All About GLP-1 Medications: What You Need to Know

You’ve probably seen, heard, or read about GLP-1 medications. What are they? What do they do? Who are they for?  Why do people take them? Should you take them? Our Registered Dietitians answer common questions like these right here!

Background Knowledge About GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications, also known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras), is a class of medications used to treat and manage type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Glucagon like peptide is a hormone that your body produces that helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. After you eat, your small intestine releases glucagon, which tells the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin allows the body to take glucose from the blood and use it for energy, therefore lowering blood glucose levels. When blood sugar drops too low, glucagon is released, and when blood sugar is too high, insulin is released. Both hormones are needed to maintain blood sugar levels. Glucagon like peptide also influences the part of your brain that oversees appetite and telling your body when you are full. In patients with Type 2 Diabetes, their body does not respond normally to the insulin their body produces, causing their blood sugar to be high.

GLP-1 Medications: How These Drugs Work for Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

GLP-1Ras, or glucagon-like peptide- 1 receptor agonists is a class of drugs used to mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide hormone. GLP-1 medications tell the pancreas to release insulin to lower blood sugar levels. These drugs are intended to treat and manage Type 2 Diabetes and, in some cases, obesity. The main function of these drugs is to lower blood glucose levels and reduce food intake. They do this in a few different ways:

–          Telling the pancreas to produce MORE insulin to lower glucose levels in the blood.

–          Block glucagon production which prevents MORE glucose from going into your bloodstream, lowering blood glucose levels.

–          Slows digestion by slowing your stomach from emptying. By slowing your stomach from emptying, your body releases sugar into the bloodstream more slowly.

–          Increases satiety- or how full you feel. This suppresses appetite.

–          The effects on satiety and digestion often reduces food intake, appetite, and hunger, often resulting in weight loss.

These drugs are given to people with Type 2 Diabetes to help control their blood sugar. They can and have been given to people with obesity to reduce blood sugar and food intake. These drugs are intended to be taken along with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Do you have further questions about GLP-1 medications, weight management, or how to manage your Type 2 Diabetes? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Registered Dietitians today!