GLP-1 Agonists: Managing Diabetes

GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that can help manage Type 2 diabetes and obesity. They're often injection medications. These drugs mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. When blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin. The extra insulin helps lower blood sugar levels. Lower blood sugar levels are helpful for controlling type 2 diabetes.

Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 exerts its main effect by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreatic islets. It has also been shown to slow gastric emptying, inhibit inappropriate post-meal glucagon release, and reduce food intake.

Purpose

In response to a meal, GLP-1 delays gastric emptying and increases gastric volumes. GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release in a glucose-dependent manner both in normal individuals as well as in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of GLP- Agonists

1. Lowering blood pressure.
2. Improving the lipid-related fluctuations.
3. Improving the disease of fatty liver.
4. Lowering your chance of renal and cardiac problems.
5. Postponing the nephropathy caused by diabetes from getting worse.

Side effects of GLP-1 Agonists

1. Loss of appetite.
2. Nausea.
3. Vomiting.
4. Diarrhea.