GLP-1 medications have become increasingly popular in treating Type 2 Diabetes and weight management.
How does GLP-1 work?
Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) mimics the natural hormone in the body. The effects of GLP-1 agonists regulate blood sugar levels, appetite and digestion. They help to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes and also help lose weight.
It is an injectable medication given in the fatty tissue located in the belly, thighs, or back of arms. The GLP-1 hormone is made in the small intestine and has many functions.
Triggering insulin release from the pancreas and Insulin Glucagon release
Insulin is an important hormone. It helps move glucose from the blood into cells where its used for energy and thus lowers blood glucose levels. Glucagon is a hormone that helps raise blood sugar levels. GLP-1 stops this glucose from entering the bloodstream.
Slowed gastric emptying and Promotes Satiety
GLP-1 delays the emptying of the stomach. The slower digestion means that the body releases less glucose from the food in the bloodstream. Furthermore, GLP-1 helps control appetite by affecting the brain’s hunger center. This leads to a feeling of fullness and less food intake.
The mechanism of GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide are versions of the GLP-1 hormone. They bind to the receptors in the body as natural GLP-1 but their effects last much longer because they are more resistant to the enzymes.
Enhancing insulin secretion
Similar to the natural hormone, the GLP-1 medication stimulates the pancreas to release insulin in response to meals when blood glucose rises. This helps to prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Reducing glucagon levels
The medicines help reduce the liver from producing glucose further helping to maintain balanced blood glucose sugar levels.
Delayed gastric emptying
GLP-1 medications slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine leading to slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar after eating. This also helps reduce the amount of food consumed by promoting a feeling of fullness.
Appetite suppression
GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the brain’s appetite regulation centers, decreasing hunger and helping patients manage their weight. This dual action (lowering blood sugar and reducing appetite) has increasingly made GLP-1 very desirable as a weight loss drug in addition to diabetes.
What are the benefits of GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications offer several benefits. They reduce blood sugar control by lowering HbA1c which promotes insulin release and reduces glucagon. Weight loss is achieved by the appetite suppressing effects of GLP-1 medications.
Additionally, these groups of medications have cardiovascular benefits. Some of the GLP-1 drugs have shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (stroke, heart attack or heart disease) in people with type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 side effects
All medicines can cause side effects, the severity can differ from individual to individual. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. These tend to occur at the beginning of taking medication and disappear as the body adjusts to the medication. There are some more serious side effects including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems or allergic reactions.
Consulting a doctor
Individuals wanting to start their journey with a GLP-1 medication should consult a doctor. A thorough discussion is needed to decide which one of the GLP-1 medications is most suitable for you.
