Overview
Why These Agents Change Glucose and Appetite
GLP 1 receptor agonists mimic glucagon like peptide 1, an incretin hormone released after eating.
REx-PN
REx-PN
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone released after eating. They strengthen insulin release only when blood glucose is elevated. As glucose approaches normal, their insulin-stimulating effect diminishes; this glucose dependence explains why these drugs have a lower intrinsic risk of hypoglycaemia than insulin or sulfonylureas. They also suppress glucagon. Less glucagon means the liver releases less stored glucose into the bloodstream. At the same time, gastric emptying slows and satiety increases. Food remains in the stomach longer, and the patient may feel full sooner and eat less. That same mechanism explains both benefit and risk. Slower gastric emptying can improve post-meal glucose levels, but it can also cause nausea, early fullness, vomiting, and a clinically important aspiration risk during general anaesthesia or deep sedation.
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