Weight Management

What are GLP-1 medications? GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications are a class of drugs primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management. They offer several significant benefits:

• Blood Sugar Control: GLP-1 medications help lower blood sugar levels by enhancing the release of insulin when glucose levels are elevated. They also slow gastric emptying and decrease the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
• Weight Loss: These medications can lead to weight loss, which is a beneficial side effect for many people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. They reduce appetite and food intake by slowing gastric emptying and affecting brain signals that control hunger and satiety.
• Cardiovascular Health: GLP-1 medications have shown benefits in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease. This makes them particularly valuable for patients who are at elevated risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Beta-Cell Function: There is evidence that GLP-1 medications can help preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas (the cells that produce insulin). This effect can potentially slow the progression of type 2 diabetes.
• Minimal Risk of Hypoglycemia: Unlike some diabetes medications, GLP-1 medications have a low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) because their insulin-releasing effect is glucose-dependent, meaning they stimulate insulin release only when blood sugar levels are high.
• Convenience: Some GLP-1 medications are administered once a week, which is more convenient than the daily dosing required by many other diabetes medications. This can improve patient adherence to the treatment regimen.

Due to these benefits, GLP-1 medications have become a preferred option for many patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who also need to manage their weight. However, they can have side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, which need to be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach.

We have three different options of GLP-1 compounded medications here at Beyond Health. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation to see if one of these is right for you and your goals.