Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

There's no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well and exercising can help manage the disease, however, if diet and exercise aren't enough to control blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended.  Over the years, several new medications have been developed to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. One of these new classes of drugs is GLP-1 receptor agonists, which include medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide).  GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of non-insulin medication that is used in combination with diet and exercise to help treat type 2 diabetes.  In this article, we will explore the uses, effectiveness, popularity, and side effects of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications.

What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?

GLP-1( Glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists belong to a class of medications known as incretin mimetics which imitates the action of the natural hormone GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is a type of hormone known as an incretin that's lower than normal in those with type 2 diabetes.  GLP-1 plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion.  This results in improved glucose control and other metabolic benefits.  GLP-1 receptor agonists are well suited for early use in type 2 diabetes because they stimulate release of insulin and suppress glucagon secretion.

Effectiveness of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 medications have a number of potentially beneficial effects in those with type 2 diabetes.  The intravenous (injectable) administration of GLP-1 to patients with type 2 diabetes was shown to reduce glucose levels to the normal fasting range, even in patients who had a poor response to oral diabetes medications.   Other positive effects include,  improved insulin sensitivity, decreased A1C,  the feeling of fullness sooner and decreased body weight.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Weight Loss

As mentioned, in addition to their benefits for blood sugar control, GLP-1 receptor agonists have also been shown to promote weight loss. This is because they slow down gastric emptying, which leads to a feeling of fullness and reduces food intake. The weight loss effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists are more pronounced in patients who are obese or overweight.

It is important to note that currently GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic are not approved by Health Canada for weight loss. Ozempic is only approved for adults with Type 2 Diabetes to manage blood sugar levels, and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Side Effects

 Like all medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic. can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects may be more pronounced when starting treatment and usually improve over time. In rare cases, GLP-1 receptor agonists can cause pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas. They can also increase the risk of developing thyroid tumors, although this risk is considered to be very low. Patients should always discuss the potential risks and benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists with their healthcare provider before starting treatment. In addition, patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, such as severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, and seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.

In conclusion, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic have emerged as a promising class of drugs for the management of type 2 diabetes. Their ability to stimulate insulin secretion and reduce glucagon production has shown to improve blood sugar control, and their potential to promote weight loss has added an extra benefit for those who are overweight or obese. However, as another reminder it is important to note that Ozempic’s weight loss effects are not approved by Health Canada, and using it for this purpose would be considered off-label. As with any prescription medication, Ozempic must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider and used under their supervision to ensure its safe and effective use. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or weight loss.