What is Dulaglutide?
Dulaglutide is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the action of a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss. Dulaglutide increases insulin production, decreases glucose release from the liver, and slows gastric emptying to improve glycemic control. It is administered subcutaneously once weekly and has been shown to have additional benefits on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors.
What is Dulaglutide used for?
Dulaglutide, also known by the brand name Trulicity, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is a synthetic hormone that mimics the action of natural GLP-1 hormones in the body, which play a crucial role in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation.
Dulaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients who have tried other treatments without achieving adequate control of their blood sugar levels. The medication works by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing food intake through central and peripheral mechanisms. By improving glycemic control, dulaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk. Additionally, it may help promote weight loss, which is often seen as a benefit for individuals struggling with excess body fat.
Dulaglutide side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia (when used with other diabetes medications)
- Pancreatitis
- Increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in animal studies
- Gallbladder problems
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Increased heart rate
- Increased lipase levels
- Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit
Disclaimer
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