Exciting new real-world research is bringing encouraging news for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A large study presented at the 2026 AACE, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists meeting found that GLP-1 medications—such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—did not increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or pancreatitis when used off-label in people with T1D.
The study included 7,377 adults with type 1 diabetes, and compared those taking a GLP-1 (255 people) with those who were not. Importantly, there were no hospitalizations for DKA or pancreatitis in the GLP-1 group, while small rates were seen in the non-GLP-1 group (0.39% for DKA and 0.55% for pancreatitis), though these differences were not statistically significant.
Even more encouraging, patients taking GLP-1 medications had significantly fewer hospitalizations overall—about 7.5% compared to 13.1% in those not taking them.
Most patients on GLP-1 therapy were using semaglutide (about 65%) or tirzepatide (about 24%), medications already well known for their benefits in type 2 diabetes, weight management, and heart health.
Experts caution that insulin still needs to be carefully adjusted when starting these medications to avoid low blood sugars, but early data suggests that with proper monitoring, they can be used safely.
While more research is underway, including large clinical trials, these early findings are very reassuring. They suggest GLP-1 medications may one day play a helpful role for select people with type 1 diabetes—potentially offering benefits beyond glucose control, including weight loss and possible heart and kidney protection.
Bottom line:
This is encouraging news—GLP-1s appear safe in type 1 diabetes so far and may even reduce hospitalizations when used carefully alongside insulin.
References:
Tucker, M. E. (2026, April 24). Use of GLP-1s in type 1 diabetes not linked to increased DKA. Medscape Medical News. Presented at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Annual Meeting 2026.
