GLP-1 Receptor Agonists - Mechanism and Benefits

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by stimulating the release of insulin and inhibiting glucagon secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists FAQ

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What are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, also known as GLP-1 analogs, GLP-1DAs or incretin mimetics, are a class of drugs that reduce blood sugar and energy intake by activating the GLP-1 receptor. They mimic the actions of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1 that is released by the gut after eating.

What is a GLP-1 agonist?

Diabetes drugs in the GLP-1 agonists class are generally taken by a shot (injection) given daily or weekly and include: These drugs mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. When blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin.

Can GLP-1 agonist medicines help a person with Type 2 diabetes?

Please talk to your healthcare professional about them. GLP-1 agonist medicines can improve your blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes. They can also help you to lose weight, together with diet and healthy lifestyle changes. We usually prescribe these medicines for people who cannot control their type 2 diabetes with tablets.

Are glucagon-like peptide 1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists a cardiovascular complication?

Possible cardiovascular actions of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). Diabetic kidney disease is a complication of diabetes that leads to increased mortality ( 40 ). Most GLP-1RA CVOTs incorporated secondary exploratory renal endpoints.

What are glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, incretin mimetics, or GLP-1 analogs) represent a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, in some cases, obesity. Examples of drugs in this class include exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide.

What are GLP-1 agonists?

They mimic the actions of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1 that is released by the gut after eating. GLP-1 agonists were initially developed for type 2 diabetes.

Are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists a treatment option for type 2 diabetes?

Funding information Novo Nordisk Inc., Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA, funded the medical writing support for this review. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are one of the preferred approved treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and inadequate glycaemic control.