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Understanding GLP-1 RA treatment

Rewriting your diabetes story is much about finding the treatment plan that works for you. GLP-1 RAs are non-insulin medications that work with your body's natural ability to regulate blood sugar and appetite.1

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that can help you regulate blood sugar and appetite, which can be of particular importance for people living with type 2 diabetes.1

If you're living with type 2 diabetes, the cells in your body have what is called insulin resistance, and they don’t respond normally to the insulin needed to control your blood sugar. To try and fix the problem, your pancreas will produce more and more insulin to try to get your cells to respond. But ultimately, the pancreas can’t keep up, and blood sugar rises to levels that,2 if left untreated, can lead to issues like skin complications, nerve damage, eye complications, and diabetic ketoacidosis.3

There are different ways you can manage type 2 diabetes and help your body deal with insulin resistance. A GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA) is simply a type of medicine for type 2 diabetes that mimics the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. When prescribed, GLP-1 RAs can assist your body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar and appetite and can help with your type 2 diabetes management.2

How does a GLP-1 RA work with the body?

GLP-1 RA medication can be taken as a tablet (once a day) or injection (once a day, twice a day, or once a week(), depending on the specific medication, and potentially your preferences.4

All GLP-1 RA treatments can help with glucose control, and they also can play a part in cardiovascular risk reduction and help support weight loss.2,5

How do they do it?

Liver and Pancreas

GLP-1 RAs tell your pancreas to release more insulin when needed and prevent the liver from releasing stored sugar - helping control blood sugar levels


Stomach

GLP-1 RAs slows down the movement of food through the digestive system, resulting in a slower rise in blood sugar levels after meals.2,7


Brain

GLP-1 RAs slows down the movement of food through the digestive system, resulting in a slower rise in blood sugar levels after meals.2,7


Heart

GLP-1 RAs slow the progression of atherosclerosis, enhance your heart's pumping ability, regulate blood pressure, and improve lipid levels1,7,8 If you do suffer a heart attack or stroke, there are also treatments options that can help reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.2,7,8

How do I get the most out of my treatment?

Together with your doctor, you can evaluate your treatment plan and choose the best one for you to live a healthier life.

Regardless of your type 2 diabetes treatment, it’s always important to support it with healthy eating and regular physical activity. By getting your blood sugar and weight under control early, you can greatly reduce your risk of future complications such as heart failure.9

Remember, you and your healthcare team have the power to take control of your diabetes management.

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References
  1. Zhao X, Wang M, Wen Z, et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:721135.
  2. Kahn SE, Cooper ME, Del Prato S. Pathophysiology and treatment of type 2 diabetes: perspectives on the past, present, and future. Lancet. 2014 Mar 22;383(9922):1068-83.
  3. Felman A. What to know about hyperglycemia. Medical News Today. May 7 2019:1-7
  4. Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Rolando Rodriguez R, Compare and Contrast the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs). StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. NCBI bookshelf Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.go/books/NBK572151/
  5. Buse JB, Wexler DJ, Tsapas A, et al., 2019 update to: Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2018. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetologia. 2020 Feb;63(2):221-228.
  6. Zhao X, Wang M, Wen Z, et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne).
    2021;12:721135.
  7. Kim W and Egan JM. The role of incretins in glucose homeostasis and diabetes treatment. Pharmacol Rev. 2008;60:470-512.
  8. Mannucci E, Dicembrini I, Nreu B, et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without prior cardiovascular events: An updated meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020;22:203-211.
  9. Almdal T, Scharling H, Jensen JS, et al. The independent effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on ischemic heart disease, stroke, and death: a population-based study of 13,000 men and women with 20 years of follow-up. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:1422-6.

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