Tirzepatide Shows Promise in Improving Blood Sugar and Reducing Weight in Youths with Type 2 Diabetes

Recent research highlights the potential of tirzepatide, a medication primarily approved for adults, in managing type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years. The study, known as the SURPASS-PEDS trial, was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting and published in The Lancet. It investigated the effects of once-weekly tirzepatide on blood sugar control and weight loss in youth who had inadequate response to existing treatments such as metformin and insulin.

Type 2 diabetes onset at a young age, often linked to rising obesity rates, has been increasing rapidly over recent years. In the U.S., cases in youths nearly doubled over 15 years, emphasizing the urgent need for effective therapies. Current options tend to have limited efficacy in younger populations and often do not significantly impact weight.

The trial involved 99 participants aged 10 to 17 with poorly controlled diabetes. They were randomly assigned to receive either 5 mg or 10 mg of tirzepatide or a placebo once weekly for 30 weeks, followed by a 22-week open-label extension. The primary goal was to measure changes in HbA1c, a key indicator of blood sugar levels.

Results revealed that tirzepatide significantly improved glycemic control compared to placebo. Over 30 weeks, more than 79% of children taking tirzepatide achieved HbA1c levels below 6.5%, while only 29% of the placebo group did. The medication also contributed to marked weight loss, with BMI decreasing by 9.3 units in the tirzepatide group, compared to a slight reduction in the placebo group. Fasting blood glucose levels also dropped substantially.

The safety profile was consistent with adult studies, with gastrointestinal side effects being the most common and generally mild. No severe hypoglycemia was reported, and fewer participants required rescue therapy in the tirzepatide groups.

Experts conclude that tirzepatide offers a promising new approach to treating type 2 diabetes in young people, demonstrating sustained improvements in blood sugar and substantial weight loss over a year. This aligns with the urgent need for therapies that address both glycemic control and obesity in the pediatric population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-tirzepatide-blood-sugar-children-poorly.html