Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, aka GLP-1 agonists, comparable to semaglutide — higher referred to as Ozempic — have not too long ago gained reputation globally, not only for managing sort 2 diabetes but in addition as a result of their weight reduction advantages. This improve in reputation is principally as a result of movie star endorsements and the ability of social media. According to a analysis 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. Beyond sort 2 diabetes and weight reduction, GLP-1 agonists may assist decrease blood strain, enhance lipid problems, cut 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 vital talked-about therapies right now.What are GLP-1 agonists?GLP-1 agonists, also referred to as incretin mimetics, are a category of treatment that’s primarily used to deal with sort 2 diabetes and, in some instances, weight problems. “The glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the small intestine which triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. This process helps to regulate blood sugar levels,” mentioned Angela Haynes-Ferere, affiliate professor at Emory School of Nursing in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist mimics the action of this naturally occurring hormone. After eating, blood sugars will rise, and these medications cause the pancreas to release more insulin which helps to lower blood sugar.”In addition to serving to folks with sort 2 diabetes management their blood sugar, this treatment 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, however it varies based mostly on many individualized elements, mentioned Haynes-Ferere.According to Cleveland Clinic, a lot of the GLP-1 agonists can be found as liquid treatment that must be injected below the pores and skin, besides one that’s out there in pill type (Rybelsus). A number of generic and model names of GLP-1 agonists, in keeping with the Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes, embody:Dulaglutide, marketed as TrulicityExenatide extended-release, marketed as BydureonExenatide, marketed as ByettaLixisenatide, marketed as AdlyxinLiraglutide, marketed as VictozaSemaglutide, marketed as OzempicSemaglutide oral, marketed as RybelsusTirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro or Zepbound (a twin GLP-1/GIP agonist)Each model has its personal advisable dosage and frequency of consumption. Some could also be taken as soon as each day, whereas others are used weekly. You should seek the advice of your physician to grasp what dosage and frequency greatest swimsuit you.Potential GLP-1 agonist advantages”In addition to controlling blood sugar and reducing obesity, these medications have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve kidney function,” mentioned Haynes-Ferere. Anecdotally, people are reporting diminished smoking, playing, alcohol consumption and drug use, she famous.”Studies have shown benefits in worsening kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity,” says Dr. Leon Jons, a weight administration specialist and scientific affiliate professor of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism at Carver College of Medicine in Iowa.According to Cleveland Clinic, different advantages of GLP-1 agonists might embody:Lowering blood pressureImproving lipid disordersReducing systemic inflammationDelaying the development of diabetes-related nephropathy or diabetes-related kidney illness, aka DKDThese advantages not solely make GLP-1 agonists efficient for managing sort 2 diabetes but in addition contribute to higher cardiovascular well being. However, the impact of GLP-1 agonists varies from one particular person to a different. Always speak to your physician to grasp how GLP-1 agonists might profit your particular situation. athima tongloom/Getty ImagesGLP-1 agonist unintended effects and dangers to think aboutFor some sufferers, the velocity of weight reduction can result in the undesired beauty impact of a gaunt face (colloquially known as “Ozempic face”), significantly 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 keep a wholesome look.The drugs’ unintended effects are predominantly associated to the gastrointestinal system — for instance, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or belching. For most sufferers, these results are gentle and resolve over time. For some, the unintended effects may be extreme, and sufferers would want to cease the treatment, Jons mentioned.Other frequent unintended effects of GLP-1 agonists, as reported in a National Library of Medicine article, embody:Loss of appetiteVomitingHeadacheDizzinessMild tachycardia (elevated coronary heart price)In some instances, minor episodes of hypoglycemia might happen. “Hypoglycemia would be extremely rare and is more likely to occur in patients who are also taking other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar too much,” mentioned Dr. Troy Mensen, a household drugs physician based mostly within the Chicago space and member of the CNET medical overview board. Cleveland Clinic experiences that hypoglycemia is a situation during which blood glucose ranges drop beneath 70 mg/dL. If left untreated, it might turn into life-threatening. Symptoms of hypoglycemia might embody shakiness, weak spot, nausea, issue concentrating and dizziness. Consuming sugars or carbohydrates can deal with hypoglycemia.Also, medical doctors don’t advocate GLP-1 agonists to pregnant folks since it might pose a risk to the creating fetus. Consult your physician in the event you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.Who ought to take GLP-1 agonists?Doctors primarily advocate GLP-1 agonists for sort 2 diabetes and weight problems. However, GLP-1 agonists aren’t the primary selection of remedy. Metformin, an oral treatment, stays the primary selection for managing sort 2 diabetes. However, medical doctors might advocate GLP-1 agonists in the event you:Cannot tolerate metforminAre unable to decrease your blood sugar ranges with ongoing drugs even after three monthsExperience issues as a result of different situations comparable to coronary heart failure, atherosclerosis or persistent kidney illnessCleveland Clinic experiences that medical doctors can also advocate two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutide, for treating weight problems. Dr. Mensen provides that tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound), a twin GLP-1/GIP agonist, can also be advisable.”Based on the fact that each individual experience with this medication is different, the patient should work with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan and goal for overall well-being,” mentioned Haynes-Ferere.Additionally, GLP-1 agonists comparable to dulaglutide, semaglutide and liraglutide have been proven to supply cardiovascular advantages. Doctors can also advocate these GLP-1 agonists to scale back the chance of coronary heart illness. The advisable frequency of consumption for generally prescribed GLP-1 agonists contains:Dulaglutide: WeeklyExenatide: Twice dailyExenatide extended-release: WeeklyLiraglutide: DailySemaglutide: WeeklyTirzepatide: WeeklySemaglutide tablets: Daily Douglas Cliff/Getty PhotosWho mustn’t take GLP-1 agonists? Although GLP-1 agonists might help to successfully deal with sort 2 diabetes and weight problems, they will not be appropriate for everybody. Your physician might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists in case you have:Family historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers: This uncommon thyroid most cancers has been linked to using GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your physician might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists in case you have a household historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers.Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome sort 2, or MEN2: A uncommon situation characterised by tumors in endocrine glands. Doctors might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists in case you have been recognized with or have a household historical past of MEN2 since they will stimulate irregular cell development.Pregnant folks: Doctors might not advocate GLP-1 agonists to pregnant folks since it might probably pose a danger to the creating fetus.History of pancreatitis: Doctors most frequently keep away from GLP-1 agonists in folks with a historical past of pancreatitis since GLP-1 agonists might improve the chance of deadly hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.Inflammatory bowel problems or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists gradual gastric emptying and will worsen signs of inflammatory bowel problems.GLP-1 overdoses and vital information to rememberGLP-1 agonists are prescription drugs and must be taken solely below the supervision of your physician. Following the advisable dosage might help to forestall overdoses. According to America’s Poison Centers, an overdose of GLP-1 typically causes comparable signs to unintended effects:NauseaDiarrheaVomiting Abdominal painConstipationHowever, the length of those signs could also be longer. In extreme instances, you might also expertise dehydration and hypoglycemia, which can require instant medical consideration.You should double-check the dose earlier than taking the treatment and set a reminder for the following dose to forestall the chance of overdose. Carolina Rudah/Getty ImagesWhen to contact a health care providerYou should contact your physician in the event you’re experiencing critical unintended effects after utilizing a GLP-1 agonist, comparable to:NauseaAbdominal painDizzinessIncrease in coronary heart rateShaking or tremblingAlso, seek the advice of your physician first in the event you suppose the treatment just isn’t working for you or in the event you’re contemplating not persevering with the treatment.Additionally, scheduling common follow-ups together with your physician whilst you’re on GLP-1 agonists is vital. These follow-ups assist monitor your blood glucose ranges and decide if any dosage modifications are needed. Regular follow-ups may assist medical doctors monitor indicators of hypoglycemia, renal illness, pancreatitis and thyroid most cancers.The backside lineGLP-1 agonists are drugs that primarily deal with sort 2 diabetes and weight problems. However, latest research counsel they will decrease blood strain, cut back irritation and enhance lipid problems. Several manufacturers can be found, every having their very own dosage pointers. However, GLP-1 agonists will not be appropriate for everybody. You should speak to your physician to grasp whether or not it’s best to take GLP-1 agonists to your situation.
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