Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. GLP-1 is produced in the small intestine and released after meals. It stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. GLP-1 also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps people feel full longer and eat less.
GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of GLP-1. These medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 medications are available as injections and oral medications.
History of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications were first developed in the early 1990s. The first GLP-1 medication to be approved by the FDA was exenatide (Byetta) in 2005. Exenatide is a short-acting GLP-1 medication that is injected twice daily.
Since then, several other GLP-1 medications have been developed. These medications include:
- Liraglutide
- Lixisenatide
- Dulaglutide
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
These newer GLP-1 medications are longer-acting and can be injected once weekly or even once a month.
New variations of GLP-1 medications are in development from many pharmaceutical companies, including ratatrutide, danuglipron tromethamine, and survodutide.
How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 medications work in several ways to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
- They stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
- They inhibit the release of glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
- They slow down the emptying of the stomach. This helps people feel full longer and eat less.
- They reduce appetite and cravings. GLP-1 medications work by targeting areas of the brain that control appetite and food intake.
Benefits of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications have a number of benefits for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- They are very effective at lowering blood sugar levels. In fact, GLP-1 medications are now considered to be first-line therapy for many people with type 2 diabetes.
- They are effective for weight loss. GLP-1 medications can help people lose weight and keep it off.
- They are safe and well-tolerated. GLP-1 medications are generally well-tolerated by most people. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they have also been shown to be very effective for weight loss. In fact, GLP-1 medications are now considered to be the most effective prescription weight loss drugs available.
GLP-1 medications can help people lose weight in a number of ways. They can help people eat less, feel full longer, and reduce cravings.
In a recent study, people who took semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 15 months. This is significantly more weight loss than is typically seen with other weight loss medications or lifestyle changes alone.
GLP-1 medications are also effective for long-term weight maintenance. In a study of people who had lost weight with semaglutide, 80% of people were able to maintain their weight loss for at least one year after stopping the medication.
GLP-1 Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
GLP-1 medications are now considered to be first-line therapy for many people with type 2 diabetes. This is because they are very effective at lowering blood sugar levels and have a low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
GLP-1 medications can also help to protect the heart and kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes.