GLP-1 Medication Adherence Study Findings

A study presented at ENDO 2026, the Pediatric Endocrine Society's annual meeting, revealed that many patients prescribed GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes exhibit a 'start-and-stop' pattern of use. Led by Sainikhil Sontha of Brown University School of Public Health, the research analyzed Komodo Health U.S. claims data from 2019 to 2025, covering over 60,000 Americans. It found that approximately 40% of patients stopped their GLP-1 medication within the first year, and nearly 60% by two years. However, more than half of those who stopped restarted therapy within a year, and nearly two-thirds within two years. Factors associated with higher discontinuation rates included being on United States — Medicaid or United States — Medicare, being Black, and experiencing gastrointestinal side effects. Conversely, patients whose first GLP-1 prescription came from an endocrinologist were less likely to stop, as were those taking newer medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide compared to older drugs like Liraglutide. The consistent use of these medications is crucial for their protective effects against complications like heart attacks and kidney disease.