Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that causes an increase in blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for the metabolism of sugar from the blood. In diabetes, the body is unable to produce enough insulin or can not utilize insulin effectively.

Obesity and Diabetes 

Several factors cause diabetes; however, being overweight or obese is one of the major causes of diabetes. According to vast research, it is believed that 80-85% of the obese population is likely to develop diabetes.

How can obesity contribute to Diabetes?

Obesity causes fat cells to release proinflammatory markers that can make the body less sensitive to insulin. This process is called insulin resistance, which is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Obesity also triggers the body’s metabolism and releases fat molecules in the blood, thus causing reduced insulin sensitivity. 

Antidiabetic medications can promote weight loss

GLP-1 agonist is a class of antidiabetic medication that regulates, maintains, and improves blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Ozempic, Trulicity, Bydureon are examples of the drugs that belong to the Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist category. These drugs may be used in combination or in monotherapy to reduce blood sugar levels. Moreover, the GLP-1 class of medicine promotes weight loss as well. Ozempic, Trulicity, Bydureon are all available as injections. They are to be taken weekly. 

This class of drugs imitates the action of glucagon-like peptide 1 (a hormone). These drugs cause an increase in the secretion of insulin when blood sugar level increases. The additional secreted insulin helps in lowering blood sugar levels, thus helping in controlling diabetes.

Antidiabetic medications may reduce appetite

The drugs belonging to this class not only help in controlling diabetes but also weight reduction. However, the exact mechanism of action for promoting weight loss is not fully understood. It is believed that these drugs cause a decrease in appetite. They also reduce the movement of the food from the stomach into the small intestine. Thus, giving a quick feeling of satiety (fullness) for a longer time, thus reducing your appetite. Also, these medications may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.

What are some side effects of antidiabetic medications?

Side effects of GLP-1 class of drugs: The following are some of the side effects of the drugs:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Abdominal pain
• Risk of thyroid C-cell tumor

Learn more about Diabetes

1. Depression Medication Bupropion: Use & Side Effects(Opens in a new browser tab)
2. All About Hypertension and Diabetes(Opens in a new browser tab)
3. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes(Opens in a new browser tab)
4. COVID and Diabetes: Everything you should know(Opens in a new browser tab)

Read More... 4184 Views

Share