Why it matters
Youth-onset type 2 diabetes has limited treatment options and is often harder to control than adult-onset disease. Therapies that improve both glycaemia and weight-related measures may address two linked clinical priorities in adolescents.
Hero fact at week 30
−2.23 pp
HbA1c change with pooled tirzepatide
+0.05 pp
HbA1c change with placebo
Central efficacy visual: HbA1c change at week 30
Estimated treatment difference
−2.28 pp
Pooled tirzepatide vs placebo for HbA1c change from baseline at week 30
Key findings
Glycaemic control
Pooled tirzepatide
−2.23 pp
Placebo
+0.05 pp
Estimated treatment difference
−2.28 pp
HbA1c at week 30
BMI reduction
−7.4%
Tirzepatide 5 mg
−11.2%
Tirzepatide 10 mg
−0.4%
Placebo
Safety and durability
Adverse-event pattern
Most adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal events, and decreased over time.
Discontinuations
2
Participants discontinued tirzepatide 5 mg due to adverse events.
Mortality
0
Deaths reported during the trial.
Durability
52 weeks
Glycaemic benefit was sustained through 1 year.
Numbers to know
99
Participants aged 10 to <18 years
30 weeks
Primary efficacy comparison
−2.23 pp
HbA1c change with pooled tirzepatide
+0.05 pp
HbA1c change with placebo
−11.2%
BMI change with tirzepatide 10 mg
52 weeks
Sustained glycaemic benefit observed
Tirzepatide appears to be a promising additional treatment option for adolescents with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, offering meaningful HbA1c and BMI improvements; use should include careful monitoring for gastrointestinal tolerability and continued long-term pediatric safety evaluation.