How Liraglutide Fits in GLP-1 Therapy Landscape

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is a polypeptide chain better known as a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It consists of thirty-one amino acids and is structurally very similar to the parent molecule.

By mimicking the properties of GLP-1, this peptide stimulates insulin production when needed, thus regulating blood glucose levels, and may also increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors. Due to these effects, it is considered a potential therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and insulin resistance.

Liraglutide peptide may also increase the feeling of satiety through indirect effects on the central nervous system and accelerate gastric emptying, therefore presenting a potent compound in treating various forms of obesity. Scientific studies indicate that lower doses can be effective in treating gastrointestinal problems, and also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

GLP–1 Peptides

GLP-1 peptides are agonists of this compound, which imitate its action by potentiating its beneficial effects through specific structural changes. These preparations are mainly administered in the optimal dose via subcutaneous injections.

They are also known as Incretin mimetics, and through their mechanisms of action, they help in treating Type 2 Diabetes and obesity. Some of the GLP -1 agonists include Semaglutide, Exenatide, Lixisenatide, and Dulaglutide.

Semaglutide

The question is often asked, is Liraglutide the same as Semaglutide? Although both molecules are GLP-1 agonists, there are distinct differences in their structure and efficacy. Semaglutide is a new form, more potent in the treatment of obesity, administered once a week, unlike Liraglutide, which is administered daily and has a longer half-life.

However, if you meet the indications for using these agonists, both peptides will produce excellent results.

Exenatide

This agonist is primarily used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and has a significantly lower percentage of similarity to GLP-1 than other agonists, as well as a shorter half-life. Due to these differences, it is not used as frequently in practice, and research is being conducted on it.

Retatrutide

There are significant differences in potency, efficacy, composition, and timing between these two GLP-1 agonists. Retatrutide acts on as many as three receptors, unlike Liraglutide, which only acts on one.

Additionally, it is a more potent peptide for weight loss and is administered only once a week due to its long half-life, which is highly practical for patients. However, it is still in clinical trials, so Liraglutide is used a little more.

What is Liraglutide Used For?

Treating Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disease that most often occurs in adulthood and is characterized by increased blood sugar levels. The etiology of this disease most often lies in an unhealthy lifestyle and high sugar intake.

Insulin is a hormone that is secreted from the pancreas and binds to its receptors on cells. After binding, it introduces glucose into the cells, thus providing a sufficient amount of energy and macronutrients. In insulin resistance, there is a decrease in the number of receptors on the cells, as well as a decrease in their sensitivity.

When this happens, glucose does not enter the cells, and regardless of how much food you eat, the body continues to seek more, because energy does not enter the cells. Therefore, a lot of subcutaneous fat is deposited, and you start to notice an increase in weight.

The results of scientific studies have shown that patients who received this peptide experienced significantly improved glycemic control, lower blood sugar levels, and a corresponding reduction in symptoms.

You should always follow a hygienic dietary regimen, modify lifestyle habits, and maintain a healthy diet, so that the results of the therapy are long-lasting.

Treating Different Forms of Obesity

If you have weight issues, are constantly gaining weight, and want a change, this peptide may be part of your solution. However, it is advisable to start the diet simultaneously.

Obesity is a metabolic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the reasons for its occurrence can be psychological or physical. The mechanisms of action are based on the effect that the peptide has on both the central nervous system and the primary gastrointestinal tract. For this indication, patients can take the peptide in the form of oral capsules, which is a relatively effective and convenient method.

However, scientists are actively developing weight loss injections, which are a potentially more effective method. The application is carried out using an insulin syringe, and the injection region is the abdomen.

Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

As a result of an unhealthy diet, insulin resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes, there is a high risk of thickening of atherosclerotic plaque on the walls of blood vessels, its destabilization, and rupture.

If this happens, a thrombus can block some blood vessels, preventing enough blood from reaching the organs and causing them to collapse. You may experience a myocardial infarction or stroke, while severe complications include immediate death, retinopathy, encephalopathy, and cardiac arrest.

After using Liraglutide, the likelihood of these consequences occurring is significantly reduced, as the therapy eliminates the cause, thereby preventing complications. Scientific studies have shown that after the use of Liraglutide, the chance of life-threatening cardiovascular complications was significantly reduced, and therefore, the percentage of morbidity decreased significantly.

How Liraglutide Works?

The Liraglutide mechanism of action depends on the indication. The field of use is metabolic diseases, so the modes of action are generally adapted to this. GLP-1 (and its agonists) act primarily by stimulating the production of insulin from the beta cells of the pancreas.

Since the primary role of this hormone is to reduce glucose levels, it is regularly synthesized after meals. When it comes to its deficiency, glucose levels increase because it remains free in the blood. By stimulating its production, Liraglutide directly prevents the further development of diabetes and its complications. In this way, glycemic control can be significantly improved.

Glucagon, on the other hand, is an antagonistic hormone that is secreted in response to hunger and serves to raise blood sugar levels, providing sufficient energy until the next meal. Liraglutide does not disrupt the normal production of Glucagon, but it recognizes states when glucose levels are high, so it can only do more damage. Then it blocks Glucagon secretion, although this should certainly not be a natural reaction of the body under normal circumstances.

In states of insulin resistance, insulin receptors lose their sensitivity to this hormone and do not allow energy to enter their cells. It has been found that Liraglutide can increase its sensitivity, thereby ensuring sufficient glucose and energy intake into the cells, so that it is not free in the blood. Sugar levels fall, and glycemic control is facilitated.

When it comes to obesity, the mechanism of action is twofold. The first effect is achieved through the action of the gastrointestinal system, where the peptide slows down stomach emptying, allowing food to remain in the body longer.

Additionally, GLP-1 acts immediately after food is ingested, sending satiety information to the central nervous system, long before the final absorption of macronutrients in the small intestine. This effect allows the patient to stop eating earlier.

Liraglutide also acts on the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (a part of the central nervous system responsible for the balance of feelings of hunger and satiety).

Liraglutide Dosage

The optimal dose, as always, varies depending on the indication. In case you have Type 2 Diabetes, which is undoubtedly a stronger reason for admission, the optimal dose for you is 0.6 mg, and you should administer it once a day as a subcutaneous injection, for the first week. This initial dose does not achieve a significant effect on glycemic control, but it serves to adapt the body to the peptide and reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Later, the dose can be increased to 1.2 mg or, in exceptional cases, 1.8 mg. The maximum dose should never be exceeded or changed independently. The region of application is the abdomen or another area with a high concentration of fatty tissue.

Liraglutide Side Effects

Increased Chance of Developing Thyroid Cancer

After long-term research, it was found that the use of Liraglutide is associated with an increased chance of developing thyroid cancer. Malignancy in most cases originates from C cells, which produce calcitonin, a hormone that regulates blood calcium levels. During scientific research, it was discovered that after peptide therapy, hyperplasia of these cells can occur and, later, the development of cancer.

However, there is still no official confirmation that this information is correct, but for safety reasons, if you have a family history of medullary and other forms of thyroid cancer, as well as endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you should change the therapy. If you notice any growth on the front side of the neck, shortness of breath, neck stiffness, and other symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Increased Risk of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can occur for various reasons and has a chronic and acute course. Scientists suspect that there is a specific connection between Liraglutide therapy and the appearance of symptoms of pancreatitis and dysfunction of the biliary system.

It is assumed that this side effect may occur due to the ability of the peptide to expand the pancreatic glands and, as a result, disrupt the mobility and function of the gallbladder. This side effect is quite rare, but it occurs soon after administration. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the presence of stomach pain, back pain, vomiting, and nausea during the first few weeks.

Occurrence of Sudden Hypoglycemia

Any diabetes therapy that lowers blood sugar carries the risk of hypoglycemia. You must conscientiously use the peptide as directed by your doctor only after meals, otherwise the peptide can lower blood sugar levels too low to cause hypoglycemia.

This condition is hazardous because it can lead to hypoglycemic coma and sometimes death. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include drowsiness, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, loss of consciousness, hunger, sweating, tremors, pallor, and many others. If you feel any of those, immediately eat something sweet and call an ambulance.

Conclusion

Liraglutide is a polypeptide chain better known as a GLP-1 molecule agonist. When administered at the optimal dose, as directed by healthcare professionals, it exhibits many beneficial effects, including lowering blood sugar levels and regulating glucose, making it a potent treatment for Type 2 Diabetes and obesity.

It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack and stroke. If you have any of these metabolic diseases, Liraglutide may be the right choice for you, but first change your lifestyle and start living healthier, it will be worth it.

Note: Although liraglutide is FDA-approved, this article is for informational and educational purposes only. All products we mention are intended for research use only and not for human consumption.

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