GLP-1 Medicines: Potential Benefits, Risk Factors and Overdose Information

Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) such as semaglutide (Ozepik) have recently gained popularity worldwide, not only for type 2 diabetes, but also because of their weight loss Benefits. This increase in popularity is mainly due to celebrity approvals and the power of social media platforms. According to a research letter Posted in August 2024, between January 2021 and December 2023, the number of semi -grade fillings increased by 442%. Ozepic It represents over 70% of these fillings.

Beyond type 2 diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 agonists can also help lower blood pressure, improve lipid disorders, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. With such advantages, the search for GLP-1 agonists continues to increase, making them one of the most spoken treatments today.

What are GLP-1 agonists?

GLP-1 agonists, also known as Incretin Mimetics, are a class of medicines that are used mainly to treat type 2 diabetes and in some cases obesity.

“Glucagonian peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the small intestine, which triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. This process helps to regulate blood sugar levels,” said Angela Haines-FerereAssistant Professor at the Emori Nursing School in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonite mimics the action of this naturally occurring hormone. After eating, blood sugars will increase and these drugs cause the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps to reduce blood sugar.”

In addition to helping people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, this medicine reduces a person’s appetite. It also slows down the digestive process, so patients report that they feel full of less food intake. This leads to weight loss for many users, but varies depending on many individualized factors, said Haines-Ferre.

According to the clinic in Cleveland, most agonists GLP-1 are available As a liquid medicine to be injected under the skin, except for the one that is available in the form of a tablet (Rybelsus).

Several Common and branded names On GLP-1 agonists, according to Johns Hopkins patients for diabetes, it includes:

• Dulaglutide launched as a tribulary
• Exenatide with extended release launched as Bydureon
• Excatid, put on the market as byetta
• Lixiesenid offered on the market as aclixin
• Liraglutide placed on the market as Victoza
• Semaglutide placed on the market as Ozepic
• Semaglutide orally offered on the market as ribels

Each brand has its own recommended dose and frequency of administration. Some can be taken once a day while others are used weekly. You should consult your doctor to find out what dose and frequency you fit the best.

Potential agonist benefits GLP-1

“In addition to controlling blood sugar and reducing obesity, these drugs have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks, improve kidney function and reduce the incidence of some cancers,” says Hayns-Ferre. Anecdotes people report reduced smoking, gambling, alcohol intake and drug use, she noted.

“Studies show benefits in worsening kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity,” says Leon JononsMD, a specialist in weight management and associate professor of internal medicine-endocrinology and metabolism at the Carver Medical College in Iowa.

According to the clinic in Cleveland, others benefits The GLP-1 agonists may include:

• Lowering of blood pressure
• Improvement of lipid disorders
• Reduction systemic inflammation
• Delay in the progression of nephropathy associated with diabetes or associated with diabetes, kidney disease (DKD)

Not only do these benefits make GLP-1 agonists effective for managing type 2 diabetes, but also contribute to better cardiovascular health. However, the effect of the GLP-1 agonists varies from one to one to another. Always talk to your doctor to find out how GLP-1 agonists can benefit from your specific condition.

GLP-1 agonist side effects and risks to consider

For some patients, the rate of weight loss can lead to the unwanted cosmetic effect of a shrewd person (conversationally called “oempic face”), especially in patients with less skin elasticity, said Haines-Ferrere. She added that regular weight training exercises can help maintain muscle mass and maintain a healthy appearance.

The side effects of the drugs are mainly related to the gastrointestinal system – such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea or threading. For most patients, these effects are mild and are decided over time. For some side effects they can be severe and patients will need to stop medication, Jones said.

Other common side effects of GLP-1 agonists, as reported in an article by the National Library of Medicine, includes:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Infection
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild tachycardia (increased heart rate)

In some cases, small episodes of hypoglycaemia may occur. Cleveland clinic reports that hypoglycemia is a condition where blood glucose levels drop Under 70 mg/dlS If left untreated, this can become life -threatening. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia may include trepidation, weakness, nausea, difficulty in concentration and dizziness. Consuming sugars or carbohydrates can cure hypoglycemia.

In addition, doctors may not recommend GLP-1 agonists to pregnant people as this may be a threat to the developing fetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breast -feeding.

Who should take GLP-1 agonists?

Doctors recommend mainly GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, GLP-1 agonists are not the first choice of treatment. Metformin, oral medicine, remains first choice To manage type 2 diabetes. However, doctors may recommend GLP-1 agonists if you:

• Cannot tolerate metformin
• Are not able to lower your blood sugar levels with current medicines even after three months
• Experience complications due to other conditions such as heart failure, atherosclerosis or chronic kidney disease

Cleveland clinic reports that doctors can also recommend two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutidetreatment obesityS

“Based on the fact that every individual experience with this medicine is different, the patient must work with his healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan and purpose for overall well-being,” Haines-Ferre said.

In addition, it has been shown that the GLP-1 agonists such as Dulaglutide, Semaglutide and Liraglutide provide cardiovascular benefits. Doctors may also recommend these agonists GLP-1 yes Reduce The risk of heart disease.

Recommended frequency The reception for frequently prescribed GLP-1 agonists includes:

• Dulaglutide: Weekly
• Essenid: twice a day
• Exenatide extended release: Weekly
• Liraglutide: Daily
• Semaglutide: Weekly
• TIRZEPATIDE: Weekly
• Semaglutid tablets: daily

Who should not take GLP-1 agonists?

Although GLP-1 agonists can help effectively treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, they may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor may avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have:

• Family History of Medular Thyroid Cancer: This rare thyroid cancer is associated with the use of GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your doctor may avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome (MEN2): A rare condition characterized by tumors in the endocrine glands. Doctors may avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you are diagnosed or have a family history of Men2 as they can stimulate abnormal cell growth.
• Pregnant people: Doctors may not recommend GLP-1 agonists to pregnant people as it may be a risk to the developing fetus.
• Pancreatitis History: Doctors most often avoid GLP-1 agonists in people with a history of pancreatitis, as GLP-1 agonists can increase the risk of fatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
• Inflammatory bowel disorders or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists slowly emptying the stomach and may worsen the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disorders.

Overds GLP-1 and important information to remember

GLP-1 agonists are prescription drugs and should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Following the recommended dose can help prevent overdose. According to US poison centers frequently overdose of GLP-1 reasons Similar symptoms of side effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation

However, the duration of these symptoms may be longer. In severe cases, you can also experience dehydration and hypoglycaemia that may require immediate medical attention.

You should check the dose twice before taking the medicines and set a reminder of the next dose to prevent the risk of overdose.

When to contact a doctor

You should contact your doctor if you have serious side effects after using GLP-1 agonist, such as:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Trembling or shaking

In addition, consult your doctor first if you think that medicines are not working for you or if you are considering not continuing the medicines.

Moreover, planning a regular follow -up With your doctor, while on GLP-1 agonists, it is important. These subsequent actions help to monitor your blood glucose levels and determine if changes in the dose are needed. Regular follow -up can also help doctors monitor signs of hypoglycaemia, kidney disease, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.

Bottom line

GLP-1 agonists are medicines that mainly treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recent studies, however, suggest that they can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve lipid disorders. Several brands are available, each of which has its own dosage guidance. However, GLP-1 agonists may not be suitable for everyone. You should talk to your doctor to find out if you should take GLP-1 agonists for your condition.