Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) corresponding to semaglutide (Ozempic) have lately gained reputation globally, not only for managing kind 2 diabetes but additionally because of their weight loss advantages. This enhance in reputation is principally because of celeb endorsements and the ability of social media platforms. In accordance with a research letter revealed in August 2024, between January 2021 and December 2023, the variety of semaglutide fills elevated by 442%. Ozempic accounted for over 70% of these fills.
Past kind 2 diabetes and weight reduction, GLP-1 agonists also can assist decrease blood stress, enhance lipid issues, scale back irritation and enhance coronary heart well being. With such benefits, the demand for GLP-1 agonists continues to develop, making them one of the talked-about remedies right now.
What are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists, also referred to as incretin mimetics, are a category of medicine that’s primarily used to deal with kind 2 diabetes and, in some instances, weight problems.
“The glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone within the small gut which triggers the discharge of insulin from the pancreas. This course of helps to manage blood sugar ranges,” mentioned Angela Haynes-Ferere, affiliate professor at Emory Faculty of Nursing in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist mimics the motion of this naturally occurring hormone. After consuming, blood sugars will rise, and these medicines trigger the pancreas to launch extra insulin which helps to decrease blood sugar.”
Along with serving to individuals with kind 2 diabetes management their blood sugar, this medicine reduces one’s urge for food. It additionally slows the digestive course of so sufferers report feeling full with much less meals consumption. This leads to weight reduction for a lot of customers, nevertheless it varies primarily based on many individualized elements, mentioned Haynes-Ferere.
In accordance with Cleveland Clinic, many of the GLP-1 agonists are available as liquid medicine that must be injected underneath the pores and skin, besides one that’s accessible in pill type (Rybelsus).
A couple of generic and brand names of GLP-1 agonists, based on the Johns Hopkins Affected person Information to Diabetes, embrace:
- Dulaglutide, marketed as Trulicity
- Exenatide extended-release, marketed as Bydureon
- Exenatide, marketed as Byetta
- Lixisenatide, marketed as Adlyxin
- Liraglutide, marketed as Victoza
- Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic
- Semaglutide oral, marketed as Rybelsus
Every model has its personal really useful dosage and frequency of consumption. Some could also be taken as soon as each day, whereas others are used weekly. It’s essential to seek the advice of your physician to grasp what dosage and frequency finest go well with you.
Potential GLP-1 agonist advantages
“Along with controlling blood sugar and decreasing weight problems, these medicines have been proven to cut back cardiovascular dangers, enhance kidney perform and scale back the incidence of sure varieties of most cancers,” mentioned Haynes-Ferere. Anecdotally, people are reporting lowered smoking, playing, alcohol consumption and drug use, she famous.
“Research have proven advantages in worsening kidney illness, coronary heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in sufferers with weight problems,” says Leon Jons, MD, a weight administration specialist and medical affiliate professor of Inside Medication-Endocrinology and Metabolism at Carver Faculty of Medication in Iowa.
In accordance with Cleveland Clinic, different benefits of GLP-1 agonists might embrace:
- Reducing blood stress
- Bettering lipid issues
- Lowering systemic inflammation
- Delaying the development of diabetes-related nephropathy or diabetes-related kidney illness (DKD)
These advantages not solely make GLP-1 agonists efficient for managing kind 2 diabetes but additionally contribute to raised cardiovascular well being. Nevertheless, the impact of GLP-1 agonists varies from one individual to a different. At all times discuss to your physician to grasp how GLP-1 agonists might profit your particular situation.
GLP-1 agonist unwanted effects and dangers to think about
For some sufferers, the velocity of weight reduction can result in the undesired beauty impact of a gaunt face (colloquially known as “Ozempic face”), notably in sufferers with much less pores and skin elasticity, mentioned Haynes-Ferere. She added that common train with weight coaching might help protect muscle mass and preserve a wholesome look.
The medicines’ unwanted effects are predominantly associated to the gastrointestinal system – for instance, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or belching. For many sufferers, these results are gentle and resolve over time. For some, the unwanted effects will be extreme, and sufferers would want to cease the medicine, Jons mentioned.
Different frequent side effects of GLP-1 agonists, as reported in a Nationwide Library of Medication article, embrace:
- Lack of urge for food
- Vomiting
- An infection
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Gentle tachycardia (elevated coronary heart fee)
In some instances, minor episodes of hypoglycemia might happen. Cleveland Clinic stories that hypoglycemia is a situation by which blood glucose ranges drop below 70 mg/dL. If left untreated, it could develop into life-threatening. Signs of hypoglycemia might embrace shakiness, weak point, nausea, issue concentrating and dizziness. Consuming sugars or carbohydrates can deal with hypoglycemia.
Additionally, docs might not suggest GLP-1 agonists to pregnant individuals since it could pose a menace to the growing fetus. Seek the advice of your physician in the event you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Who ought to take GLP-1 agonists?
Medical doctors primarily suggest GLP-1 agonists for kind 2 diabetes and weight problems. Nevertheless, GLP-1 agonists should not the primary alternative of remedy. Metformin, an oral medicine, stays the first choice for managing kind 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, docs might suggest GLP-1 agonists in the event you:
- Can’t tolerate metformin
- Are unable to decrease your blood sugar ranges with ongoing medicines even after three months
- Expertise problems because of different circumstances corresponding to coronary heart failure, atherosclerosis or continual kidney illness
Clevland Clinic stories that docs might also suggest two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutide, for treating obesity.
“Based mostly on the truth that every particular person expertise with this medicine is completely different, the affected person ought to work with their healthcare supplier to find out the perfect remedy plan and objective for total well-being,” mentioned Haynes-Ferere.
Moreover, GLP-1 agonists corresponding to dulaglutide, semaglutide and liraglutide have been proven to supply cardiovascular advantages. Medical doctors might also suggest these GLP-1 agonists to reduce the chance of coronary heart illness.
The really useful frequency of consumption for generally prescribed GLP-1 agonists contains:
- Dulaglutide: Weekly
- Exenatide: Twice each day
- Exenatide extended-release: Weekly
- Liraglutide: Each day
- Semaglutide: Weekly
- Tirzepatide: Weekly
- Semaglutide tablets: Each day
Who shouldn’t take GLP-1 agonists?
Though GLP-1 agonists might help to successfully deal with kind 2 diabetes and weight problems, they might not be appropriate for everybody. Your physician might avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists you probably have:
- Household historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers: This uncommon thyroid most cancers has been linked to the usage of GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your physician might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists you probably have a household historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers.
- A number of endocrine neoplasia syndrome kind 2 (MEN2): A uncommon situation characterised by tumors in endocrine glands. Medical doctors might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists you probably have been identified with or have a household historical past of MEN2 since they’ll stimulate irregular cell development.
- Pregnant individuals: Medical doctors might not suggest GLP-1 agonists to pregnant individuals since it will possibly pose a threat to the growing fetus.
- Historical past of pancreatitis: Medical doctors most frequently keep away from GLP-1 agonists in individuals with a historical past of pancreatitis since GLP-1 agonists might enhance the chance of deadly hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
- Inflammatory bowel issues or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists sluggish gastric emptying and will worsen signs of inflammatory bowel issues.
GLP-1 overdoses and vital data to recollect
GLP-1 agonists are prescription medicines and ought to be taken solely underneath the supervision of your physician. Following the really useful dosage might help to stop overdoses. In accordance with America’s Poison Facilities, an overdose of GLP-1 usually causes comparable signs to unwanted effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
Nevertheless, the length of those signs could also be longer. In extreme instances, you might also expertise dehydration and hypoglycemia, which can require speedy medical consideration.
It’s essential to double-check the dose earlier than taking the medicine and set a reminder for the subsequent dose to stop the chance of overdose.
When to contact a physician
It’s essential to contact your physician in the event you’re experiencing critical unwanted effects after utilizing a GLP-1 agonist, corresponding to:
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Dizziness
- Improve in coronary heart fee
- Shaking or trembling
Additionally, seek the advice of your physician first in the event you assume the medicine is just not working for you or in the event you’re contemplating not persevering with the medicine.
Moreover, scheduling common follow-ups along with your physician when you’re on GLP-1 agonists is vital. These follow-ups assist monitor your blood glucose ranges and decide if any dosage modifications are crucial. Common follow-ups also can assist docs monitor indicators of hypoglycemia, renal illness, pancreatitis and thyroid most cancers.
The underside line
GLP-1 agonists are medicines that primarily deal with kind 2 diabetes and weight problems. Nevertheless, current research counsel they’ll decrease blood stress, scale back irritation and enhance lipid issues. A number of manufacturers can be found, every having their very own dosage tips. Nevertheless, GLP-1 agonists might not be appropriate for everybody. It’s essential to discuss to your physician to grasp whether or not you must take GLP-1 agonists to your situation.
