Survey Reveals the Main Reasons People Quit GLP-1 Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

A new survey by Everyday Health reveals that people living with type 2 diabetes face daily lifestyle challenges, such as managing stress and getting enough sleep, that can make it harder to regulate blood sugar levels. What’s more, those who had considered taking a GLP-1 drug or were currently taking one said that their concerns — including side effects, insurance coverage, and injection challenges — contributed to their decision to either take or stay on the drugs, the survey of 501 people with type 2 diabetes found.

Here’s a closer look at some of the findings.

Among GLP-1 users who reported side effects in the survey, some of the most common were:

• Diarrhea or constipation (37 percent of current users and 31 percent of past users)
• Nausea or vomiting (28 percent of current users and 21 percent of past users)
• Anxiety or mood changes (26 percent of current users and 25 percent of past users)
• Heartburn or acid reflux (26 percent of current users and 23 percent of past users)
• Fatigue or low energy (25 percent of current and past users)

In the survey, women were more likely than men to report side effects, including nausea and vomiting (32 percent versus 20 percent), and heartburn and acid reflux (30 percent versus 21 percent). Women also reported a higher average number of side effects overall compared with men.

Meanwhile, baby boomers were significantly more likely than younger generations to report no side effects at all, at 29 percent. And Black, Indigenous, and People of Color respondents were significantly more likely than white respondents to report anxiety or mood changes (34 versus 21 percent).

The side effects associated with GLP-1s can be a barrier for those who have never been on the medication before: 40 percent of people who’d never taken a GLP-1 medication were concerned about the potential side effects.

About 30 percent of users surveyed had stopped taking a GLP-1 because of side effects. Among respondents who had stopped taking a GLP-1, some said they were unlikely to restart it in the next six months. Cost and insurance coverage were the most selected reasons to stop (30 percent), followed by side effects that were too severe (27 percent) and disliking the injection process (27 percent).

If cost or insurance coverage is a barrier, ask your doctor for another medication that can aid with weight management, suggests Alpana Shukla, MD, director of clinical research at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. It’s also worth inquiring if there is an obesity medication trial open to you, she says.

Dr. Shukla adds that there are a few ways you can make the injection process more bearable: You can rotate injection sites, allow the refrigerated pen to warm to room temperature 30 minutes before injecting, and clean the injection area with an alcohol swab and allow the area to dry completely before injecting. “Patients who dislike injecting or have a needle aversion can also be offered an oral GLP-1 instead,” she says.

However, people who had been diagnosed with diabetes longer reported significantly less difficulty with all of these areas compared with people who had been more recently diagnosed, suggesting that some of these challenges may become easier to manage over time.

It’s important to take steps to address these challenges. “Managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and staying physically active can complement GLP-1 treatment by improving insulin sensitivity, supporting weight management, and promoting overall cardiometabolic health and well-being,” Shukla says.

Living with type 2 diabetes and managing it effectively is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. Know you can work with your healthcare team to improve your treatment plan and get your main concerns addressed.

When it comes to dealing with GLP-1 side effects, there are ways to make them more manageable, Shukla says. Strategies may include dietary and behavioral changes, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription medications for nausea and vomiting. For many people, side effects become more manageable over time, she says.

Also, Shukla suggests talking with your prescribing doctor. They can help determine whether adjusting the dose, changing when or how you take the medication, or using another treatment may help.

The lifestyle challenges identified in the survey — stress, sleep, exercise, and healthy eating — are worth discussing with your provider. Shukla recommends the following habits:

• Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Minimize caffeine intake and screen exposure before bed.
• Ask your doctor if melatonin or magnesium supplements are appropriate for you.
• Incorporate cardio and strength training, which can preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
• Try mind-body interventions like yoga or deep breathing to manage stress.
• Work with a registered dietitian to help address potential nutrient deficiencies and manage side effects.

Shukla recommends staying in close contact with your doctor, particularly when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Beginning with a low dose and monitoring your response can help your clinician determine what works best for you.

Source: Everyday Health Type 2 Diabetes/GLP-1 online survey of 501 adults, Aug. 5-13, 2026.