The Dual Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1s) in Diabetes and Weight Management?
Type 2 diabetes affects tens of millions of people and makes it difficult to manage weight. This is why receiving effective treatment is crucial. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a class of medications that are revolutionizing type 2 diabetes therapy and weight control.
GLP-1s have been well-publicized for their substantial weight-loss advantages, which have contributed to their rise in popularity. Even celebrities and influencers have touted their effectiveness, creating a buzz around these medications.
Their dual benefits of weight loss and diabetes management make GLP-1s attractive to a broad audience.
What is Glucagon-Like-Peptide 1?
Glucagon-like-peptide 1 is produced in the intestines—mostly in reaction to food.
Glucagon-like-peptide 1 is essential for the body’s ability to regulate blood-sugar levels and aid in digestion. It does so by:
- Stimulating Insulin Release: After a meal, glucagon-like-peptide 1 stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.
- Inhibiting Glucagon Release: Glucagon-like-peptide 1 suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to release stored glucose.
- Slowing Gastric Emptying: Glucagon-like-peptide 1 causes the stomach to empty more slowly, which results in a longer sensation of fullness and a more progressive absorption of nutrients.
- Reducing Appetite: By influencing the brain’s hunger centers, glucagon-like-peptide 1 helps decrease appetite and promote fullness.
- Promoting Beta-Cell Health: Glucagon-like-peptide 1 supports the health and function of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications act like “helpers” for glucagon-like-peptide 1.
GLP-1s mimic glucagon-like-peptide 1—meaning, they copy what glucagon-like-peptide 1 does naturally.
By doing so, GLP1s help people—especially people with type 2 diabetes—manage their blood sugar and stay healthier.
GLP-1s are often prescribed when diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications are not enough to keep blood-sugar levels in check.
GLP-1s include the following:
- Ozempic (Semaglutide)
- Rybelsus (Semaglutide)
- Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
- Victoza (Liraglutide)
Due to their effectiveness and versatility, GLP-1 medications have become a popular choice for managing weight and diabetes.
How Do GLP-1s Work?
To restate:
- Your small intestine naturally produces the hormone GLP-1.
- GLP-1s are made to “mimic” the way that GLP-1 acts.
Unlike insulin or sulfonylureas—which directly increase insulin levels—GLP-1s offer a more balanced approach by enhancing the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms.
- GLP-1s are released in response to food intake, stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas while inhibiting glucagon release.
- This helps lower blood-sugar levels by enhancing the body’s natural insulin response and slowing down digestion.
- GLP-1s also slow gastric emptying and promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Many people find GLP-1s convenient as they can be administered with weekly injections, making it easier to stick to the treatment plan.
Plus, the benefits of GLP-1s extend beyond diabetes management, as they are shown to improve cardiovascular health, which is a big plus for overall wellness.
What Are the ‘Dual Benefits’ of GLP-1s on Diabetes and Weight Loss?
GLP-1s offer dual benefits in diabetes and weight management, making them a powerful tool in treating type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Management
For diabetes management, GLP-1s have been proven to:
- Enhance insulin secretion.
- Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
GLP-1s are also highly effective in lowering A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic
- According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, Ozempic significantly reduces A1c levels by up to 1.5 percentage points compared to placebo.
Trulicity
- The REWIND trial reported that Trulicity 1.5 mg once weekly resulted in significant reductions in A1c levels.
On average, patients saw a decrease of about 1.1 to 1.4 percentage points compared to baseline measurements, depending on the duration and population studied.
Weight Management
There are hundreds of peer-reviewed clinical studies that provide strong support for the use of GLP-1s in diabetes and weight management. These findings underscore why GLP-1s are so popular and trusted in current medical practice.
Ozempic
- In the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) program, Ozempic 2.4 mg once weekly resulted in an average weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight, with 86% of participants achieving at least 5% weight loss.
Victoza
- Victoza 3.0 mg was found to significantly outperform placebo in the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial, resulting in an average weight loss of 8% over 56 weeks.
- In the extension research, Victozxa also assisted patients in maintaining their weight loss for a maximum of three years.
Trulicity
- In the AWARD trials, patients treated with 4.5 mg of Trulicity each week experienced an average weight loss of 10.36 pounds over 52 weeks.
How Are GLP-1s Given?
GLP-1s are typically administered through injections, either under the skin or into a muscle.
Depending on the brand, GLP-1 injections are usually given once a day or once a week, depending on the specific medication. For example:
- Ozempic (taken weekly)
- Rybelsus (taken by mouth once daily)
- Wegovy (taken weekly)
- Trulicity (taken weekly)
- Victoza (taken daily)
Unlike insulin, which often needs to be injected multiple times a day, GLP-1s offer a more convenient dosing schedule.
Some GLP-1 medications are available in pen devices that make self-administration straightforward.
What Are the Side Effects of GLP-1s?
GLP-1s are effective for managing type 2 diabetes, but like any medication, they can have side effects, including:
- Nausea: Some people experience mild nausea, especially when starting GLP-1s.
- Vomiting: Rarely, vomiting may occur.
- Pancreatitis: Although rare, it’s essential to monitor for signs of pancreatitis.
- Hypoglycemia: GLP-1s can lower blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Weight Loss: While beneficial, unintended weight loss can occur.
- Injection Site Reactions: Redness or discomfort at the injection site is possible.
Embracing the Future of Diabetes Management with GLP-1s
- GLP-1s have the potential to revolutionize diabetes treatment due to their multifaceted benefits.
- GLP-1s not only significantly lower A1c levels and enhance blood-sugar control, but also promote substantial weight loss—addressing two critical aspects of diabetes management.
- GLP-1s have also been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, offering additional protection for patients with type 2 diabetes, who are at heightened risk for heart disease.
- GLP-1s improve insulin secretion, suppress appetite, and delay gastric emptying. All of this positions GLP-1s as a promising therapeutic option that can improve overall metabolic health and quality of life for many people with type 2 diabetes.
Make sure you talk to your doctor before beginning any type 2 diabetes medication or following any weight-management plan.
