GLP-1 receptor agonists are licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes and weight management, including semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide These medications reduce HbA1c by approximately 1.01.5 percentage points and improve both fasting and post-meal glucose levels Weight loss associated with GLP-1 therapy can lead to secondary improvements in insulin resistance, particularly through reduction of visceral fat Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which typically diminish over several weeks NICE recommends continuation only if patients achieve at least 1.0 percentage point HbA1c reduction within six months of treatment initiation Patients with diabetic retinopathy require close monitoring, and GLP-1 medications should be discontinued at least two months before planned pregnancy Table of Contents What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and How Do They Work
Fewer Cravings: Reduced hunger makes smart choices easier to stick with
A1c, cholesterol and inflammation in adults with prediabetes and obesity
This is often chosen by individuals looking for a convenient, time-efficient alternative to longer IV sessions
It was discovered by Russian scientist Professor Vladimir Khavinson in the 1980s
While alternative administration routes, such as intravenous, intramuscular, nasal, percutaneous, and transdermal delivery, have shown promise in certain conditions, these methods can be invasive and uncomfortable for patients