What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Donna Hill Howes, RN

Family Practitioner

GLP-1 receptor agonists help the beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin. They also slow digestion and decrease appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are taken by injections under the skin using small needles. GLP-1 receptor agonists available in the US are albiglutide (Tanzeum), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta) and liraglutide (Victoza).

GLP-1 receptor agonists may be prescribed alone or in combination with other diabetes drugs.

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Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin. Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy). There are three forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies. People with diabetes can take preventive steps to control this disease and decrease the risk of further complications.

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