Glucagon like peptide medications also known as GLP-1s is a medicine group that helps lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It can also help with weight loss in some people, even if they don’t have diabetes.
What is a GLP-1 Activator?
GLP-1 activators work like a natural hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps:
• Slow down digestion
• Reduce appetite
• Help the body release more insulin (a hormone that lowers blood sugar)
• Reduce the amount of another hormone, glucagon, which raises blood sugar
Other GLP-1 medications include Wegovy, Zepbound, and Rybelsus.
How do GLP-1s work?
These medications help the pancreas, an organ in your body, work better. They help control blood sugar by stopping the body from adding too much sugar to the blood and making insulin work better.
GLP-1 activators also slow down how fast food moves through your stomach. This makes you feel full longer and helps control appetite. Eating healthy and staying active can make the medicine work even better.
Who Should Use GLP-1s?
Doctors may prescribe GLP-1 medicines for two main reasons:
• Type 2 Diabetes: If diet, exercise, or other diabetes medicines aren’t enough to lower blood sugar, a doctor may suggest these medications.
• Weight Loss: A doctor may recommend Ozempic if:
• You have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Your BMI is 25–29.9, and you have health problems related to weight, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Who Shouldn’t Use Ozempic?
• People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
• Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, as Ozempic may affect the baby’s growth and health
● Individuals with history of pancreatitis
What Are the Side Effects?
Common Side Effects:
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
These side effects are usually worse when starting or increasing the dose but often get better over time.
More Serious but Rare Side Effects:
• Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas causing severe stomach pain)
• Gallbladder problems, like gallstones or colic .
Are GLP-1s a S shot or a pill?
GLP-1s come in either a shot pen or a pill. For the pen, a dose is given as a shot under the skin, usually in the belly, thigh, or upper arm. Most people start with a low dose that increases over time.
Some GLP-1 medications, like Rybelsus, come as a pill instead of a shot. Your doctor will help you choose the right medication and dosage.
Are GLP-1s Right for You?
GLP-1 medicines can help those with type 2 diabetes and those who are seeking weight loss, but they aren’t for everyone. A doctor will check your health and decide if GLP-1s are good choice for you. It’s important to see your doctor regularly if you do take a GLP-1.