GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)

Other names: GLP-1 Analogues, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists

What are GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)?

GLP-1 agonists are medications that help with weight loss and type 2 diabetes by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. They increase insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. These effects lead to decreased caloric intake and improved satiety, and for type 2 diabetes, they improve blood sugar levels. Common examples include liraglutide and semaglutide. Clinical trials show significant weight loss and improvement in blood sugar levels, but side effects like nausea and vomiting can occur.

GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity. GLP-1 agonists are most often injectable medications, meaning you inject a liquid medication with a needle and syringe.

The GLP-1 analogues are injected, non-insulin drugs. They cause modest weight loss as well as HbA1c reduction, and some have good evidence for cardiovascular disease prevention, but are more expensive than other treatments (except high-dose insulin).

Incretin peptides, principally GLP-1 and GIP, regulate islet hormone secretion, glucose concentrations, lipid metabolism, gut motility, appetite and body weight, and immune function, providing a scientific basis for utilizing incretin-based therapies in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.