🦸‍♀️ Hormone hero

What’s in for today:

• GLP-1: Your cheat code to a healthier life

• AI-powered first aid kit

• Another IT outage, long wait times, and best & worst states for women’s health

LET’S TALK!

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 medications, or glucagon-like peptide-1 medications, were originally developed to assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels. These medications are synthetic analogs of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is produced in the gut after meals. GLP-1 plays a vital role in the regulation of blood sugar levels and appetite by stimulating insulin release, inhibiting glucagon secretion, slowing down the process of digestion, and inducing a feeling of fullness.

In recent years, synthetic versions of GLP-1 medications are not only used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but are now widely used to manage obesity. A recent study found that from 2019 to 2023, over 66% of prescriptions for new GLP-1 users were for patients with a BMI of at least 30, compared to 47% between 2011 and 2014.

In 2024, approximately 1 in 8 adults, are using GLP-1 drugs to manage their health conditions. This widespread adoption has propelled Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, to become one of the largest and fastest-growing companies in the healthcare industry, with a growth of 74% from 2020 to 2023. Their leading drug, Ozempic, has achieved widespread recognition as a "game-changer" in diabetes and weight management, becoming a household name.

Disruptions

The impact of GLP-1 medications extends beyond individual health benefits, promising significant societal shifts:

• Public Health: Obesity is a significant problem in the United States, affecting over 40% of adults. In 2019, obesity led to nearly $173 billion in medical expenses, as well as indirect costs due to decreased productivity (CDC Data). The widespread use of GLP-1 could reduce the prevalence of diabetes and obesity, alleviating the burden on public health systems and enhancing overall population health.

• Lifestyle Changes: Society’s attitudes towards diet and exercise could shift, with more people adopting healthier habits encouraged by the positive results seen with GLP-1 medications. Some medications may also help curb alcohol consumption and reduce relapse-drinking behavior, although further studies need to be conducted.

Ethical Considerations

The development of GLP-1 medications raises important ethical considerations due to their high cost, which may pose challenges for people with lower incomes. For example, in the United States, Ozempic costs nearly $1,000 per month, despite a recent study finding that it costs less than $5 per month to produce. This high price may lead to non-adherence to prescribed medication, potentially resulting in more expensive healthcare needs later on.

Additionally, concerns about fairness and access to healthcare arise, as not everyone has adequate insurance to help with these costs. The growing demand for these medications has caused shortages, making it challenging for all patients to access them, especially those who really need them. This lack of supply can exacerbate health inequalities and raise questions about fairly sharing medical resources.

Why should you care?

GLP-1 medications are not just a leap forward in medical treatment; they represent a potential revolution in how we approach health and wellness. Their benefits in managing diabetes and obesity are clear, but their broader implications for public health, economic stability, and societal norms are equally profound.

As these medications become more accessible and integrated into our healthcare systems, it's crucial for individuals to stay informed about their potential and advocate for equitable access. The future of healthcare is unfolding before us, and GLP-1 is at the forefront of this transformation. So, the next time your favorite uncle shows off his health improvements at a family gathering, remember: it’s not just a personal victory, it’s a glimpse into the future of medicine.

TRACKING: AI IN HEALTHCARE

AI Powered First Aid Kit: Over 4.5 billion people, more than half of the world's population, don’t have basic healthcare. To help with this problem, the Map Project Office and Dutch studio Modem created The Smart Aid Kit. This first aid kit uses AI to help people with basic medical care. The kit includes a stethoscope, an ophthalmoscope, a skin analyzer, and a spirometer, and it uses AI to guide users on how to use these tools and give them medical advice. The kit has already been built, and the creators hope to place it in public spaces along with other life-saving equipment like defibrillators.

POLICY & INDUSTRY NEWS

🩺Another Outage: A global software problem with CrowdStrike software affected Microsoft's Windows services, causing worldwide disruptions to hospitals, flights, and businesses. Hospitals had to cancel non-urgent medical procedures while continuing to prioritize urgent care and emergencies. Healthcare institutions are working hard to isolate and resolve the issues, ensuring patient safety and minimizing care interruptions.

🏥Long Wait Times: A study conducted by ECG Management Consultants found that the average wait time for the third available appointment across 11 medical specialties in 23 U.S. metro areas is 38 days. This is much longer than the traditional 14-day wait time. The study also discovered that nearly 20% of medical practices were unable to provide information about appointment availability. These findings highlight serious access issue, particularly in densely populated areas like Boston.

🥼 Women’s Health, Best & Worst State: A recent report from the Commonwealth Fund shows that there are significant differences in women’s health and reproductive care across the U.S. These differences have been made worse by the overturning of Roe v. Wade and varying state-level policies. States like Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island have the highest rankings for healthcare quality and access. While Mississippi, Texas, and Oklahoma have the lowest rankings, with notable issues such as higher maternal and preventable cancer mortality rates (Read the full report).