Jump to: How does Mounjaro help people living with type 2 diabetes? | How do you get a Mounjaro prescription if you have type 2 diabetes? | Take home message
You can take Mounjaro if you’re living with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was approved for people living with type 2 diabetes in October 2023 in the UK.
Randomised controlled trials have shown that Mounjaro supports significant reductions in blood sugar levels for people living with type 2 diabetes.
One study showed that all three maintenance doses of Mounjaro led to significant reductions in HbA1c (average blood sugar levels), with 5 mg reducing HbA1c by 20-23 mmol/mol, 10 mg by 24-28 mmol/mol, and 15 mg by 28 to 36 mmol/mol.
This study also showed a significant number of participants achieving ‘normal’ HbA1c levels under the type 2 diabetes diagnostic threshold.
After 40 weeks on tirzepatide 5 mg, 27% of participants achieved normal HbA1c levels; on 10 mg, this rose to 40%, and on 15 mg, 46%.
These results show a significant improvement in blood sugar control and the potential to vastly improve the quality of life for patients currently living with type 2 diabetes.
How does Mounjaro help people living with type 2 diabetes?
Mounjaro mimics two hormones in the body, GLP-1 and GIP, which are involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control.
These hormones lower hunger and food reward by communicating with the brain. They also have additional actions to help insulin and fat tissue function, all of which help to lower blood sugar levels.
Not everyone living with type 2 diabetes needs to lose a significant amount of weight. Indeed, some people with the condition may have a ‘normal’ BMI.
Still, research suggests that losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and liver fat levels.
Mounjaro has three maintenance doses: 5, 10, and 15 mg. Some patients with type 2 diabetes may maintain a lower dose if weight loss isn’t a primary goal, or those with obesity and type 2 diabetes may move up to the highest maintenance dose.
This personalisation of treatment means that people living with type 2 diabetes can effectively lower their blood sugar levels while also maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if they need to.
How do you get a Mounjaro prescription if you have type 2 diabetes?
If you’re currently living with type 2 diabetes and want a prescription for Mounjaro, you have 2 options:
- Buy a private prescription
- Get a prescription on the NHS
As of October 2024, very little Mounjaro is being prescribed on the NHS as the government continues to plan the best approach to the medication’s more widespread use.
So, the best option is to purchase a private prescription of Mounjaro from an online weight-loss programme or pharmacy.
Second Nature has a Mounjaro-supported weight-loss programme that includes access to a registered dietitian or nutritionist 5 days a week to help you develop healthy habits.
However, we have strict entry criteria for people living with type 2 diabetes. If you’re living with type 2 diabetes and want to apply for a Mounjaro prescription on Second Nature, you will only be eligible if:
- You’re managing your condition with diet and exercise
- Or, you’re managing your condition with diet, exercise, and metformin
If you’re on insulin and/or sulfonylureas, you won’t be eligible for Mounjaro with Second Nature due to the increased risk of hypoglycaemia and the need for closer medical attention during your treatment.
If you’d like to join Second Nature, the first step is to take your health quiz to check if you’re eligible.
Take home message
Weight-loss injections are most effective when combined with a healthier lifestyle. They can help kickstart weight loss while you commit to developing healthier habits.
Mounjaro and other weight loss injections, like Ozempic and Wegovy, can allow you to make lifestyle changes to support long-term weight loss.
These medications can help silence food-related thoughts and give you a boost of confidence with more immediate weight-loss results.
They can also buy you the time and headspace to understand why your body may have struggled to lose weight and build new long-term healthy habits.
The core focus of our medication programmes is to calm down the feeling of food noise, lower your cravings, and allow you to build healthier habits to keep the weight off for good.
The ultimate goal is to make losing weight feel second nature.
Second Nature’s medication programmes
Second Nature has two medication-supported programmes: a Wegovy weight-loss programme and a Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro or Wegovy (assuming you’re eligible)?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Wegovy and Mounjaro weight-loss programmes are private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
