GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications are becoming more popular as effective treatments for people with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
These medications not only help control hunger and improve metabolism, but they also support long-term heart and kidney health.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by increasing hormones that reduce hunger and stabilize blood sugar.
They help the body release more insulin when blood sugar is high, reduce a hormone called glucagon that raises blood sugar, slow digestion to make meals more satisfying, and signal the brain to feel full. All these actions combined lead to better blood sugar control and weight loss.
These medications have shown extra benefits as well. They lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease and high body weight. They protect kidney function in people with diabetes-related kidney disease and can improve symptoms in some forms of heart failure.
GLP-1 medications are approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more if they have a weight-related health issue like high blood pressure.
Some studies also found that these drugs help with sleep apnea and liver disease. For example, semaglutide can improve liver health in people with inflammation and scarring in the liver.
However, these medications are not suitable for everyone. They should not be used by people who are pregnant, have a history of a rare thyroid cancer, certain endocrine diseases, or have had pancreatitis. People with serious stomach issues, kidney disease, or eye problems from diabetes should use them carefully and under a doctor’s supervision.
When compared to other treatments, GLP-1 medications usually help patients lose more weight and control blood sugar better. They can sometimes match the weight loss seen in bariatric surgery, though surgery still provides the most consistent results.
While insulin lowers blood sugar quickly, it can cause weight gain and low blood sugar, which GLP-1 medications avoid. These drugs also outperform oral diabetes medications like SGLT2 inhibitors when it comes to weight loss and blood sugar control.
Side effects are mostly related to digestion and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These usually appear early and go away with time.
Starting with a low dose and increasing it slowly helps manage these symptoms. Eating smaller meals with more protein and less fat, drinking water between meals, and using over-the-counter remedies for constipation can also help.
Patients do better when they are supported by their healthcare team. Follow-up visits and practical tips help people stick with the treatment. It’s also important to contact insurance providers to understand what is covered.
GLP-1 therapy works best when combined with a full care plan, including healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and stress management. For people with type 2 diabetes, adding an SGLT2 inhibitor may provide even more benefits for blood sugar, weight, heart, and kidney health.
Cholesterol and blood pressure medications may still be needed. In some cases, surgery may be a better option if medication doesn’t work or isn’t covered by insurance.
New types of these drugs are being developed quickly. Some new medications target three hormone systems instead of one, which could offer even more weight loss and blood sugar control. There are also future combinations with other helpful hormones like amylin, and oral versions are in the works for people who don’t want injections.
GLP-1 treatments are not short-term fixes. Once the medication is stopped, many patients regain the weight they lost.
This shows that obesity is a long-term condition that requires ongoing treatment. People should continue taking the lowest dose that keeps their progress stable. Regular check-ins can help review nutrition, exercise, side effects, and heart health over time.
These treatments give people with diabetes or obesity real tools to manage their health and improve their quality of life for the long run.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and to people with diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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