The Science Behind GLP-1 Agonists: How They Work in Your Body

GLP-1s are one of the hottest topics in medicine, and pop culture, at the moment. This class of medications has plenty of evangelists and a few naysayers, but the issue is folks bashing these drugs often do not understand the science behind them.

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If you’re considering asking your doctor to prescribe you a GLP-1 or have recently been prescribed it and are on the fence about filling your prescription, it’s important to fully grasp how it works on a scientific basis. 

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Let’s dive into the science behind GLP-1 and how GLP-1 medications work within your body.

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Understanding GLP-1 and Its Role in the Body

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GLP-1 isn’t something that your body is unfamiliar with, in fact, it’s something that your body is probably making right now! Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, is a hormone that’s made by your small intestine. This hormone plays a rather large role in how your body functions and in the regulation of blood sugar. GLP-1 does many important things, such as:

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• Allows insulin to be released from your pancreas. Insulin is an important hormone that helps your body transform food into energy. Insulin is critical to control because it regulates the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream. When insulin can’t be made in enough supply naturally, your blood sugar can rise to dangerous amounts — this is known as diabetes. 
• Blocks glucagon secretion: When your body needs to raise your blood sugar levels, it uses glucagon. GLP-1 assists your body from allowing too much glucose in your bloodstream.
• Slows how fast the stomach empties: GLP-1 affects how quickly your stomach releases food for digestion. When digestion is slowed down, this means that your body lets less glucose, or sugar, into your bloodstream.
• Makes you feel fuller: GLP-1 affects areas of your brain that process hunger and satiety, or fullness.

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How GLP-1 Medications Work

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GLP-1 agonists can help patients manage their Type 2 diabetes by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. 

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These drugs help lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion. Additionally, they slow down gastric emptying, leading to a more gradual absorption of glucose, and reduce appetite — all of which aid in weight loss. 

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As with any major health decision you make, it’s important to be fully informed and in possession of all the latest facts and data before making your choice. Now armed with a little bit more knowledge about how GLP-1 medications work, be sure to have conversations with your doctor or pharmacist to understand if they’re right for you as a tool for diabetes management and weight loss. 

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The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace direct medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

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Sources:

“GLP-1 Agonists.” The Cleveland Clinic.

“GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss.” The Mayo Clinic.