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Researchers have determined that weight loss medications known as GLP-1 agonists have many other health benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, “GLP-1 is a class of medications that help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity. GLP-1 agonists are most often injectable medications, meaning you inject a liquid medication with a needle and syringe.”
Ozempic, a popular GLP-1 medication, along with Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, has helped patients lose weight and get their diabetes under control. People are impressed by the tremendous weight loss achieved in recent years by several famous movie stars.
GLP-1 medications have allowed millions of people to get their diabetes under control by helping patients lose weight and control their glucose numbers. The effect of this class of medication will extend the lives of many people if they are able to maintain their weight loss and better diabetic control.
I tell my patients that diabetics do not die of diabetes, but rather die of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is a major problem for a diabetic.
Recent research studies have found that GLP-1 agonists may help treat many more illnesses. For example, researchers have determined that in addition to diabetes control, GLP-1 medications have been found to help in patients with heart disease. Thus, they may also help improve the lives of many people who do not have diabetes but have heart disease.
GLP-1 medications have also been shown to aide in improving kidney function. This affect has resulted in the improvement of blood pressure in many patients.
As researchers explore other uses for GLP-1 medications, new evidence is surfacing and is very promising in its usage in psychiatric care.
There is evidence that GLP-1 can be used to treat opioid addiction/ crisis. There is also evidence that GLP-1 medications help in tobacco or nicotine cessation. Patients taking a GLP-1 have indeed experienced a decrease in their tobacco cravings. In addition, these medications have been associated with a decrease in alcohol usage. Of major significance is that GLP-1 is also being studied in patients with dementia.
There are new GLP-1 medications on the horizon, and I cannot wait to see all that this novel class of medications will be able to do for humankind.
Researchers have much work to do to figure this all out. The future of GLP-1 medications is bright and the myriad of ways they may be able to help treat people is indeed impressive.
Right now, the cost of these medications is a problem, however I am sure that manufacturing costs will decline. The potential of these medications is quite vast and the cost to patients must not be prohibitive.
I guess I can say that the future of GLP-1 medications is so bright, we’ve got to wear shades.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
