Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) such as Semaglutid (Ozempic) have recently gained popularity, not only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but also because of their Weight loss Advantages. This increase in popularity is mainly due to celebrities and the power of social media platforms. After one Research letter Published in August 2024, published between January 2021 and December 2023, the number of semaglutide fillings rose by 442%. Ozempic made over 70% of these fillings.
In addition to type 2 diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 agonists can also help reduce blood pressure, improve lipid disorders, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. With such advantages, the demand for GLP-1 agonists continues to grow and today makes it one of the most spoken treatments.
What are GLP 1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists, also known as inketine mimetics, are a class of medication that is mainly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and in some cases.
“The glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the small intestine that triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. This process helps to regulate the blood sugar level,” said the blood sugar level ” Angela Haynes ferryAssociate professor at the Emory School of Nursing in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist imitates the effect of this naturally occurring hormone. After eating, blood sugar increases and these medication leads to the pancreas released more insulin, which contributes to reducing blood sugar.”
This drug not only helps people with type -2 diabetes, but also reduces appetite. It also slows down the digestive process, so that the patients report that they feel full with less food intake. This leads to weight loss for many users, but varies on the basis of many individual factors, said Haynes ferry.
According to Cleveland Clinic, most GLP 1 agonists are available As a liquid medication that must be injected under the skin, with the exception of one that is available in tablet form (rybelsus).
A couple Generics and brand names From GLP-1 agonists, according to the Johns Hopkin’s patient, conduct guidelines for diabetes:
- Dulaglutid, markets as a trulicity
- Exenatid extended release, marketed as Bydureon
- Exenatide, marketed as byetta
- Lixisenatide, markets as an adlyxin
- Liraglutid, markets as Victoza
- Semaglutid, markets as Ozempic
- Semaglutid oral, markets as Rybelsus
Each brand has its own recommended dosage and frequency of recording. Some can be taken once a day, while others are used every week. You have to consult your doctor to understand which dosage and frequency suits you best.
Potential GLP-1 agonist advantages
“In addition to checking blood sugar and reducing obesity, it was shown that these drugs reduce cardiovascular risks, improve kidney function and reduce the incidence of certain types of cancer,” said Haynes ferry. Anecdotically, individuals report reduced smoking, gambling, alcohol consumption and drug use, she noticed.
“Studies have shown advantages in deteriorating kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity” Leon JononsMD, a specialist in weight management and clinical association professor of internal medical endocrinology and metabolism at the Carver College of Medicine in Iowa.
According to Cleveland Clinic, others Advantages GLP-1 agonists can include:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improvement of lipid disorders
- Reduce Systemic inflammation
- Delay of the progression of diabetes-related nephropathy or diabetes kidney disease (DKD)
These advantages not only make GLP 1 agonists dealing with type 2 diabetes, but also contribute to better cardiovascular health. However, the effect of GLP-1 agonists varies from one person to another. Always talk to your doctor to understand how GLP 1 agonists can benefit your specific condition.
To take into account the side effects and risks of GLP-1 agonist
In some patients, the speed of weight loss can lead to an undesirable cosmetic effect of a lean face (colloquially referred to as a “ozempish face”), especially in patients with less skin elasticity, said Haynes ferry. She added that regular exercise with strength training can help keep the muscle mass and maintain a healthy appearance.
The side effects of the medication are mainly related to the gastrointestinal system -for example nausea, constipation, diarrhea or blow. In most patients, these effects are mild and dissolved over time. For some, the side effects can be serious and the patients would have to stop the medication, said Jons.
Other common Side effects include GLP-1 agonists, as reported in an article by the National Library of Medicine article:
- Appetite loss
- Vomit
- infection
- Headache
- dizziness
- Mild tachycardia (increased heart rate)
In some cases, smaller episodes of hypoglycaemia can occur. The Cleveland Clinic reports that hypoglycemia is a disease in which the blood sugar level drops under 70 mg/dl. If it remains untreated, it can be life -threatening. The symptoms of hypoglycaemia include tremors, weakness, nausea, concentration and dizziness. Hypoglycemia can treat the consumption of sugar or carbohydrates.
In addition, doctors may not recommend GLP 1 agonists of pregnant people, as this can be a threat to the developing fetus. Contact your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or breastfeed.
Who should take GLP 1 agonists?
Doctors mainly recommend GLP 1 agonists for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, GLP-1 agonists are not the first choice of treatment. Metformin, an oral drug, remains the First choice To manage type -2 diabetes. However, doctors can recommend GLP 1 agonists if they:
- Metformin cannot tolerate
- Can’t lower your blood sugar level with ongoing medication even after three months
- Experience complications due to other diseases such as heart failure, atherosclerosis or chronic kidney disease
Clevland Clinic reports that doctors may also recommend two GLP 1 agonists. Semaglutid and Liraglutidfor treatment obesity.
“Due to the fact that every single experience with this medication is different, the patient should work with his health service provider to determine the best treatment plan and the best goal for general well-being,” said Haynes ferry.
It was also shown that GLP-1 agonists such as Dulaglutide, Semaglutid and Liraglutid offer cardiovascular advantages. Doctors can also recommend these GLP 1 agonists reduce The risk of heart disease.
The recommended frequency Accepting for frequently prescribed GLP-1 agonists ::
- Dulaglutide: weekly
- Aumatide: twice a day
- Exzenatide Extended release: weekly
- Liraglutide: daily
- Semaglutid: weekly
- Tirepatide: weekly
- Semaglutid tablets: daily
Who shouldn’t take GLP 1 agonists?
Although GLP-1 agonists can help treat type 2 diabetes and obesity effectively, they may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor can avoid Prescription of GLP-1 agonists if you have:
- Family history with medullary thyroid cancer: This rare thyroid cancer was associated with the use of GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your doctor can avoid prescribing GLP 1 agonists if you have a family history with medullary thyroid cancer.
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (Men2): A rare condition characterized by tumors in endocrine glands. Doctors can avoid prescribing GLP 1 agonists if Men2 has been diagnosed or have a family history because they can stimulate abnormal cell growth.
- Pregnant woman: Doctors may not recommend GLP 1 agonists for pregnant people, as this can be a risk of developing fetus.
- Prehistory of pancreatitis: Doctors most frequently avoid GLP 1 agonists in people with pancreatitis, since GLP 1 agonists can increase the risk of fatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
- Incalverts or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists slow the stomach emptying and can make symptoms of inflammatory intestinal diseases worse.
Overdoses of GLP-1 and important information that should be remembered
GLP-1 agonists are prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor. The recommended dosage can help prevent overdoses. According to America’s poison centers, an overdose of GLP-1 often Causes Symptoms similar to side effects:
- Trimming
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Abdominal pain
- constipation
However, the duration of these symptoms can be longer. In severe cases, you can also experience dehydration and hypoglycemia, which may require immediate medical help.
You have to check the dose before taking the medication and set a memory for the next dose to prevent the risk of overdose.
When should a doctor be contacted
You have to contact your doctor if you have serious side effects after using a GLP 1 agonist, such as: B.:
- Trimming
- Abdominal pain
- dizziness
- Increase in heart rate
- Tremor or tremor
Also contact your doctor if you believe that the medication does not work for you or if you do not continue the medication.
In addition, they plan regularly Follow-ups With your doctor while you are on GLP 1 agonists, it is important. These follow-ups help to monitor their blood sugar levels and determine whether a dosage changes are required. Regular follow-ups can also help doctors monitor signs of hypoglycaemia, kidney disease, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
The end result
GLP-1 agonists are medication that mainly treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, recent studies indicate that they can reduce blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve lipid disorders. There are several brands available, each with their own dosage guidelines. However, GLP-1 agonists may not be suitable for everyone. You have to speak to your doctor to understand whether you should take GLP 1 agonists with you for your condition.
