GLP-1 DIABETIC MEDICATIONS

There has been a lot of buzz about Ozempic and other GLP-1 diabetes medications and weight loss lately, but how much do you really know about them?

Diabetes drugs in the GLP-1 agonists class are generally taken by a shot (injection) given daily or weekly and include:

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity) (weekly)
• Exenatide extended release (Bydureon bcise) (weekly)
• Exenatide (Byetta) (twice daily)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) (weekly)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic) (weekly)
• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) (daily)
• Lixisenatide (Adlyxin) (daily)
• Semaglutide (Rybelsus) (taken by mouth once daily)

These drugs mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. When blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin. The extra insulin helps lower blood sugar levels.

Lower blood sugar levels are helpful for controlling type 2 diabetes. But it’s not clear how the GLP-1 drugs lead to weight loss. Doctors do know that GLP-1s appear to help curb hunger. These drugs also slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. As a result, you may feel full faster and longer, so you eat less.

Along with helping to control blood sugar and boost weight loss, GLP-1s and SGLT-2 inhibitors seem to have other major benefits. Research has found that some drugs in these groups may lower the risk of heart disease, such as heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. People taking these drugs have seen their blood pressure and cholesterol levels improve. But it’s not clear whether these benefits are from the drug or the weight loss.

The downside to GLP-1 drugs is that all but one has to be taken by a shot. And, like any drug, there is a risk of side effects, some serious. More common side effects often improve as you continue to take the drug for a while.

Some of the more common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of muscle mass

What are the long-term side effects of GLP-1 drugs?

• Thyroid tumors
• Pancreatitis
• Changes in vision
• Hypoglycemia
• Gallbladder issues
• Kidney failure

Most common are gallbladder issues and pancreatitis.

Currently, drug companies such as Mounjaro are expanding into a pill format for the application of GLP-1 drugs. This pill format with have 33% to 55% of the effective rate of the injections.

In speaking with a Mounjaro drug rep he states that patients will lose weight with GLP-1 drugs, but unless a lifestyle change is made patients will regain weight without continued use. Programs like the ones offered by Green Country Wellness focus on how to help our clients do precisely that. We love helping people discover which foods work for them and how they can lose weight safely and sustainably.