Mounjaro Be The Answer? New Study Says Yes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is steadily increasing among children and adolescents globally.

According to a report by New York Post, a recent study has demonstrated that Mounjaro, a medication based on GLP-1, can effectively lower blood sugar levels and facilitate weight reduction in children as young as 10 years old who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This represents a potential milestone in pediatric diabetes treatment, although the medication is currently only authorized for use in adults.

Based on these encouraging results, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is now seeking to extend approval for younger patients. The New York Post report highlights that there is an urgent demand for new treatments given the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes among American youth.

CDC data reveals that the rate of diagnosis in children almost doubled from 9 per 100,000 in 2002 to 18 per 100,000 by 2018. If current patterns continue, the population of young individuals with type 2 diabetes in the United States could escalate from 28,000 in 2017 to an alarming 220,000 by 2060.

Scientists are hopeful that drugs like Mounjaro might be instrumental in controlling the condition early on, helping children to avoid developing serious health complications as they age.

"Type 2 diabetes in children and teens is increasing at an alarming rate, yet treatment options are limited, and this patient population remains underserved," stated Dr. Kenneth Custer, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health.

"The SURPASS-PEDS results show Mounjaro delivered statistically significant improvements in A1C, BMI and other critical cardiometabolic risk factors, while maintaining a safety profile generally consistent with adult studies. By undertaking this research, we can better support children and adolescents living with this condition."