Islamabad – In a landmark step toward combating Pakistan’s twin epidemic of diabetes and obesity, a regional panel of endocrinologists has recommended the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)—a class of injectable and oral drugs that not only control blood sugar but also promote weight loss and protect the heart and kidneys.
According to new consensus guidelines issued by the South Asian Task Force, which includes prominent Pakistani endocrinologists like Syed Abbas Raza and Prof. A. H. Aamir, GLP-1 RAs should be considered for patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those who are obese, have heart disease, or are struggling with poor sugar control despite using conventional oral medicines.
“Pakistan has over 36 million diabetics and millions more at risk due to obesity, poor diet, and inactivity,” the guidelines note, adding that South Asians are genetically more prone to develop diabetes and related complications at a younger age. “GLP-1-based therapy is especially beneficial for this population,” the experts concluded.
GLP-1 RAs are a newer group of diabetes medications that mimic a natural hormone produced in the gut. These drugs—including liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide—lower blood glucose by boosting insulin production and suppressing the excess of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
Unlike traditional insulin or sulfonylureas, they do not typically cause dangerous sugar crashes (hypoglycemia) and help patients lose 5-15 percent or more weight on average.
“Weight loss, sugar control, and cardiovascular protection—GLP-1 does it all,” said Dr. A.H. Aamir, a leading diabetes specialist from Peshawar. “Given our people’s high risk for heart attacks and kidney disease, we should be using this class of medicine more widely.”
The consensus, based on real-world data and global clinical trials, also found that GLP-1 RAs improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and liver function. Moreover, they are generally safe for use during fasting periods such as Ramadan, making them especially useful in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan.
However, the guidelines also highlight significant challenges: high cost, lack of awareness among doctors, and unavailability in some parts of the country.
GLP-1 RAs are still not included in Pakistan’s Essential Medicines List, limiting their accessibility in public hospitals. Moreover, while drugs like liraglutide are available, once-weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide have only recently been introduced in Pakistan.
“Government and pharmaceutical companies need to work together to make these life-changing drugs affordable,” said Dr. Syed Abbas Raza from Lahore. “This is not just about managing glucose —GLP-1 drugs can prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and even improve outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).”
The guidelines urge Pakistani doctors to consider GLP-1 therapy for overweight individuals, newly diagnosed diabetics, or those not reaching targets on conventional pills alone. In patients on insulin therapy who continue gaining weight, adding a GLP-1 RA can help reduce insulin doses and aid in weight loss.
Though temporary side effects such as nausea and vomiting are common in the first few weeks, most patients adapt well with gradual dose increases. Caution is advised for those with a history of pancreatitis or certain types of thyroid cancer.
With diabesity (the combination of diabetes and obesity) emerging as one of the most pressing health crises of the century, the South Asian consensus is a timely reminder that modern medicine offers powerful tools to fight it—if made accessible to those who need them the most.
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