GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a natural hormone produced in the human body. Its primary purpose is to help the body manage blood sugar levels after a person eats a meal. It is released from specialized cells in the intestine in response to food intake.
Medical science has developed medications that act like the body's natural GLP-1. These medications are used to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and to assist with weight management. They have become significant tools in treating these chronic health issues.
How GLP-1 Medications Work for Diabetes and Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications started as only a diabetes treatment, and became a weight management tool after the observation of their effects on appetite and weight. Researchers noticed that patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking these medications not only experienced improved blood sugar control but also often lost a significant amount of weight.
This discovery led to further research and development, resulting in some of these medications being explicitly approved for weight management.
GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic the natural hormone. When these medications are introduced, they activate receptors in the body that respond to GLP-1. This activation leads to several key effects:
- Insulin Release: The medications help the body release insulin from the pancreas when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb sugar from the bloodstream, thus lowering blood sugar.
- Slowing Digestion: They slow down the speed at which the stomach empties. This process, known as gastric emptying, helps a person feel full for a longer period of time, as food remains in the stomach for an extended duration.
- Appetite Regulation: They also work on parts of the brain that control a persons appetite and feelings of fullness, leading to a reduced desire to eat and a decrease in overall food intake.
Common GLP-1 Side Effects
GLP-1 medications can have side effects, which a patient may experience during treatment. The most frequently reported side effects are related to the digestive system.
Digestive side effects may include:
- Nausea and vomiting: These are among the most common side effects, particularly when a patient first starts the medication or when the dosage is increased. The sensation can range from mild to severe and often subsides over time.
- Diarrhea or constipation: The change in gastric emptying can lead to either loose stools or difficulty with bowel movements. Patients may experience one or the other, or a combination.
- Stomach pain: Some individuals may report discomfort or cramping in the abdominal area.
Less common side effects can include headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. While many side effects are temporary and manageable, some may require dose adjustments or discontinuation of the medication. The severity and type of side effects can vary from person to person and depend on the specific medication.
What Healthcare Professionals Observe
Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, play a key role in monitoring patients using GLP-1 medications. Their focus is on ensuring patient safety, managing any side effects that may occur, and providing necessary support and education.
Nurses and other healthcare providers should focus on the following:
- Patient Reports: Carefully review the patients reports of symptoms, especially those related to the digestive system. This includes asking about the frequency and severity of nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.
- Vitals and Lab Work: Track changes in the patient's weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Monitor other lab results, such as kidney function and cholesterol levels, to see how the medication is affecting the body. For diabetic patients, the focus is on achieving stable and safe blood sugar levels.
- Administration and Education: Provide instruction on how to properly use the medication, which is typically administered by injection. This includes teaching the patient the correct injection technique, proper storage of the medication, and how to handle missed doses.
Effective and open communication between the patient and the healthcare provider is essential for a successful treatment plan. Patients should feel comfortable reporting any and all symptoms, as this information is vital for the medical team to provide the best possible care.
Unapproved and Counterfeit GLP-1 Medications
The popularity and high demand for GLP-1 medications have led to the emergence of a market for unapproved and counterfeit versions. These products pose significant health and safety risks. It is crucial for patients and the public to understand the difference between Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications and these unapproved alternatives.
Unapproved GLP-1 products can fall into several categories, including:
- Compounding pharmacies may create versions of GLP-1 drugs. While compounding is a legal practice in certain situations, such as a drug shortage, compounded GLP-1 medications are not approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. The ingredients in compounded drugs may differ from the approved versions.
- Counterfeit Medications: These are fake products that are designed to look like the authentic, approved medication. Counterfeit drugs may contain the wrong ingredients, too little, too much, or even no active ingredient. They may also contain harmful substances.
- "For Research Purposes Only" products: These are unapproved drugs sold online, often with a disclaimer that they are "not for human consumption." However, they are frequently marketed directly to consumers with instructions for human use. The quality and purity of these products are unknown and can be dangerous.
Unapproved products have not been subject to the rigorous clinical trials and quality control standards required for FDA approval. As a result, their safety and effectiveness are not guaranteed. They may not work as intended or could cause unexpected and severe side effects.
Important Considerations
Before starting any GLP-1 medication, a patient should be carefully evaluated by a medical professional who is licensed to prescribe it. This includes reviewing the full medical history to identify any conditions that may prevent the use of the medication.
Certain conditions, such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), are contraindications for these medications.
The healthcare provider will also assess the patient's current health status to determine if the benefits of the medication outweigh the potential risks.
GLP-1 medications are a tool that must be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
They are not a quick fix but a part of a broader treatment plan that often includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and regular monitoring. Patients should never share their medication with others or use it without a prescription.
GLP-1 medications are designed to work like a natural hormone to help manage conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Like all medications, they have potential side effects, primarily related to the digestive system, that must be carefully managed.
The role of healthcare professionals is critical in ensuring the safe and effective use of these treatments through patient education, consistent monitoring, and open communication.
About the Author:
Breann Kakacek, BSN, RN, has been a registered nurse since 2015 and a CNA prior to that for two years while going through the nursing program. Most of her nursing years included working in the medical ICU, cardiovascular ICU, and the OR as a circulating nurse. She has always had a passion for writing and enjoys using her nursing knowledge to create unique online content. You can learn more about her writing career and services at ghostnursewriter.com
Breann is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you want to learn more about CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
