Hot Topics: Metabolic Health Advancements & Equity

Applying technologies created for managing blood glucose in people with diabetes to broader population groups has great health promotion potential. Coverage policies and practice protocols influence who can access technologies with equity and quality impacts. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1’s) have shown significant efficacy in reducing blood glucose, aiding weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular risk for some patients. However, patients and providers are experiencing the impact of the excessive cost for these medications in practice. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized blood glucose monitoring and patient education and have significant potential in preventing progression of prediabetes to diabetes. While CGMs are beginning to become more accessible, there remain barriers to access for communities who are most at risk. The Bree Collaborative was excited to hold a panel discussion followed by open Q&A to continue building collective knowledge on metabolic health advancements, including GLP-1s and CGMs, on Thursday, May 30th from 12-1:30PM. The panel discussion began with moderated questions and then opened to public Q&A and dialogue. Panelists: Catalina Gorla, co-founder and CEO of TruData RX Dr. Lorena Alarcon-Casas Wright, Director UW Medicine Latinx Diabetes Clinic; Director Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Division of Endocrinology Dr. Ellen Schur, Director, UW Nutrition and Obesity Research Center; Clinical Research Director UW Medicine Diabetes Institute