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GLP-1 treatment and how it works

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that has a number of benefits, particularly for people with type 2 diabetes1.  

Therefore, GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist) treatments have been developed to mimic the function of the GLP-1 hormone and increase its effect as it occurs in people without type 2 diabetes1, 2. 

GLP-1 RA is a class of non-insulin medication that assists your body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar and appetite2.

Body

How does GLP-1 work?

Liver

Liver and pancreas

GLP-1 RA helps maintain normal blood glucose levels by telling your pancreas when to release more insulin when needed2.
At the same time, it also suppresses the release of stored sugar from your liver2.
Brain

Brain

GLP-1 RA helps support weight loss by working in the part of your brain that regulates your appetite and food intake1, 2.
Balance

Balance

It’s all about balance!
By getting your blood glucose and weight under control early, you greatly reduce your risk of future complications such as heart failure6.
However, even if you suffer a heart attack or stroke, there are treatments that can help reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events3,4.
Doctor
Want to know more?
Ask your doctor if a GLP-1 RA is right for you.

Are you ready to test your knowledge?

Take the quiz to find out how much you know about type 2 diabetes and GLP-1 RAs.

 

Question 1 of 5

Busting Diabetes Myths

Millions of people are living with diabetes worldwide, approximately 90% of whom live with type 2 diabetes5. Despite its prevalence, many myths still persist. At Novo Nordisk, we're committed to improving awareness and treatment for everyone at risk of diabetes across the globe.

 

Myth #1

Blood sugar levels are the only important factor when it comes to managing diabetes.

It is also important to manage weight, diet and exercise[6].

Myth #2

Medication is never needed with type 2 diabetes.

As a progressive disease, medication is often required[6,7].

Myth #3

Treatments for type 2 diabetes only target blood sugar levels.

Some treatments can also reduce the risk of heart disease[7,8].

Myth #4

People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease with 1 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes developing cardiovascular disease[9].

Myth #5

Insulin therapy is the only viable option for people with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is just one of many types of diabetes treatments[7].

Bad Luck

You learn more from defeat than victory! Better luck next time.

Good Work

Not bad at all! Still some room for improvement.

Excellent

You're an expert mythbuster! Time to challenge your friends.

Blood sugar levels are the only important factor when it comes to managing diabetes.

Correct

While managing blood sugar levels is very important in diabetes, it is also important to measure indicators of related risk factors. Regular checks of blood pressure (BP) and blood cholesterol (LDL-c) levels are also key to a diabetes management plan[6].



Learn more about monitoring blood sugar
Medication is never needed with type 2 diabetes.

Correct

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning your condition will evolve over time. And faster if left untreated. While diet and exercise can help stabilise your condition, at some stage, diabetes will require prescribed medication to help balance your metabolism and blood sugar[6,7].



Learn more about balancing lifestyle factors and medication
Treatments for type 2 diabetes only target blood sugar levels.

Correct

There are several different treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes. Most help control blood sugar levels, but they can also help with weight management and help manage long term complications that arise from type 2 diabetes[6,7].



Learn more about diabetes and heart disease
People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Correct

People living with type 2 diabetes face higher risk of cardiovascular disease, even if symptoms aren't apparent[8,9]. Ask your doctor about glucose-lowering, cardio-protective treatment options.



Learn more about cardiovascular risk
Insulin therapy is the only viable option for people with type 2 diabetes.

Correct

Type 2 diabetes tends to progress over time,. and there are many different options out there for each stage of the disease[6].



Learn more about non-insulin treatment options

 

SG25DI00057

References
  1. Kim W and Egan JM. The role of incretins in glucose homeostasis and diabetes treatment. Pharmacol Rev. 2008;60:470-512.
  2. Zhao X, Wang M, Wen Z, et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:721135.
  3. Committee ADAPP. 10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47:S179-S218. doi: 10.2337/dc24-S010
  4. Mannucci E, Dicembrini I, Nreu B, et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without prior cardiovascular events: An updated meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020;22:203-211.
  5. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas (10th edition). Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/ Last accessed: February 2024.
  6. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas (10th edition) 2021. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/ Last accessed: August 2024. 
  7. Committee ADAPP. 9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47:S158-S178.
  8. Committee ADAPP. 10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47:S179-S218. 
  9. Mosenzon O, Alguwaihes A. Leon JLA. et al. CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2021;20:154.

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GLP-1 treatment and how it works