Introduction

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, you’re not alone—over 96 million U.S. adults are in the same boat. The good news? It’s not too late to reverse it.

One of the most promising tools for stopping prediabetes from progressing is Zepbound (tirzepatide). In this blog, we’ll explain how Zepbound works for prediabetes, the clinical evidence behind it, and whether it can actually help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is elevated, but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. It’s typically defined by:

Marker	Prediabetes Range
Fasting Glucose	100–125 mg/dL
A1C	5.7%–6.4%

Without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes.

How Zepbound Helps Reverse Prediabetes

Zepbound is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which:

• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Lower blood glucose and A1C
• Suppress appetite and reduce belly fat
• Help preserve pancreatic beta-cell function (which declines in diabetes)

Learn more: How Zepbound Works for Weight Loss and Metabolism

These effects directly counter the mechanisms driving insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation in prediabetes.

Clinical Results for Prediabetes

In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, patients with overweight or obesity—but without diabetes—who took tirzepatide (Zepbound) experienced:

• 15–22.5% weight loss
• Significant reductions in fasting insulin and A1C
• Lower risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes

Source: NEJM – SURMOUNT-1 Study

A follow-up study in 2024 confirmed that tirzepatide use cut the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by over 50%.

Key Benefits of Zepbound for Prediabetic Patients

Lowers blood sugar and A1C
Improves insulin resistance
Promotes fat loss, especially abdominal fat
May delay or prevent onset of diabetes
Helps build better habits by reducing cravings

Who Qualifies for Zepbound?

You may qualify for Zepbound if:

• You have a BMI ≥30, or
• A BMI ≥27 with a condition like prediabetes, high blood pressure, or PCOS

Use our Zepbound Eligibility Tool to find out if you qualify.

Can It Replace Lifestyle Changes?

No—but it can make them easier.

Zepbound works best when paired with:

• A high-protein, low-glycemic diet
• Regular movement (like walking or resistance training)
• Good sleep and stress management

See: What to Eat While Taking Zepbound

How Long Should You Take Zepbound for Prediabetes?

Most patients stay on Zepbound for at least 6–12 months. Long-term use may be appropriate if:

• A1C or fasting glucose stays in the prediabetic range
• You have a strong family history of diabetes
• Weight returns when the medication is stopped

Always work with your provider to decide when or whether to taper.

Final Thoughts

If you have prediabetes, Zepbound may offer the reset your body needs to regain insulin sensitivity, lose fat, and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. While it’s not a cure, it’s a powerful prevention tool—especially when combined with lifestyle changes.

Improves blood sugar and reverses insulin resistance
Helps prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes
Encourages long-term weight management success

Want to explore your options? Visit our Zepbound for Prediabetes Hub