Type 2 diabetes notice Posted or Updated on 29 May 2024

Patient information: shortage of drugs used for managing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes

The NHS is currently facing supply issues with glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1), a range of drugs used for managing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

The global shortage in supply is partly due to a surge in off label prescriptions of the drug semaglutide being issued for weight loss which is outstripping supply.

GLP-1 analogues include:

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
• Exenatide (Byetta® or Bydureon®)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic® or Rybelsus ®)
• Liraglutide (Victoza®)
• Lixisenatide (Lyxumia®)

We understand the impact this global shortage will have on patients with type 2 diabetes.

Please be assured that your general practice team will be identifying and contacting individual patients directly to discuss the next steps. However, in the meantime, please see this patient information leaflet (EXTERNAL PDF LINK) with further guidance.

The Diabetes UK website has additional information you may also find helpful.

You can also visit the health apps library to find useful mobile apps which may help you.

If this shortage is impacting on your mental health and wellbeing you can call the Diabetes UK Helpline – call 0345 123 2399.