GLP-1 Agonists
How they work: GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar. Shorter-acting agonists of the GLP-1 receptor are particularly effective at lowering post-meal glucose spikes, whereas longer-acting GLP-1 agonists have more balanced effects on lowering post-meal and fasting glucose levels.
Who Uses Them: GLP-1 agonists are most often used by people with type 2 diabetes who have inadequate blood glucose control with just metformin and/or other oral drugs. They can be taken alone, or alongside metformin and/or other diabetes drugs. They have stronger efficacy than DPP-4 inhibitors but also increased side effects, particularly nausea.
In-Depth Article:
โThe GLP-1 Agonist Class โ An article describing the effects of the GLP-1 agonist class of drugs, plus a section on DPP-4 inhibitors.
GLP-1 Agonists: From 2 Daily Injections to 1 Per Week and Beyond โ A review of how far this class of drugs has come.
Approved Drugs:
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Victoza (liraglutide)
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Lyxumia/Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
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Tanzeum (albiglutide)
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Trulicity (dulaglutide)
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Ozempic (semaglutide)
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Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
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* Rybelsus is an oral medication (pill) and is not injected
Last updated: October 24, 2019