Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (Glp-1) Analogs Are A Group Of Medications That Are Used For Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (Glp-1) Analogs

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogs are newer drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. They regulate glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and promoting satiety. These effects help control blood sugar, which can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function disorders.

Several studies have shown that GLP-1 can also improve lipid metabolism, suppress appetite, and increase fat loss in obese patients. These effects may lead to weight loss and improvement of blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes patients. According to Coherent Market Insights the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (Glp-1) Analogs Market Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022-2028.

GLP-1 is produced by three different tissues, which include the enteroendocrine L cells of the distal intestine, alpha cells in the central nervous system, and the pancreas. It acts on the GLP-1 receptor to stimulate insulin secretion, decrease glucagon release and reduce the release of fat from the liver. The release of GLP-1 is stimulated by a wide range of stimuli such as food, activity, and the hormone somatostatin.

The GLP-1 receptor is located in many places throughout the body, including the liver, heart, and stomach. When a person eats, GLP-1 is released from the intestine, enters the blood circulation, and then activates the GLP-1 receptor.

In a healthy person, GLP-1 is broken down by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 in the gastrointestinal tract. In people with diabetes, the body cannot break down enough GLP-1, so a drug is needed to produce more of it.

There are 2 main types of GLP-1 agonists: long-acting (LGLP-1) and short-acting (SGLP-1). Both work by increasing the release of GLP-1 from the intestine and reducing glucagon secretion in the pancreas.

Exenatide, exendin-4, and liraglutide are all available as injectable medications in the United States and Europe. They are injected directly into the vein or stomach, and they are effective for controlling blood sugar in patients who have not improved with a single oral glucose-lowering agent or are on dual therapy.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a once-daily or twice-daily injection of GLP-1 analogs in patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin or sulphonylurea has been conducted in the USA. The results showed that the patients who received GLP-1 analogs had significantly better glycaemic control than those who received the placebo or other glucose-lowering agents.

The Mounjaro (tripeptide) injection from Eli Lilly and Company gained approval from the US FDA in May 2022. This injection can be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for enhancing glycemic control in adult patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.