GLP-1 receptor agonists are medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity. They work by acting like a natural hormone (GLP-1) that helps control blood sugar and appetite.

👩‍⚕️ How They Work

They increase insulin release after meals, lowering blood sugar without much risk of low blood sugar.

They reduce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.

They slow digestion, helping control blood sugar spikes and keeping you fuller for longer.

They reduce appetite, which supports weight loss.

They may help preserve the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin over time.

✅ Benefits

Better blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

Significant and sustained weight loss.

Lower risk of heart attack and stroke in people with diabetes and high cardiovascular risk.

Possible protection for the kidneys.

💊 Commonly Used GLP-1 Medicines

Semaglutide (Ozempic® for diabetes, Wegovy® for weight loss, Rybelsus® oral tablet).

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®).

Liraglutide (Saxenda®).

Dulaglutide (Trulicity®).

Exenatide (Byetta®).

Some are weekly injections, some daily injections, and one (Rybelsus®) is an oral tablet.

⚠️ Side Effects and Risks

The most common side effects are:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Most improve over time.

Less common but important risks include:

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – rare but serious, gallstones or gallbladder problems, often linked with rapid weight loss.

Muscle loss if weight loss is not balanced with exercise and protein intake.

Thyroid tumours in rats, but not proven in humans – not recommended if you or your family have a history of thyroid cancer (MTC) or MEN2 syndrome.

Possible mental health changes such as low mood or disordered eating (under investigation).

Eye problems (NAION – a rare cause of sudden vision loss) are being studied; no proven link yet, but caution may be needed in patients with eye disease (see next page).

📝 Key Takeaway

GLP-1 medicines are effective tools for diabetes control and weight loss, with added heart and kidney benefits. They do have potential side effects, so they need to be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Safe use also means slow dose increases, good hydration, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.