Pastor Peptide
← Encyclopedia GLP1s

About GLP1s

GLP-1 peptides, more formally known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (or incretin mimetics), are a class of medications that mimic the effects of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is produced in the small intestine and plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Here’s a breakdown of the types of GLP-1 peptides and their functions: What they do:

  • Stimulate Insulin Release: After eating, GLP-1 agonists prompt the pancreas to release more insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps your body use glucose (sugar) from food for energy, thus lowering blood sugar levels. This effect is “glucose-dependent,” meaning it only happens when blood sugar is high, which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
  • Suppress Glucagon Secretion: They block the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. By reducing glucagon, they prevent the liver from producing and releasing excess glucose.
  • Slow Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 peptides slow down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. This makes you feel full longer and helps regulate blood sugar spikes after meals.
  • Increase Satiety and Reduce Appetite: They act on receptors in the brain to increase feelings of fullness (satiety) and reduce appetite and food cravings. This effect is a key reason they are effective for weight loss.
  • Cardiovascular Benefits: Some GLP-1 agonists have been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Types of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Commonly Prescribed): These medications are typically administered as subcutaneous injections, though an oral formulation of semaglutide is also available. They are often categorized by their dosing frequency and whether they target other receptors.

  • Liraglutide (Brand Names: Victoza, Saxenda):
    • Dosing: Once-daily injection.
    • Use: Approved for type 2 diabetes and, at a higher dose (Saxenda), for chronic weight management.
  • Semaglutide (Brand Names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy):
    • Dosing: Once-weekly injection (Ozempic, Wegovy) or a once-daily tablet (Rybelsus).
    • Use: Approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and, at a higher dose, for chronic weight management (Wegovy). It is known for its significant effectiveness in both blood sugar control and weight loss.
  • Dulaglutide (Brand Name: Trulicity):
    • Dosing: Once-weekly injection.
    • Use: Primarily approved for type 2 diabetes and has also demonstrated cardiovascular benefits.
  • Exenatide (Brand Names: Byetta, Bydureon):
    • Dosing: Twice-daily (Byetta) or once-weekly (Bydureon) injection.
    • Use: One of the first GLP-1 agonists on the market, used for the management of type 2 diabetes.
  • Lixisenatide (Brand Name: Adlyxin):
    • Dosing: Once-daily injection.
    • Use: Used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists:
    • Tirzepatide (Brand Names: Mounjaro, Zepbound):
      • Dosing: Once-weekly injection.
      • Use: This is a newer class of drug that activates not only the GLP-1 receptor but also the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor. This dual action has shown even greater efficacy for blood sugar control and weight loss. It is approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound).