Glucagon type peptide-1 receptors agonists (GLP-1 agonists) such as semaglutide (ozempic) recently gained popularity worldwide, not only for type 2 diabetes management but also because of their weight loss advantages. This increase in popularity is mainly due to celebrity mentions and the power of social media platforms. According to a search letter Published in August 2024, between January 2021 and December 2023, the number of semaglutide fillings increased by 442%. Ozempic represented more than 70% of these fillings.
Beyond type 2 diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 agonists can also help lower blood pressure, improve lipid disorders, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. With such advantages, the demand for GLP-1 agonists continues to grow, making it one of the most discussed treatments today.
What are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists, also known as incretinous mimetics, are a class of drugs which is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity.
“Glucagon type peptide (GLP-1) is a natural hormone in the small intestine which triggers the release of insulin of the pancreas. This process helps regulate blood sugar,” said Angela Haynes-ForereAssociate professor at the Emory School of Nursing in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist imitates the action of this natural hormone. After eating, blood sugar will increase, and these drugs cause the pancreas that helps reduce blood sugar.”
In addition to helping people with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar, this drug reduces its appetite. It also slows down the digestive process so that patients say they feel full with less food consumption. The result is a weight loss for many users, but varies depending on many individual factors, said Haynes-Forere.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most GLP-1 agonists are available As liquid drugs which must be injected under the skin, except that which is available in the form of tablet (Rybelsus).
A few Generic names and brands GLP-1 agonists, according to the patient’s guide Johns Hopkins on diabetes, include:
- Dulalaglutide, marketed like Trulicity
- Prolonged liberation exénatide, marketed in the form of bydureon
- Exénatide, marketed like Byetta
- Lixisenatide, marketed like Adlyxine
- Liraglutide, marketed as Victoza
- Semaglutide, marketed as ozempic
- Oral semaglutide, marketed like Rybelsus
Each brand has its own dose and recommended frequency of the contribution. Some can be taken once a day, while others are used every week. You should consult your doctor to understand which dose and frequency suit you best.
Potential advantages of GLP-1 agonists
“In addition to controlling blood sugar and reducing obesity, these drugs reduce cardiovascular risks, improve kidney function and reduce the incidence of certain types of cancer,” said Haynes-Ferere. Year, individuals report a reduction in smoking, play, alcohol consumption and drug use, she noted.
“Studies have shown advantages in the worsening of kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in obesity patients,” said Leon JonsMD, specialist in weight management and Associate Professor Clinical of Internal Medicine Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Carver College of Medicine of Iowa.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, others benefits GLP-1 agonists may include:
- Reduce blood pressure
- Improvement of lipid disorders
- Reduction systemic inflammation
- Delaying the progression of nephropathy linked to diabetes or a renal disease linked to diabetes (DKD)
These advantages make not only GLP-1 agonists effective in managing type 2 diabetes, but also contribute to better cardiovascular health. However, the effect of GLP-1 agonists varies from person to person. Always talk to your doctor to understand how GLP-1 agonists can benefit your specific condition.
Secondary effects and risks of the GLP-1 agonist to consider
For some patients, the weight loss speed can lead to the undesirable cosmetic effect of an emaciated face (colloquially called “ozempic face”), especially in patients with less skin elasticity, said Haynes-Ferere. She added that regular exercise with bodybuilding can help preserve muscle mass and maintain a healthy appearance.
The side effects of drugs are mainly linked to the gastrointestinal system – for example, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or belching. For most patients, these effects are light and resolve over time. For some, side effects may be serious and patients should stop the medication, said Jons.
Other commons side effects GLP-1 agonists, as indicated in an article by the National Library of Medicine, include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Infection
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Light tachycardia (increase in heart rate)
In some cases, minor episodes of hypoglycemia may occur. Cleveland Clinic reports that hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg / dl. If he is not treated, he can become fatal. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include a tremor, weakness, nausea, concentration difficulties and dizziness. Consumption of sugars or carbohydrates can treat hypoglycemia.
In addition, doctors may not recommend GLP-1 agonists to pregnant people because it can be a threat to the development fetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
Who should take GLP-1 agonists?
Doctors mainly recommend GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, GLP-1 agonists are not the first choice of treatment. Metformin, oral medication, remains the first choice To manage type 2 diabetes. However, doctors can recommend GLP-1 agonists if you:
- Cannot tolerate metformin
- Are unable to reduce your blood sugar with current drugs even after three months
- Take complications due to other conditions such as heart failure, atherosclerosis or chronic kidney disease
Clevland Clinic reports that doctors can also recommend two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutidefor the treatment of obesity.
“Depending on the fact that each individual experience with this drug is different, the patient should work with his health care provider to determine the best treatment plan and the objective for general well-being,” said Haynes-Forere.
In addition, GLP-1 agonists have been shown such as dulaglutide, semaglutide and liraglutide offer cardiovascular advantages. Doctors can also recommend these GLP-1 agonists to reduce The risk of heart disease.
The recommended frequency admission to commonly prescribed GLP-1 agonists includes:
- Dulaglutide: weekly
- Exénatide: twice a day
- Prolonged liberation exénatide: weekly
- Liraglutide: Daily
- Semaglutide: weekly
- Tirzepatide: weekly
- Sumaglutide tablets: daily
Who should not take GLP-1 agonists?
Although GLP-1 agonists can help effectively treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, they may not suit everyone. Your doctor can avoid prescribe GLP-1 agonists if you have:
- Family history of thyroid medullary cancer: This rare thyroid cancer was linked to the use of GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your doctor can avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have family history of spinal thyroid cancer.
- Type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN2): A rare condition characterized by tumors in the endocrine glands. Doctors can avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have been diagnosed or have family history of MEN2 because they can stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.
- Pregnant people: Doctors may not recommend GLP-1 agonists to pregnant people because it may have a risk for the development fetus.
- Pancreatitis history: Doctors most often avoid GLP-1 agonists in people with a history of pancreatitis, as GLP-1 agonists can increase the risk of deadly and necrotizing hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
- Inflammatory or gastropare intestinal disorders: GLP-1 agonists slow down gastric emptying and can worsen the symptoms of inflammatory intestine disorders.
GLP-1 overdoses and important information to remember
GLP-1 agonists are prescription drugs and should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Following the recommended dose can help prevent overdoses. According to American poison centers, an overdose of GLP-1 often causes Symptoms similar to side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
However, the duration of these symptoms can be longer. In serious cases, you can also undergo dehydration and hypoglycemia, which may require immediate medical care.
You must recheck the dose before taking the medication and set a reminder for the next dose to avoid the risk of overdose.
When to contact a doctor
You should contact your doctor if you have serious side effects after using a GLP-1 agonist, like:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Increase in heart rate
- Tremor or tremor
Also consult your doctor first if you think that the drug does not work for you or if you plan not to continue the medication.
In addition, plan regularly follow up With your doctor while you are on GLP-1 agonists is important. These follow -ups help monitor your blood sugar and determine whether dosage changes are required. Regular follow -ups can also help doctors monitor signs of hypoglycemia, kidney disease, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
The bottom line
GLP-1 agonists are drugs that mainly deal with type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, recent studies suggest that they can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve lipid disorders. Several brands are available, each with its own dosage directives. However, GLP-1 agonists may not suit everyone. You have to talk to your doctor to understand if you should take GLP-1 agonists for your condition.
