What is the Origin of GLP-1 Therapy?

The concept originated from the discovery of incretins, gut hormones released after a meal that enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, a phenomenon known as the "incretin effect." GLP-1 was identified as the key hormone responsible for this effect, leading to the development of synthetic, long-acting analogs that resist rapid enzymatic degradation. The therapeutic application emerged from the realization that harnessing this natural pathway could provide a powerful and physiological approach to metabolic disease treatment.

What is the Mechanism of GLP-1 Therapy?

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor in various tissues throughout the body. In the pancreas, this activation stimulates insulin release and suppresses glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, preventing hypoglycemia. Crucially, in the brain, GLP-1 signaling acts on satiety centers to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, contributing significantly to reduced caloric intake and sustained body weight reduction, which is the mechanism underpinning its weight management utility.

GLP-1 Therapy

Meaning

GLP-1 Therapy refers to the clinical use of pharmaceutical agents that mimic the action of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone naturally produced in the gut. These therapies are primarily utilized for the management of type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for chronic weight management due to their potent effects on glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation. The administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists helps patients achieve significant glycemic control and clinically meaningful weight loss by leveraging the body’s innate metabolic signaling pathways.