Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity. GLP-1 RAs are very effective at lowering blood sugar levels.

As an added bonus, some have also shown benefits for heart health and kidney function. However, some people may be better suited to GLP-1 RA (also called GLP-1) treatment than others.

All GLP-1 RAs affect the body in similar ways, but there are some key differences between them.

GLP-1 RAs are classified as short-acting or long-acting, depending on how long they work in your body.

To determine which GLP-1 RA may work best for you, your doctor will consider your blood sugar patterns and health history.

Short-acting GLP-1 RAs

Short-acting GLP-1 RAs stay in your body for less than a day. They help control blood sugar levels after meals.

An example of a short-acting GLP-1 RA approved for use in the United States is exenatide, which is injected subcutaneously within 60 minutes prior to morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 or more hours apart).

Long-acting GLP-1 RAs

Long-acting GLP-1 RAs continue to work for a full day or even a week after you take them. They help control blood sugar throughout the day and night.

Injectable long-acting GLP-1s

The following long-acting GLP-1 RAs are currently approved for use in the United States in liquid form for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection:

Ozempic and Trulicity are injected once per week. Victoza is injected once daily.

Oral long-acting GLP-1 RAs

There are currently two long-acting GLP-1 RAs that are available in oral tablet form as an alternative to injectable preparations:

Rybelsus and Ozempic oral tablets are taken once daily.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that plays important roles in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 RAs mimic the actions of this hormone.

There are three main ways that GLP-1 RAs help to manage blood sugar:

  • Slow stomach emptying. When digestion is slowed down, nutrients in food are released more slowly. This prevents blood sugar from spiking after a meal.
  • Increase insulin production. GLP-1 RAs help your body make more insulin. This insulin is released after a meal when your blood sugar level rises.
  • Reduce sugar released from the liver. The liver can release extra sugar into the blood as needed. GLP-1 RAs prevent the liver from putting too much sugar into your bloodstream.

Here are some key points about how to take GLP-1 RA medications:

  • Most GLP-1 RAs are injected under the skin once per week. The exceptions are Rybelsus and Ozempic oral tablets, which are taken once daily.
  • Injectable GLP-1 RAs come in disposable pen injection devices. These devices use a much smaller needle tip for injection compared to a syringe. They’re designed to be easy to use with minimal discomfort.
  • Some pens are single-use and contain a premeasured dose of the GLP-1 RA. In other cases, you select the amount of medication to be injected.
  • If you are prescribed an injectable GLP-1 RA, you inject the medication just under the skin of your stomach, upper arm, or thigh.

If your doctor prescribes a GLP-1 RA, they typically will start you on a low dose to help your body adapt to the medication. They may then gradually increase your doses until you reach the best dosage for your specific needs.

GLP-1 RAs are very effective at lowering blood sugar levels both after meals and during fasting. Unlike some medications for type 2 diabetes, they’re unlikely to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Although more research is needed, some GLP-1 RAs have also been shown to benefit heart health and kidney function in people with diabetes.

For example, research has shown that treatment with Ozempic, Trulicity, Rybelsus, or Victoza is linked to a significant reduction in major heart problems, such as heart attacks, in people with diabetes and existing heart disease.

Studies have also found that people who took certain GLP-1 RAs had better kidney outcomes than people who took a placebo.

GLP-1 RAs commonly cause digestive side effects, such as:

  • feelings of early fullness
  • lower appetite
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

Many of these side effects lessen over time.

Researchers have also reported cases of thyroid C-cell cancer in rodents treated with GLP-1 RAs. This type of cancer is rare in humans, so the overall risk is considered low. But if you have a family history of thyroid tumors, make sure your doctor is aware of it.

Another potential downside of taking GLP-1 RAs is the cost of treatment. The price of GLP-1 RAs tends to be high compared with other medications for treating type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 RAs are often prescribed in combination with other medication to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s very common for people with type 2 diabetes to take more than one type of medication to help manage their blood sugar.

Metformin is the first-line medication recommended for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes. If metformin doesn’t work well enough on its own, a GLP-1 RA is often added to the treatment plan.

When a GLP-1 RA is prescribed along with insulin, it can increase the odds of hypoglycemia.

Because GLP-1 RAs slow digestion, they may affect the absorption of some medications.

If you have questions or concerns about potential drug interactions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some people lose weight while taking a GLP-1 RA. This is likely due to a few factors.

The GLP-1 hormone plays a role in appetite regulation. GLP-1 RAs can cause feelings of early fullness, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

A higher dose of liraglutide (Victoza) is available under the brand name Saxenda. It’s marketed at the higher dose as a weight loss drug. It’s not approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In most cases, GLP-1 RAs are highly effective at lowering blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Many GLP-1 RAs have potential benefits for heart and kidney health, too.

Your doctor can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of taking a GLP-1 RA. They can also help you decide whether GLP-1 treatment is right for you — and which type may best meet your needs.

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