What Are GLP-1 Drugs? Its Effect On Diabetes And Weight Loss

Hello readers! Are you among those who have tried every possible remedy to lose weight or manage your sugar levels? Well, despite a healthy diet and exercise, weight loss and diabetes are still challenging for many people in India. 

For this reason, people seek alternate management methods, such as medication or treatments. One such popular drug is Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). These are designed to control blood sugar and also help regulate weight by reducing hunger pangs and food intake. 

This exploration is about GLP-1 drugs and their effect on weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes. You will also understand the types of GLP-1 drugs available in India and get the answer to the popular query: is GLP-1 better than metformin? Continue reading to know more!

Table of Contents

1. What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

2. Role Of GLP-1 For Diabetes

3. Which GLP-1 Is For Weight Loss Only?

4. Which GLP-1 Drugs Are Available In India?

5. Is GLP-1 Better Than Metformin?

6. What Are GLP-1 Side Effects?

7. Dietitian’s Recommendation

8. The Final Say

9. FAQs

10. References

What Are The GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 stands for “Glucagon-like peptide-1, " a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, in some cases, weight loss. It is a 30-amino acid peptide hormone that is produced in the intestinal epithelial endocrine L-cells. It is also known by different names like GLP-1 receptor drug, incretin mimetics, or GLP-1 analogues. 

Although, according to the American Diabetes Association, metformin is generally considered the preferred first-line therapy for treating type 2 diabetes, individuals who are intolerant towards metformin can consider GLP-1. Some of the drugs that fall under the GLP-1 class include

• Exenatide

• Lixisenatide

• Liraglutide

• Albiglutide

• Dulaglutide

• Semaglutide.

  
  

Let us understand how GLP-1 medicines/drugs are effective for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

Also Read: Blood Sugar Levels: Hyperglycemia And Hypoglycemia

Role Of GLP-1 For Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that is caused when the pancreas fails to produce insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level. GLP-1 agonists are the class of drugs that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Basically, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) improves glycemic control in diabetic patients and improves heart and kidney health. It also works effectively for weight loss.

Now, the major question is how GLP-1 works for controlling diabetes. Well, it helps produce more insulin after eating while limiting the uneven spikes in the blood sugar level caused after meals. “Victoza” and “Ozempic” are the two GLP-1 drugs that are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes.

Also Read: Borderline Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Which GLP-1 Is For Weight Loss Only?

Another alarming issue in the country is obesity or being overweight, and according to a survey on body mass index, around ⅓ Indians are dealing with this health condition. Losing weight becomes even more difficult if you have diabetes. GLP-1 can be the game changer here as it is known for regulating appetite and hunger pangs. 

The Food and Drugs Association (FDA) has approved two types of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. These are Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy). Both of these GLP-1 drugs directly reach the brain and activate the GLP-1 receptor, causing the following effects:

• Reduced appetite

• Delayed gastric emptying

Also Read: 7 Healthy And Effective Weight Loss Strategies

Which GLP-1 Drugs Are Available In India?

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved several GLP-1 drugs for treating type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Some of the GLP-1 drugs available in India are:

• Exenatide

• Liraglutide

• Semaglutide

• Tirzepatide

• Dulaglutide

Is GLP-1 Better Than Metformin?

Doctors recommend both Metformin and GLP-1 for treating Type 2 diabetes. Let us look at some factors that make both of them different:

Also Read: 6 Benefits Of Herbal Supplements For Healthy Lifestyle

What Are GLP-1 Side Effects?

Although not every medication is fruitful for the body, there may be some potential side effects. Let us look at the side effects of GLP-1 agonists:

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Dizziness

• Mild tachycardia (fast heartbeat).

• Infections

• Headaches 

• Helps with stomach ache (stomach ache)

  
  

Some Severe But Rare Side Effects Of GLP-1 drugs include

• Pancreatitis

• Medullary thyroid carcinoma

• Kidney damage (sudden) kidney disease

• Diabetes is associated with retinopathy

Dietitian’s Recommendation

GLP-1 drugs can be a helpful for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, even losing weight. They mimic a natural hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. But the important thing to remember is these are still powerful medications. While safe for many people, they can have side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. That's why it's crucial to talk to your doctor before taking any GLP-1 drugs. 

Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

There are several types of GLP-1 agonists that work for weight loss by regulating blood sugar and promoting satiety. There are various GLP-1 drugs available in India that are used for different health concerns. 

However, it is important to note that GLP-1 agonists are not suitable for everyone and may cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, discussing the pros and cons with your healthcare professional is important. To know more about health conditions or supplements visit ToneOp!

FAQs

1. What is the full form of GLP-1?

The full form of GLP -1 is Glucagon-like peptide - 1.

2. Who is eligible for GLP-1? 

GLP-1 drugs may improve blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes. It may also help with weight loss, diet, and lifestyle changes. Therefore, people suffering from diabetes are eligible.

3. What GLP-1 agonists are approved for weight loss? 

Wegovy and Saxenda are the only GLP-1 supplements approved as weight loss drugs. 

4. Do GLP-1 suppress appetite? 

GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy, have been shown to reduce food intake by suppressing appetite

References

• The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing type 2 diabetes | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 

• GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss - Mayo Clinic

• GLP-1 Agonists

• Understanding new weight-loss drugs - Harvard Health

About ToneOp