Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone primarily produced in the gut. It is released into the bloodstream after food intake and is classified as an incretin hormone, a group of gut-derived hormones that helps regulate blood sugar.
How GLP-1 Works in the Body
GLP-1 exerts several effects throughout the body to help manage glucose levels and appetite. Upon its release, it travels to the pancreas, where it stimulates beta cells to secrete insulin in a glucose-dependent manner. This means insulin is released more effectively when blood sugar levels are high, helping to lower them.
GLP-1 also suppresses the release of glucagon from pancreatic alpha cells. Glucagon typically raises blood sugar by signaling the liver to release stored glucose. By reducing glucagon, GLP-1 helps prevent excessive glucose production.
Beyond its pancreatic actions, GLP-1 influences digestion and feelings of fullness. It slows the rate at which food empties from the stomach, which contributes to satiety and helps manage post-meal blood sugar spikes. This hormone also acts on appetite centers in the brain, promoting feelings of fullness and reducing food intake.
GLP-1 and Metabolic Health
The natural function of GLP-1 is relevant to metabolic health, particularly in conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the body’s natural GLP-1 response can be impaired or reduced. This can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels after meals and less effective insulin secretion.
The actions of GLP-1—such as enhancing glucose-dependent insulin release and slowing gastric emptying—are beneficial for glucose regulation. Its ability to reduce glucagon secretion further supports blood sugar control. For individuals with obesity, GLP-1’s role in promoting satiety and reducing food intake can aid in weight management.
An adequate and timely GLP-1 response is part of the body’s intricate system for processing nutrients and maintaining stable blood glucose levels. Disruptions in this system can contribute to the progression of metabolic disorders.
GLP-1 Based Medications
Leveraging the natural actions of GLP-1, pharmaceutical companies have developed medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs are designed to mimic the effects of the body’s own GLP-1, but with a longer duration of action, as natural GLP-1 is rapidly broken down by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Examples of these medications include semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) and liraglutide.
These medications activate GLP-1 receptors in various parts of the body, mimicking the natural hormone’s effects. They help lower glucose levels by stimulating insulin release and suppressing glucagon.
Additionally, GLP-1 receptor agonists slow stomach emptying, which helps patients feel fuller for longer and reduces overall food intake. This mechanism contributes to weight loss, making these medications approved for chronic weight management in some individuals. These medications are widely used for treating type 2 diabetes and have demonstrated benefits in lowering hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control.
Understanding GLP-1 “Supplements”
Prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist medications differ from products marketed as “GLP-1 supplements.” The medications are FDA-approved, rigorously tested, and require a prescription. They contain synthetic GLP-1 or compounds that activate GLP-1 receptors, delivered in specific doses.
Conversely, “GLP-1 supplements” are typically unregulated products often found online or in health food stores. These products frequently claim to boost natural GLP-1 levels or mimic its effects using various herbs, extracts, or other compounds. There is a general lack of scientific evidence to support the efficacy or safety of these unregulated supplements for weight loss or blood sugar control.
Unlike prescription medications, these supplements do not undergo the same stringent testing for safety, purity, or effectiveness. Their ingredients and dosages can vary widely, and some may contain undisclosed substances or contaminants. Relying on unproven supplements as an alternative to prescribed medications or lifestyle changes for metabolic conditions can be ineffective and potentially harmful.