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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced in the intestines and brain that plays a pivotal role in regulating blood sugar levels. It does this by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. The therapeutic potential of GLP-1 has led to the development of prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it’s essential to understand the science behind both natural and prescription GLP-1 to appreciate their differences and similarities.
Natural GLP-1 is secreted in response to food intake. When you eat, your intestines release this hormone into your bloodstream, which then signals your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to take in glucose (sugar), thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Additionally, natural GLP-1 slows down gastric emptying—the rate at which food leaves the stomach—making you feel full longer and reducing appetite.
However, natural GLP-1 has a short half-life—about 2 minutes—due to rapid degradation by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This quick breakdown limits its potential as a long-term therapeutic agent for managing blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists are designed to mimic the action of natural GLP-1 but with several enhanced features. They have been modified structurally to resist DPP-4 degradation, extending their half-life significantly. This means they can be administered less frequently—usually once daily or once weekly—and still maintain their glucose-lowering effects.
Like natural GLP-1, these prescription drugs stimulate insulin production when blood sugar levels are high. However, they also inhibit glucagon—a hormone that raises blood sugar levels—when these levels are low. They slow gastric emptying and decrease appetite, which can lead to weight loss—a beneficial side effect for many individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have cardio-protective effects. Some of these drugs have been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes, who are known to be at higher risk for these events.
In conclusion, while natural and prescription GLP-1 share the same primary functions—stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite—their differences lie in their duration of action and potential additional benefits. Prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists offer extended glucose control due to their resistance to DPP-4 degradation and potential weight loss and cardio-protective effects. Understanding the science behind these two forms of GLP-1 provides valuable insights into their role in managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.