Looking for fresh, healthy summer dinners that are diabetes-friendly? EatingWell’s roundup features 23 easy recipes, think vibrant bowls, sheet-pan meals, salads, and air-fried favorites, packed with lean proteins, fiber-rich veggies and whole grains, and low in saturated fat and sodium. These meals are perfect for warm weather and help support balanced blood sugar without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

www.eatingwell.com

These easy diabetes-friendly dinners include bright ingredients like cilantro and avocado that are perfect for summer. Our recipes are filled with fiber-packed complex carbs to seamlessly fit into a diabetes-friendly eating pattern.

New GLP-1 drugs and combos are promising, but GI side effects are real. Lifestyle changes are still key.

• New combo drugs are even more effective for weight loss than older meds (like semaglutide alone). CagriSema (semaglutide + cagrilintide) showed up to 20% weight loss in trials.

• Other combos (like mazdutide and semaglutide + bimagrumab) can help with blood sugar, weight loss, and even help maintain muscle as people lose fat.

• There’s a new once-daily GLP-1 pill (orforglipron) – easier to take, decent results, but not quite as powerful as injectables.

• Once-a-month GLP-1s (like MariTide) work for weight loss, but GI side effects (nausea, vomiting) are very common – up to 90% of people!

• GI side effects are the main issue with all these meds. Slow dose increases (“microdosing”) help.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are increasingly popular for weight loss and blood sugar control, but understanding how to use them safely with proper diet, hydration, and exercise is key to maximizing benefits and managing side effects, let’s discuss what patients should know when taking these medications.

If you’re on GLP-1 meds (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) for weight loss:

• Eat enough protein to keep muscle (20–30g per meal).

• Smaller meals, healthy snacks, lots of water.

• Choose slow carbs (oats, sweet potatoes), healthy fats (olive oil, avocado).

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet examined the relationship between daily steps and various health outcomes in adults.

The study, which analyzed 57 studies, found that 7,000 steps per day is associated with significant improvements in health, including a 47% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease incidence compared to 2,000 steps per day.

While 10,000 steps per day remains a good goal for active individuals, 7,000 steps per day is presented as a more realistic and achievable target for improving overall health.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(25)00164-1/fulltext

A new expert-authored article in JAMA Internal Medicine emphasizes that GLP-1 receptor agonists are not a standalone solution for weight loss. While they can help patients lose up to 20% of their body weight, experts stress that long-term success depends on combining medication with tailored nutrition and physical activity.

Key takeaways:

• Muscle loss is common (up to 25% of total weight loss), so protein intake and resistance training are essential.

• Clinicians should monitor weight monthly, adjusting GLP-1 dose or switching medications as needed.

• Dietitians should be involved, or use simplified tools like the Rapid Eating Assessment if access is limited.

• Nutritional advice includes:

To protect access for people with type 2 diabetes, the Province of British Columbia is limiting the sale of the medications tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus).

These drugs are being increasingly used off-label for weight loss, contributing to shortages. Under updated regulations, B.C. pharmacies can only sell these medications to B.C. residents, Canadian citizens, or permanent residents. Non-Canadians may purchase them only in person and with a valid prescription from a Canadian healthcare provider.

news.gov.bc.ca

The Province is limiting sales of the drugs tirzepatide and dulaglutide, commonly known by the brand names Mounjaro and Trulicity, to preserve the supply for people with diabetes who really need it.

Recognizing the signs is crucial as they can come on quickly and vary by person, sometimes even being absent.

Mild hypoglycemia symptoms are like a "fight or flight" response, including trembling, sweating, and anxiety.

Moderate hypoglycemia affects the brain, causing confusion, weakness, and dizziness.

Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency (blood sugar typically below 2.8 mmol/L) requiring assistance from another person to administer glucagon; call an emergency immediately.

If you suspect a low, confirm with your glucometer. If it's below 4.0 mmol/L, treat with 15 grams of fast-acting sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, regular juice, honey). Wait 15 minutes, recheck, and if still low, repeat the treatment. Once your blood sugar is above 4.0 mmol/L, eat a snack or meal within an hour to prevent another drop.

A new JAMA Internal Medicine Patient Page offers practical guidance for people taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Key recommendations include:

• Prioritize protein to maintain muscle mass.

• Eat small, balanced meals with whole foods and healthy fats.

• Prevent GI side effects with hydration, fiber, and cooking methods like baking or steaming.

• Exercise regularly, especially strength training 2–3 times per week.

Dr. JoAnn Manson highlights a new JAMA Internal Medicine article emphasizing that diet and physical activity remain essential for patients taking GLP-1 medications.

Despite their effectiveness in weight loss, these drugs can lead to muscle loss and GI symptoms, potentially causing discontinuation and weight regain. A plant-based diet with sufficient protein and hydration, plus resistance training, can improve outcomes. An accessible JAMA Patient Page accompanies the article to support patient understanding and self-management.

www.medscape.com

Dr JoAnn Manson provides guidance to both clinicians and patients on how to improve outcomes on GLP-1 medications.