How GLP-1s work
GLP-1 is a hormone produced by your small intestine. It has several key functions, including:

• Triggering insulin release from your pancreas: Insulin is an essential hormone that allows your body to use the food you eat for energy. It lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you don’t have enough insulin, your blood sugar increases and can lead to diabetes

• Blocking glucagon secretion: Glucagon is a hormone your body uses to raise your blood sugar levels when necessary. GLP-1 prevents more glucose from going into your bloodstream

• Decreasing digestion: Slowing the speed that your stomach empties means that your body releases less glucose (sugar) from the food you eat into your bloodstream

• Increasing how full you feel after eating (satiety): GLP-1 affects parts of your brain that process hunger and satiety

GLP-1s work by mimicking this hormone by binding to GLP receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the GLP-1 medication, the more extreme the effects.

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If you need to manage Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s can help control your blood sugar by causing your pancreas to release more insulin. These medications also slow your digestion to help decrease spikes in your blood sugar.

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If you need to manage chronic weight loss, the satiety effect of GLP-1s reduce your food intake, appetite, and hunger – often leading to weight loss.

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Talk to a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether a GLP-1 is right for you.