GLP-1 agonists: what they do and what to watch for

A shot you take once a week can lower blood sugar and shrink appetite. That’s the simple promise of GLP-1 agonists. These drugs—examples include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), liraglutide (Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)—are now a main option for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, weight management.

How GLP-1 drugs work

GLP-1 is a gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar after a meal. GLP-1 agonists copy that hormone. They boost insulin when glucose is high, reduce glucagon release, slow stomach emptying, and cut appetite. The result: lower A1c, fewer big blood sugar spikes, and often weight loss. Some forms are injections once weekly, some are daily, and one (oral semaglutide) is a daily pill.

Practical benefits, risks, and what to monitor

Benefits are clear for many people: better blood sugar control, less hunger, and weight drop for those who need it. They also lower heart risk for certain patients with cardiovascular disease—your doctor will know if that applies to you. Still, there are side effects. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These usually improve after a few weeks as your body adjusts.

Rare but serious problems can happen. Watch for severe belly pain (possible pancreatitis), signs of thyroid problems, or sudden worsening of kidney issues. Do not use GLP-1 drugs if you or close relatives have medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. If you use insulin or sulfonylureas, hypoglycemia is a risk—dosing may need adjustment.

Before starting, expect a baseline check of A1c and kidney function. Your clinician may suggest slower dose increases to cut nausea. If you feel faint, dizzy, or have fast heart rate, contact your provider. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid these drugs unless a doctor tells you otherwise.

Practical tips that help: start with a low dose and increase slowly; eat smaller, plain meals when nausea is bad; try ginger, small sips of water, or bland snacks; don’t skip fluids; and keep routine blood sugar logs if you’re on insulin. For injections, rotating sites and using the same time of day each week makes life easier.

Cost and access vary. Weekly injectables can be expensive; some people explore insurance coverage, patient assistance, or talk to their pharmacist about savings programs. If you buy meds online, pick verified pharmacies—our site has guides on safe online pharmacy choices and how to compare prices.

If you’re curious whether a GLP-1 is right for you, bring recent lab results and a full med list to your appointment. Ask how it fits with your goals: blood sugar targets, weight goals, and side effect limits. These drugs can be powerful tools—used correctly, they help a lot of people live better with diabetes or obesity.