GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 Agonists is a kind of incretin-based medicine to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is based on the action of incretins or hormones that help control the functioning of the pancreas. It makes the pancreas produce increased insulin after a meal and helps keep blood glucose levels normal.

It works on several organs to reduce glucose levels, such as:

• Retards glucose absorption from the stomach

• Increases insulin secretion from the pancreas when glucose levels are high

• Reduces glucagon levels after a meal

• Suppresses a receptor situated in the hypothalamus that helps cut appetite

• Increases first phase insulin release and beta cell mass so that increased insulin reaches the blood and liver faster

GLP-1 agonists reduce glucose levels and improves insulin control. It can also delay the need to take insulin for Type 2 diabetes patients. This class of diabetes medicine comes with a low risk of hypoglycemia, stimulates weight loss and improves beta cell function, blood pressure and lipid levels. However, like all diabetes medications, GLP-1 agonists are no match to insulin's ability to lower glucose levels. Nonetheless, regardless of being used singly or in conjunction with insulin, they vastly improve glucose levels after a meal for most diabetics.

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