How Mounjaro Lowers Blood Sugar and A1C in Type 2 Diabetes

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is changing the way many people manage type 2 diabetes. While it has recently gained attention for weight loss, it was originally approved as a blood sugar-lowering medication. And for patients with or without insurance, it has quickly become one of the most effective treatment options available.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how Mounjaro works to reduce blood glucose and A1C, how it compares to other diabetes medications, and how U.S. patients can save on their prescriptions by ordering from Canada.

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It contains tirzepatide, a first-in-class medication that activates two receptors: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones help regulate blood sugar levels after meals and reduce appetite.

By stimulating both pathways, Mounjaro improves insulin sensitivity, slows down digestion, and reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver. This leads to better overall glycemic control.

Buy Mounjaro from $559.95

Mounjaro and A1C Reduction

The A1C test measures your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. Most patients with type 2 diabetes are advised to aim for an A1C below 7%.

In clinical trials, patients using Mounjaro saw reductions in A1C of up to 2.0% or more, a stronger result than most other non-insulin diabetes medications, including Ozempic and Trulicity.

For example:

Patients on the 15 mg dose of Mounjaro experienced an average A1C reduction of 2.1%
Even at the starting 5 mg dose, patients saw A1C drops over 1.5%

These results make Mounjaro one of the most effective medications available for blood sugar management.

How Long Does It Take Mounjaro to Lower Blood Sugar?

Mounjaro begins working shortly after the first dose, but it typically takes several weeks to see the full impact on fasting blood sugar. A1C improvements may take 8 to 12 weeks as your body adjusts.

To help reduce side effects, doctors often start with a low dose (2.5 mg) and gradually increase every four weeks until reaching the maintenance dose, typically between 5 mg and 15 mg weekly.

How Mounjaro Compares to Other Diabetes Medications

Compared to other diabetes treatments like metformin, insulin, or SGLT2 inhibitors, Mounjaro stands out for offering:

Greater A1C reductions
A lower risk of hypoglycemia
Significant weight loss (an added benefit for many with type 2 diabetes)
Once-weekly dosing for improved adherence

Patients who have not achieved adequate control with metformin or other oral medications often respond better when switching to Mounjaro.

Can You Combine Mounjaro With Other Medications?

Yes, Mounjaro is often used alongside other diabetes treatments like:

Metformin
SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Jardiance, Farxiga)
DPP-4 inhibitors (though not recommended to combine with GLP-1s)
Long-acting insulin (in some cases, under supervision)

It’s important to monitor blood sugars closely when combining medications and adjust doses as needed under your provider’s guidance.

Cost of Mounjaro and How to Save

Without insurance or a manufacturer savings card, Mounjaro can cost over $1,100 per month in the U.S., making it unaffordable for many.

Fortunately, Mounjaro is available at a lower cost from Canada through prescription referral services like Over the Border Meds. The same medication, approved by Health Canada, can be ordered with a valid U.S. prescription.

Each Mounjaro pen from Canada contains four doses (for example, the 10 mg pen contains 40 mg total). This opens the door to microdosing strategies that help stretch your supply and reduce your monthly cost.

Patients can legally import up to a 90-day supply for personal use.
➜ Upload your prescription here

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects of Mounjaro include:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Constipation
Vomiting

These effects are typically dose-dependent and improve over time. Patients should avoid using Mounjaro if they have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome. Always discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mounjaro for Blood Sugar Control

How much does Mounjaro lower A1C?

In clinical trials, patients using tirzepatide (Mounjaro) saw A1C reductions of up to 2.1%, a greater drop than with other non-insulin treatments like Ozempic or Trulicity. Even lower doses, such as 5 mg, led to A1C improvements over 1.5%. This makes Mounjaro one of the best GLP-1 medications for diabetes based on effectiveness.

How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working on blood sugar?

Many patients see a decrease in fasting blood sugar within the first 1–2 weeks. A1C results take longer and are typically measured after 8 to 12 weeks. Because the dose is gradually increased over time, the full benefit may not be seen until you reach a steady dose, often 10 mg or 15 mg weekly.

Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic for lowering blood sugar?

Both are GLP-1 medications, but Mounjaro is a dual agonist, meaning it works on GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual mechanism has shown stronger A1C and weight reduction in clinical trials compared to semaglutide (Ozempic). However, the choice depends on your health history, goals, and provider guidance.

What if my insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is expensive in the U.S., often exceeding $1,000 monthly. If your insurance doesn’t cover it or you are paying cash, consider ordering Mounjaro from Canada using a prescription referral service. The same tirzepatide medication is available at a lower cost and can be legally imported for personal use.

Is Mounjaro used for weight loss or diabetes?

Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, but many patients also experience significant weight loss. When used for blood sugar control, weight loss is often a helpful side effect. For weight loss-only treatment, the U.S. offers Zepbound (same ingredient), though it may not be covered by insurance. Mounjaro remains a top-tier GLP-1 for diabetes due to its dual blood sugar and appetite benefits.

Conclusion

Mounjaro is one of the most powerful tools for lowering A1C and managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It offers dual action, excellent glucose control, and added weight loss benefits, all in one weekly injection.

If you’re paying out of pocket or your insurance doesn’t cover it, exploring Canadian options could cut your costs by more than half. And with the right strategy, you can manage your diabetes effectively without sacrificing safety or affordability.