What are the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines?

They help keep your blood glucose from going too high by

• Increasing the insulin made by your pancreas
• Decreasing glucagon, a hormone that releases glucose from your liver
• Helping you feel full after a meal, which means that you eat less
• Slowing the emptying of the stomach’s contents into the intestines, which lowers blood glucose levels after a meal

What are the side effects and disadvantages of GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines?

GLP-1 receptor agonists don’t cause low blood glucose, a condition called hypoglycemia. But you’re at risk for low blood glucose if you also take diabetes pills or insulin that may cause hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose can make you feel hungry, dizzy, nervous, shaky, or confused. You can learn what to eat or drink to bring your blood glucose level back up to normal.

Exenatide and liraglutide can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, or dizziness. Some side effects are warning signs of serious conditions. For example, nausea and vomiting with abdominal pain could be pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Ask your doctor which signs to watch for and what to do if those signs happen.