GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs may aid addiction treatment as summer diabetes risks rise

Pulmonology specialist Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya explained that GLP‑1 agonists such as semaglutide, widely used for obesity and type‑2 diabetes, not only suppress appetite but also act on the brain's reward system. By modulating dopamine release, these drugs can reduce cravings for high‑calorie foods, alcohol, tobacco and even opioids, offering a potential new avenue for addiction therapy. Early studies report decreased intense eating thoughts and lower desire for addictive substances, though some cravings may return after discontinuation.

Endocrinology expert Prof. Dr. Demet Yetkin warned that rising summer temperatures pose a dual threat to people with diabetes. Heat accelerates insulin absorption, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia—especially in type‑1 patients—while dehydration can trigger hyperglycemia. Symptoms of heat‑related illness and hypoglycemia overlap, so she advises frequent blood‑glucose checks, ample fluid intake, carrying fast‑acting carbohydrates, protecting insulin from heat, and avoiding unsupervised dose changes.