GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted by food intake from L cells of the ileum. GLP-1 contributes to blood glucose control through three main mechanisms: promoting glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, suppressing glucagon hypersecretion from pancreatic alpha cells, and delaying gastric emptying time. GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) have been developed for administration twice daily, once daily, and once weekly as subcutaneous injection formulation and as a daily oral formulation. GLP-1 RAs have benefits in reducing glycated hemoglobin, weight, and blood pressure, as well as in managing lipid profiles. Additionally, some GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. Therefore, the guidelines recommend GLP-1 RA treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with preexisting atherosclerotic vascular disease. GLP-1 RA may also improve renal outcomes. The most frequently reported side effects of GLP-1 RA are gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be minimized by gradually starting treatment at a low concentration and then increasing to the final dosage. Considering the efficacy, administration frequency, and cost of each GLP-1 RA treatment, it can be selected as monotherapy or in combination with oral hypoglycemic agents and basal insulin in free or fixed dose formulation.