In this episode, I answer three important questions about GLP-1 medications and incretin hormones.

First, what is an incretin? I explain how incretin hormones connect food intake with insulin release, blood sugar control, appetite, and the way food moves through the digestive system. I also break down the four major effects associated with GLP-1.

Next, I explain what GIP is and why it is becoming increasingly important in diabetes, weight management, and newer medications. GIP is the second most studied incretin hormone after GLP-1, and some medications stimulate both GLP-1 and GIP pathways.

Finally, I take you back to the surprising story behind how the first GLP-1 therapy was discovered more than 20 years ago—and why the history of GLP-1 treatment began long before Ozempic and Wegovy became household names.

Join me as we break down the science behind incretins, GLP-1, GIP, diabetes, weight loss, and the history of one of today's most talked-about classes of medications.

For educational purposes only. This content is not medical advice.

In this episode of the My Diabetes Doc Podcast, Dr. Jonas shares two important updates about Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a GLP-1 and GIP medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

First, Dr. Jonas discusses Mounjaro's new cardiovascular indication for certain patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. He explains recent data comparing Mounjaro with Trulicity, an established GLP-1 medication with cardiovascular benefits, and what the findings may mean for patients at risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death.

Dr. Jonas also discusses an important update involving the 2.5 milligram dose of Mounjaro. Previously, the lowest dose was considered a titration dose used to help patients reach higher doses. Based on new data, the 2.5 milligram dose is now approved as a long-term treatment dose for appropriate patients.

This could be particularly beneficial for patients who respond well to the lower dose, including those whose blood sugar is well controlled or who experience benefits such as weight loss without needing to increase their dose.

These two updates represent important developments for both patients and prescribers.

Follow the My Diabetes Doc Podcast for evidence-based education and updates about diabetes, GLP-1 medications, and metabolic health.

Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual medical care.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program was designed to help expand access to certain weight loss medications for eligible Medicare recipients—but qualifying for the program may not always be as straightforward as expected.

In this episode of My Diabetes Doc, endocrinologist Dr. Jonas Leibowitz discusses some of the eligibility issues patients may encounter with the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.

Dr. Leibowitz explains how the program differs from traditional Medicare Part D coverage and discusses the $50 monthly cost for eligible patients. He also reviews one of the biggest challenges we have seen: patients who appear to meet the current medical criteria but may still be found ineligible because they previously used a qualifying medication for another approved medical condition.

This can include patients who previously used these medications for cardiovascular risk reduction after a heart attack or stroke, sleep apnea, or liver fibrosis—even if they later stopped the medication because they could not tolerate it, could not afford it, or only used it for a short period.

Dr. Leibowitz also discusses the lack of a traditional appeal process, how eligibility may change if a patient's medical circumstances change, and when errors on submitted questionnaires or authorization forms may potentially be corrected.

Understanding how the program works can help patients have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers and pharmacies and better advocate for themselves.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Program eligibility, coverage requirements, and policies may change. Please speak with your healthcare provider and pharmacist about your individual medical situation.

How does Zepbound® work, and how is it dosed?

In this episode of My Diabetes Doc, Dr. Jonas Leibowitz, an endocrinologist, provides a physician-led overview of Zepbound (tirzepatide), one of the medications included in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program for weight management.

In Part 1, Dr. Leibowitz explains how Zepbound works and why it is different from medications that target GLP-1 alone. Zepbound activates two hormone pathways—GLP-1 and GIP—which play important roles in appetite, satiety, blood sugar regulation, and digestion. Dr. Leibowitz explains how these effects can help people feel fuller longer and support weight management.

In Part 2, Dr. Leibowitz explains Zepbound dosing, including the available doses and the importance of gradually increasing the dose based on how a patient tolerates the medication. He also discusses the Zepbound KwikPen and how the medication is administered.

Whether you're a patient considering Zepbound, a caregiver, or simply looking to better understand how these medications work, this episode provides a straightforward medical explanation from an experienced endocrinologist.

🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Jonas Leibowitz
📍 My Diabetes Doc

Follow My Diabetes Doc for physician-led education about diabetes, metabolic health, obesity, and GLP-1 medications.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Medication decisions, including whether Zepbound is appropriate for you and how it should be dosed, should be made with your healthcare professional.

In this episode of the My Diabetes Doc Podcast, Dr. Jonas Leibowitz, an endocrinologist with 30 years of experience, provides an overview of the Wegovy injection and what patients should know before beginning treatment through the new Medicare Bridge weight-loss program.

Dr. Jonas explains how Wegovy works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, reviews the available dosing options, and discusses the amount of weight loss patients may expect based on clinical studies. He also reviews common gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, along with the importance of discussing safety considerations with your healthcare provider.

Beyond weight loss, Dr. Jonas discusses an important additional benefit of Wegovy: its FDA-approved cardiovascular indication for certain patients with established cardiovascular disease and its demonstrated reduction in cardiovascular risk.

If you're considering Wegovy or want to better understand how the medication works, this episode provides a straightforward overview of Wegovy dosing, expected weight loss, side effects, and cardiovascular benefits.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice from your healthcare provider.

In this episode, I discuss the Wegovy injection, a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, which is part of the new Medicare Bridge program that started on July 1, 2026.

In the first part of this episode, I discuss the weight-loss effects you can expect from this medication, and in the second part, I discuss the side effects associated with taking the Wegovy injection.

The weight loss data is based on the 2.4 mg and 7.2 mg doses, with expected losses of 16% and 19% body weight, respectively, over a year.

Side effects, primarily gastrointestinal, include nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. It's crucial to monitor these effects and gradually increase doses. Other safety concerns should be discussed with a doctor.

I emphasize the importance of open communication with healthcare providers to ensure comfort and safety.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Dr. Jonas Leibowitz, an endocrinologist with 30 years of experience, introduces Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist and one of four medications covered by the new Medicare weight loss program starting July 1, 2026. Wegovy, similar to Ozempic, helps with weight loss by stimulating appetite suppression and regulating blood sugar levels. It comes in six doses, starting from 0.25 mg and increasing up to 7.2 mg, with the option to move between doses every four weeks. Dr. Jonas advises moving slowly through the doses to avoid side effects, especially for older patients, to ensure tolerance and avoid halting the medication.

Who qualifies for the new Medicare Bridge GLP-1 Weight Loss Program?

In this episode, Dr. Jonas Leibowitz, an endocrinologist with more than 30 years of experience, explains the eligibility requirements for Medicare beneficiaries seeking GLP-1 weight loss medications through the new Bridge Program.

Dr. Leibowitz reviews the BMI thresholds, qualifying medical conditions, and the four medications included in the program. He also discusses how conditions such as chronic kidney disease, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), prediabetes, previous heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease may affect eligibility.

The episode also clarifies an important source of confusion: when patients should obtain GLP-1 medications through the Medicare Bridge Program versus the traditional Medicare Part D prescription benefit. Dr. Leibowitz explains why some individuals with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, or obstructive sleep apnea may qualify through a different pathway and what that means for their coverage.

If you're a Medicare beneficiary, healthcare professional, or simply interested in understanding the latest changes in GLP-1 medication access, this episode provides a practical overview of the current eligibility criteria and what patients should know before discussing treatment options with their healthcare provider.

Topics Covered:

• Medicare Bridge GLP-1 Weight Loss Program

• BMI eligibility requirements

• Qualifying medical conditions

• Wegovy and Zepbound coverage

• Medicare Part D vs. Bridge Program

• Prediabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and obesity

• Practical guidance for patients and healthcare providers

This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered individualized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal medical conditions and treatment options.

What should you do if you've just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and you're already experiencing symptoms?

In this episode, endocrinologist Dr. Jonas Leibowitz draws on more than 30 years of clinical experience to explain what happens when Type 2 diabetes presents with symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, blurry vision, and increased hunger. He breaks down the physiology behind these symptoms, helping listeners understand why high blood sugar can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and other warning signs that often bring patients to a doctor's office, urgent care center, or hospital.

Dr. Leibowitz discusses why symptomatic diabetes is treated differently from diabetes that is discovered during routine blood work. He explains how very high blood sugar levels can overwhelm the body's natural regulatory systems, sometimes requiring more immediate interventions, including insulin therapy. Listeners will learn about the concept of "glucose toxicity," why insulin may be necessary even in people with Type 2 diabetes, and how blood sugar levels can be brought back under control safely and effectively.

The episode also explores what patients can expect after diagnosis, including diabetes education, blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary guidance, exercise recommendations, and the management of related health concerns such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr. Leibowitz highlights the importance of understanding the disease process, participating actively in treatment, and building the skills needed for successful long-term diabetes management.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, are caring for someone who has, or simply want to better understand the condition, this episode provides practical insights into the early stages of diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Leibowitz offers a clear, reassuring roadmap for navigating the challenges of symptomatic diabetes and taking the first steps toward improved health and lasting blood sugar control.

Topics discussed include:
• Common symptoms of high blood sugar
• Why excessive thirst and urination occur
• Weight loss, hunger, and blurry vision in diabetes
• Dehydration and hospitalization risks
• Insulin treatment and glucose toxicity
• Blood sugar monitoring and diabetes education
• Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes
• Long-term strategies for successful diabetes management

I Just Found Out I Have Type 2 Diabetes—Now What?

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but understanding what comes next is the first step toward taking control of your health.

In this episode of My Diabetes Doc, endocrinologist Dr. Jonas Leibowitz draws on more than 30 years of experience to explain what a new diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes really means and how patients can begin building a successful management plan. From understanding A1C and blood sugar goals to learning about nutrition, exercise, glucose monitoring, and preventive care, Dr. Leibowitz provides a practical roadmap for those newly diagnosed.

You'll learn:

• How Type 2 diabetes is commonly diagnosed

• The role of A1C and blood glucose testing

• Whether you need to monitor your blood sugar right away

• The importance of diabetes education and nutrition counseling

• How physical activity improves blood sugar control

• What complications to watch for and how to prevent them

• When medications may be helpful and how they fit into a treatment plan

• Why managing cholesterol and blood pressure is just as important as controlling blood sugar

Most importantly, Dr. Leibowitz emphasizes that diabetes is a manageable condition and that knowledge, education, and a personalized plan can help you live a long, healthy, and active life.

Whether you've recently been diagnosed, have prediabetes, or are supporting a loved one with diabetes, this episode offers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you move forward with confidence.