What is GLP-1 and how does it work?

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. Although its production is inhibited in people with type 2 diabetes, its function remains possible.

Therefore, GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist) treatments have been developed to mimic the function of GLP-1 and increase its activity as it occurs in healthy people.

GLP-1 RA is a class of non-insulin medication that assists your body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar and appetite.

This, in turn, helps to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, by preventing arterial damage in people with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease.

Brain

GLP-1 RA helps support weight loss by working in the part of your brain that regulates your appetite and food intake.

Bonus fact #1

Did you know... GLP-1 RA can be taken as a daily or weekly injection, or as a daily tablet.

Liver

GLP-1 RA helps maintain normal blood glucose levels by telling your pancreas when to release more insulin when needed. At the same time, it also suppresses the release of stored sugar from your liver.

Heart

GLP-1 RA helps reduce your cardiovascular risk by discouraging the progression of atherosclerosis* as well as lowering blood pressure and lipid levels.

*Atherosclerosis is also known as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – try saying that five times fast! But you can call it ASCVD for short.

Bonus fact #2

ASCVD is a specific type of heart disease where high blood sugar causes progressive damage to artery walls, leading to blockages from the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other material. This build-up restricts blood flow, increasing the chance of clots.

Balance

It’s all about balance!

By regulating your blood glucose and natural insulin levels, GLP-1 RA helps you manage type 2 diabetes with near-normal body function, greatly reducing the frequency of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) which can cause severe complications like heart attack and stroke.

Want to know more about glucose-lowering medication with proven cardiovascular benefits that also supports weight loss?

Ask your doctor if a GLP-1 RA is right for you.

References

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2. Flint A, Raben A, Ersboll AK, et al. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25:781-792

3. Ahmann AJ, Capehorn M, Charpentier G, et al. Diabetes Care. 2018;41:258- 266.

4. Ahrén B, Masmiquel L, Kumar H, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5:341-354.

5. Aroda VR, Bain SC, Cariou B, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5:355-366.

6. Sorli C, Harashima SI, Tsoukas GM, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5:251- 260.

7. Rodbard H, Lingvay I, Reed J, et al. 52nd Annual Meeting of the EASD, Munich, Germany; 12-16 September 2016.

8. Herrington W, Lacey B, Sherliker P, et al. Epidemiology of Atherosclerosis and the Potential to Reduce the Global Burden of Atherothrombotic Disease. Circulation Research. 2016;118:535-546.

9. National Institute of Health. Atherosclerosis. 2021.