According to Dr. Arti Masturzo, the Chief Medical Officer of CCS, there is a concerning trend where patients view GLP-1 weight loss drugs as standalone treatments, which could lead to ignoring potential side effects and long-term consequences. In her interview with The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®), Dr. Masturzo highlighted that while these drugs may be beneficial for some, they might not be suitable for long-term use by everyone, nor do they guarantee sustained health improvements after stopping the medication. She also pointed out the issues of cost and accessibility, especially affecting those with obesity and diabetes, and emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to treatment that carefully considers both the benefits and risks.
Dr. Masturzo suggested that to counteract misconceptions about these weight loss drugs, healthcare providers should incorporate them into a comprehensive care plan. This plan would resemble the multifaceted approach used in gastric bypass surgery, encompassing counseling, educational support, dietary guidance, and mental health services. She noted that current challenges such as staffing shortages and financial constraints could impede the effective implementation of such comprehensive care.
Furthermore, Dr. Masturzo addressed the significant lack of patient education and support, which was evident from a survey revealing that 42% of respondents had experienced life-threatening diabetes-related emergencies. These emergencies could potentially be prevented with better support and education. She stressed the importance of moving away from routine diagnosis to building meaningful relationships between patients and clinicians and providing thorough, multimodal support early in the treatment process.
In the context of diabetes management, the recent FDA approval of the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System—the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—was discussed. Although it is promising, Dr. Masturzo was cautious about predicting its impact, pointing out that accessibility and affordability could reinforce health disparities. She emphasized that technology alone is not enough; education and ongoing support are crucial for effective diabetes management and behavioral change.
Dr. Masturzo concluded that health care systems need to adapt to patients’ needs for more frequent interactions and support in managing diabetes, which involves collaboration across different healthcare sectors. Over 70% of survey respondents were open to involving various stakeholders in their care, presenting an opportunity for health systems to integrate existing resources and partnerships to improve patient engagement and deliver comprehensive care.