What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a peptide hormone that is produced in the gut as a response to food. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists have different types depending on how long they work in your body.
Short-acting GLP-1 helps control the blood sugar levels after meals. And long-acting GLP-1 controls the blood sugar levels throughout the day.
To choose the best one for yourself, consult your doctor and learn more about your blood sugar levels and health background.
How Does It Work?
GLP-1 plays a significant role in regulating appetite and controlling blood sugar levels. It slows down the digestion process and helps nutrients to be released more slowly, preventing blood sugar levels from spiking after meals. It improves insulin production in the body and prevents your liver from releasing more sugar into your blood than needed.
GLP-1 is best known for its incretin (blood glucose-lowering) effects. This incretin hormone is produced as a response to carbohydrate meals and promotes insulin production, balancing the blood sugar levels. It slows down the gastric emptying process and decreases appetite. GLP-1 acts on the central nervous system by binding receptors in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, promoting satiety.
Benefits of GLP-1
GLP-1 is known to have various benefits for overall health. Here are some advantages of GLP-1.
Curbs Appetite
First, GLP-1 curbs appetite by blocking a hormone known as glucagon. Having high levels of glucagon causes intense food cravings, particularly sweets (carbohydrates).
By blocking glucagon, there are fewer food cravings, which, in turn, leads to fewer calories being eaten and weight loss.
Improves Sugar Control
Second, GLP-1 is an excellent choice for weight loss as it improves sugar control in those with diabetes or at risk of diabetes.
For example, many patients come in after being told by their doctor and/or medical provider that they are in early diabetes or at risk of diabetes due to a blood test known as a hemoglobin A1c.
There have been many examples in which diabetics that are taking over 100 units of insulin per day decrease their total insulin intake in half by adding GLP-1 to their medication regimen.
Decrease Risk of Heart Attacks
Third, GLP-1 is a peptide that has been shown through medical research to decrease the risk of heart attacks.
This peptide improves the remodeling and structure within the walls of various arteries throughout the body, especially the heart. For this reason, GLP-1 is a peptide that can benefit those at risk for heart disease and heart attacks.
Portion Control
Because GLP-1 decreases appetite, its main side effect is nausea and headaches when an individual attempts to eat large portions of food. Upon starting this medication, decreasing portion size to at least one half or one-third of the portion one is used to eating minimizes this side effect and leads to improved weight loss.
This peptide is contraindicated in individuals who suffer from gastroparesis and/or chronic constipation.
Brain Health
GLP-1 is thought to be able to prevent brain seizures, enhance memory, and learning.
According to research, when given to 45 Parkinson’s patients, GLP-1 seemed to improve brain function and motor skills. Some scientists even proposed that GLP-1 should be used in Alzheimer’s disease to control the symptoms, but more studies are required on this matter.
Diabetes
GLP-1 agonists are anti-diabetes rugs. GLP-1 increases insulin production and decreases glucagon levels.
GLP-1 agonists were developed to achieve long-term sugar control.
Side Effects of GLP-1
GLP-1 does not have serious side effects. Those who start to use GLP-1 peptides may experience;
– feeling full faster
– low appetite
– nausea
– diarrhea
– vomiting
These side effects have been reported to lessen over time.
Can GLP-1 Cause Cancer?
Many controversial ideas have been presented against GLP-1, saying that it can increase the risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatic carcinoma. According to scientific studies, there has not been enough evidence to prove this hypothesis.
According to a 2013 study conducted by Michael A. Nauck MD and Nele Friedrich Ph.D., current evidence is not convincing enough to be taken into consideration seriously while making treatment decisions.
When To See A Doctor?
If a patient is suffering from high blood sugar or obesity, it’s essential to see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis before starting GLP-1 treatment.
After starting the GLP-1 treatment, if a patient is experiencing severe side effects, stop using immediately, and seek medical help.
In conclusion, GLP-1 can be beneficial for losing weight, and it’s a conventional medication for those who have Type 2 diabetes. It can balance the blood sugar levels and help the digestive system to work better.
Share your thoughts with us in the comments section? How GLP-1 has been beneficial for you?
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