Native America Calling: Breakthroughs and barriers for new diabetes treatments

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Friday, January 19, 2024

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Breakthroughs and barriers for new diabetes treatments

Diabetes drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, are riding a wave of popularity right now.

But the high cost and short supply because of their popularity as a weight loss remedy are putting the drugs out of reach for those who need them. Native Americans struggle with diabetes disproportionately. Now, is there a disparity when it comes to viable treatments?

Boxes of Ozempic / Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Saxenda (Liraglutide) are seen in a pharmacy. Semaglutide is used for the treatment of diabetes. Liraglutide is used to treat weight loss. Photo: Chemist4U

Guests on Native America Calling

Dr. Matthew Clark, chief medical officer for the Alaska Area of the Indian Health Service and chair of the IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

Tarah Nelson, post-doctoral researcher at the University of Florida

Jason Hale (Prairie Band Potawatomi), senior research scientist and director for Indigenous community engagement with the Institute for Indigenous Studies at Lehigh University