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Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)
What is GLP-1?
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the way a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 works in the body. When blood sugar starts to rise after a person eats, these medicines cause the body to make more insulin. The extra insulin helps lower blood sugar.
Lower blood sugar helps control type 2 diabetes.
Functions:
Stimulates insulin secretion: GLP-1 increases insulin production in the pancreas, which lowers blood sugar levels.
Suppresses glucagon secretion: GLP-1 inhibits the release of glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
Slows gastric emptying: GLP-1 slows down the digestion of food, which helps to regulate appetite and prevent overeating.
Promotes satiety: GLP-1 signals the brain that the stomach is full, reducing hunger and cravings.
Yes, other forms of GLP-1 are available, including a pill that’s taken by mouth, prefilled pen injections, and vials of medication that you draw yourself.
Brand names include Rybelsus tablets (semiglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and more.
All GLP-1 agonists can help with weight loss. But the amount of weight loss depends on the type of medicine and the dose. In general, studies have found that tirzepatide and semaglutide are the most effective for weight loss. Dulaglutide and liraglutide also have been found to be very effective. Other GLP-1 agonists appear to be somewhat less effective for weight loss. But people who take them still have better weight loss results than those who do not take the medicine.
Yes, you need a prescription and to be under a doctors care while using GLP-1 to ensure you are using the medication safely.
*Please read section of what you need to know about this medication.
Healthcare providers prescribe GLP-1 agonists for two conditions: Type 2 diabetes and for weight loss.
How does it work?
To understand how GLP-1 agonists work, it helps to understand how the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone works.
GLP-1 is a hormone that your small intestine makes. It has several roles, including:
- Triggering insulin release from your pancreas: Insulin is an essential hormone that allows your body to use the food you eat for energy. It lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you don’t have enough insulin, your blood sugar increases, leading to diabetes.
- Blocking glucagon secretion: Glucagon is a hormone your body uses to raise your blood sugar levels when necessary. So, GLP-1 prevents more glucose from going into your bloodstream.
- Slowing stomach emptying: Slower digestion means that your body releases less glucose (sugar) from the food you eat into your bloodstream.
- Increasing how full you feel after eating (satiety): GLP-1 affects areas of your brain that processes hunger and satiety.
GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking this hormone. In medication terms, an agonist is a manufactured substance that attaches to a cell receptor and causes the same action as the naturally occurring substance. In other words, GLP-1 medications bind to GLP receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more extreme the effects.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, the medications help manage your blood sugar by triggering your pancreas to release more insulin. The slowed digestion also helps decrease blood sugar spikes.
The satiety effect of GLP1-agonists reduces your food intake, appetite and hunger. These combined effects often result in weight loss.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists include:
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
These side effects are more likely to happen when you start the medication or if you’re taking an increased dose.
Other side effects can include:
- Dizziness
- Mild tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Infections
- Headaches
- Indigestion (upset stomach)
- You may also have temporary mild itchiness and/or redness on your skin at the site of the injections
Severe — but rare — side effects can include:
- Pancreatitis
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Acute (sudden) kidney injury
- Worsening diabetes-related retinopathy
Please Be Advised
Make sure you speak with your provider about these conditions if you are considering GLP-1
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- History of medullary thyroid cancer
- History of gallbladder disease
- Dehydration or Depression
- History of Diabetic retinopathy
- History of Kidney disease or
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) may make these conditions worse.
- Gastroparesis (stomach does not empty food normally), severe or
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) orThyroid cancer, history of—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation—May increase risk of pulmonary aspiration (food or liquid getting into the lungs) during surgery or other procedures.
- Type 1 diabetes—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, your first step should be consulting your provider. You should be under a providers care while prescribed this medication.
Step-by-step process for getting care
- Review medications: semaglutide, tirzepatide, pre-filled syringes, vials, tablets
- Proceed to provider intake form. *some states require you to meet with a provider first.
- If approved your Rx will be sent to Elysium Pharmacy for fulfillment.
- Read FAQ's to learn more about your medication and to handle your future prescriptions.
- *By clicking "Get Started," you will be redirected to a webpage not owned or operated by indipop. Indipop is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites, so please review their terms and policies. We may receive compensation or benefits from your visit or transactions made on this external site.
Safety info: GLP-1 medications may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2. See more serious warnings & safety info here.
