Last updated: Dec 1, 2025Published on: Dec 1, 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
Diabetes continues to be a major public health concern in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around 77 million adults are presently living with type 2 diabetes and nearly 25 million are classified as prediabetic. The situation is further alarming, with over half of these individuals remaining unaware of their condition. This may increase the risk of preventable complications such as diabetic foot ulcers, vision loss (from diabetic retinopathy), chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and even strokes1. Fortunately, as the burden of diabetes and its related complications grows, newer therapeutic classes have emerged to help people manage this condition.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists represent one such important advancement that offers multiple benefits in the management of type 2 diabetes. Meta-analysis and observational studies have shown that Indian patients respond to GLP-1 RAs similarly to populations globally2,3. This makes them a valuable option within modern diabetes care in India.
Therefore, through this article, we aim to provide informational awareness about GLP-1 drugs and their role in managing type 2 diabetes.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 full form is glucagon-like peptide-1, and it refers to a natural gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and even appetite.
The regulation of blood glucose levels (sugar levels) in people with type 2 diabetes is often disrupted. In such cases, GLP-1 hormone can help contribute to glucose control by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin release, reducing glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and eventually enhancing satiety.
Since GLP-1 acts on multiple pathways that are not fully addressed by other therapies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (drugs that mimic GLP-1 to improve insulin response and reduce glucose levels) have become the foundation for medications used in modern diabetes management3.
What Are GLP-1 RAs?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 RA definition includes a class of medications that act in a similar manner to the GLP-1 hormone. These medications are used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus and, in some cases, obesity3,4.
Regulatory authorities worldwide, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India, have approved GLP-1 RAsbased on their safety and efficacy3,6.
Their primary indication is the management of type 2 diabetes, where they are used alongside diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, and supporting healthier glucose regulation3,4. These agents have also demonstrated additional metabolic benefits such as delayed gastric emptying and reduced appetite, which contribute to improved overall glycaemic outcomes and cardiometabolic health7. While their main role remains in diabetes treatment, certain GLP-1 therapies are also approved for weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight with comorbidities, given their modest but clinically meaningful effects on appetite regulation and body weight2,6,7.
It is very important to keep in mind that GLP-1 drugs should not be used simultaneously with other GLP-1 containing products or combined with any other GLP-1 RA.
Note: Please note that GLP-1 RAs are prescription medications and must be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
How Do GLP-1 RAs Work?
As mentioned above, a GLP-1 receptor agonist works by mimicking the natural incretin hormone (hormones secreted by the gut) GLP-1, which may assist in lowering blood sugar in the following ways7,8:
Increase insulin when blood glucose (sugar) is high: They enhance the body’s ability to release insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated. This could help bring glucose down in a controlled manner.
Decrease glucagon levels: They reduce the secretion of glucagon (a hormone that increases blood sugar). This may further help limit excessive glucose production by the liver.
Slow gastric emptying: They signal certain nerves to slow down the movement of food from the stomach into the intestine. This may help avoid rapid rises in blood glucose after meals.
Promote satiety: They act on appetite-regulating centres in the brain to increase the feeling of fullness after eating. This could, in turn, support reduced calorie intake.
Together, these steps support better glycaemic control and contribute to improved metabolic outcomes.
Note: These effects are observed and interpreted from clinical studies and should not be understood as direct personal guarantees for blood glucose or weight support.
Common GLP-1 RA Medications
The regulatory approval status of GLP-1 drugs varies across global and national health authorities. The table below provides an overview of key GLP-1 RAs, listing their generic names alongside their approval status by major regulatory bodies9,10.
Note: GLP-1 RAs differ in their dosing frequency (daily or weekly, depending on the agent). However, the specific type and dosage prescribed will depend on the clinical assessment made by the healthcare professional managing your treatment.
When Are GLP-1 RA Prescribed?
GLP-1 drugs may be prescribed for the following conditions as per American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) 2025 guidelines11:
Primary glycaemic indication: GLP-1 RAs are recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not reached their individualised A1C targets (typically when A1C is ≥1.5% above the agreed glycaemic goal) despite lifestyle measures and foundational therapy such as metformin.
Cardiovascular benefit: In adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular risk, a GLP-1 RA may provide cardiovascular benefit, independent of baseline A1C.
Weight management/metabolic effects: GLP-1 RAs may also support weight management in adults with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese, providing an added metabolic advantage alongside their primary glycaemic and cardioprotective effects.
Note: These are guideline-based indications at a population level. Only a qualified healthcare professional can determine whether a GLP-1 RA is appropriate for an individual patient, based on a full clinical assessment.
Important Lab Tests for GLP-1 Users
People who are starting GLP-1 therapy or are already taking GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide) need regular health monitoring. These blood tests help ensure safety, effectiveness, and early detection of side effects.
For convenience, PharmaEasy offers the following packages with comprehensive test panels for people starting or already using GLP-1 medications.
1. GLP-1 Health Checkup/GLP-1 Advanced Monitoring (Includes 72 parameters)
Pancreatic Tests: These help detect pancreatitis, a rare but important risk associated with GLP-1 medications12.
Vitamin Tests: These are essential for detecting nutrient deficiencies, as GLP-1 medications may suppress appetite and reduce overall nutrient intake13.
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) Index Test
2. GLP-1 Monitoring with Vitals Package/GLP-1 Package with Vitals (Includes all 72 tests above + 4 vital parameters)
Vitals: These track weight trends, BMI changes, and blood pressure improvements with GLP-1 therapy21.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Height
Weight
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Observed Effects and Awareness
Based on clinical research and reviews, GLP-1 receptor agonist:
Help reduce A1C with improved glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes22,23.
May assist in weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related condition (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)4,22.
May provide additional metabolic benefits, including improved beta-cell function, reduced glucagon secretion, delayed gastric emptying, and increased satiety22.
May offer cardiovascular protection, with possible reductions in cases of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as myocardial infarction and stroke in high-risk populations23.
Note:It is important to understand that these agents (GLP-1 RAs) work best alongside healthy lifestyle measures and require regular monitoring. Further, while studies show several favourable effects, individual responses can still vary, and these outcomes are not guaranteed for every person.
GLP-1 RA Side Effects and Considerations
GLP-1 drugs are generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, they may also have specific side effects and important considerations that you should be aware of7:
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are the most common.
Injection-site reactions (redness, itching) may occur with injectable formulations.
Mild hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) could occur, mainly when combined with other medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.
Possible increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disorders, especially with long-term use.
Clinical Considerations
Should be used cautiously in patients who have a history of pancreatitis.
Contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2.
May impact the absorption of oral medications and requires caution before procedures requiring fasting due to delayed gastric emptying effect.
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may require closer monitoring, especially if significant gastrointestinal symptoms lead to dehydration.
Caution: If any side effects occur,always discuss with a doctor, as they can assess their severity, determine whether treatment adjustments are needed.
Lifestyle and Dietary Awareness
You can support your overall well-being by adopting healthy, supportive lifestyle measures, such as:
Aiming for a healthy weight: Use tools like BMI and waist circumference to understand health risks. If BMI is over 30, aim for a goal between 18.5 to 24.9. Remember, even a 5 to 10% weight loss could improve metabolic outcomes24.
Choosing nutrient-dense foods: Focus on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats24,25.
Limiting refined/processed foods: Reduce saturated fats, such as fast foods and refined vegetable oils24,25.
Staying hydrated: Replace sugar-sweetened beverages with water to reduce calorie load and avoid glucose spikes24.
Engaging in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly plus strength training to improve metabolic function24.
Supporting good sleep habits: Aim for getting adequate sleep, as it helps reduce hunger signals and stress hormones that may interfere with metabolic health24.
Natural Ways to Support GLP-1
If you are wondering “how to increase GLP-1 naturally,” certain lifestyle habits, such as the following, may help support your body’s own GLP-1 levels26:
Choose high-fibre carbohydrates (like legumes, oats, barley, vegetables) since gut fermentation of fibre produces short-chain fatty acids that may stimulate GLP-1 release.
Include lean proteins in meals, which further enhance GLP-1 and support fullness.
Opt for healthy unsaturated fats (e.g., olive oil, avocado, fatty fish), which slow digestion and may enhance GLP-1 release.
While planning meals, use mindful portion sizes and consistent timing.
Support consistent physical activity, adequate sleep, and reduced stress, which together contribute to improved metabolic hormone responses, including GLP-1.
Note: These habits are for general metabolic support and are not a substitute for medical treatment or professional advice.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Monitoring your health while using a GLP-1 receptor agonist is important, and certain symptoms or situations, such as the ones below, should prompt a consultation with a doctor:
New or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, such as persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of dehydration7,27.
Symptoms of low blood sugar, especially if taking insulin or sulfonylureas along with a GLP-1 RA7.
You should also consult a doctor in the following cases7:
Before any planned surgery or procedure, as GLP-1 RAs may affect gastric emptying and fasting requirements.
If pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, to review safety and treatment alternatives.
Any unexpected or bothersome side effects, or if the medication does not seem to be working as expected.
Regular follow-up is important. Additionally, you may always consult a doctor for guidance on dosing, side effects, or any concerns while using GLP-1 medications.
Conclusion
GLP-1 receptor agonists represent an important therapeutic option for managing type 2 diabetes and, in certain cases, obesity. Their benefits, such as improved glycaemic control, support for weight management, and potential cardiovascular protection, are well documented in clinical studies. However, they must be used under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, as individual responses vary and careful monitoring is essential. Most importantly, alongside medication, healthy lifestyle habits and informed dietary choices play a key role in supporting long-term metabolic health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is GLP-1 RA, and how does it work?
GLP-1 RAs are medications that work the same way as the natural GLP-1 hormone to help regulate blood sugar and support weight control. They work by increasing insulin when glucose is high, reducing glucagon, slowing stomach emptying, and promoting a feeling of fullness7.
Which GLP-1 RAs are currently available?
Commonly available GLP-1 RAs include exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide (injectable and oral)7. Please note that availability varies by country and regulatory approval.
What are common side effects reported in studies?
The most frequently reported side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and mild hypoglycaemia (when used with certain other medications). Some individuals may also experience injection-site reactions or gallbladder-related symptoms7.
Can GLP-1 levels be influenced naturally?
Diet and lifestyle can modestly support natural GLP-1 activity. For example, high-fibre foods, balanced protein intake, regular exercise, adequate sleep, hydration, and limiting refined sugars may help enhance metabolic balance, though they do not replace medical treatment23,24.
Who should discuss GLP-1 RA with a doctor?
Anyone with type 2 diabetes needing better glucose control, individuals with obesity or weight-related health risks, or those with cardiovascular or kidney concerns should consult a doctor before using GLP-1 RAs. Medical guidance is also essential for people experiencing side effects or managing conditions such as pregnancy, pancreatitis, or thyroid-related risks7.
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