GLP-1 in Type 2 diabetes:
Making weight loss possible
Type 2 diabetes mellitus in highly prevalent in Hong Kong, affecting about 10% to 12% of adults. Poor control diabetes may lead to complications such as coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney dialysis and leg amputation. Central obesity is a major cause of diabetes and weight control is fundamental in its management. However, several classes of anti-diabetic medication can lead to an increase in weight. Choosing the right combination of drugs is important in controlling diabetes while not aggravating weight problem.
Dr. Norman N. Chan, Specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism said proper management of diabetes is crucially important. “Sustained high blood glucose increases the risk of fatal complications like coronary heart disease. Furtherm
ore, diabetes may lead to other complications such as stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage in feet, erection problems in men and many others.”
“Management of diabetes is generally about keeping blood glucose levels to a target HbA1c level of 6.5%, while elderly may have a lower target of 7.0% to avoid over-treatment. The goal can be achieved by changing lifestyle and a right combination of medications. Patients can modify their lifestyle in various ways, including having healthy diet habits, by eating little and controlling the amounts of carbohydrate and sugar consumed, exercising 30 minutes a day, and consulting doctor regularly to check if there is any complication, and to monitor their HbA1c levels.”
Dr. Chan explained that there are there are several classes of anti-diabetic drugs and also insulin. “Different classes of anti-diabetic medications have different impact on body weight; the latest GLP-1 agonist plays an important role, especially for those who are diagnosed as in the initial stage of diabetes. This type of medication effectively controls blood glucose lever while having positive influence on weight. Unlike insulin, with type 2 diabetes for many years, had HbA1c level and health condition improved after being treated with the once daily GLP-1 agonist. Previously she was treated with two insulin injections a day and metformin, and had a BMI of 35 as insulin makes her feel hungry frequently. But four weeks after adding the once daily GLP-1 agonist to her existing treatment, she has a 3-kg weight reduction, better level of blood glucose, and she was able to reduce insulin as well. I believe her HbA1c levels will keep improving,” remarked Dr. Chan.
The information has been provided by Dr. Norman N. Chan.
英國利物浦大學內外全科醫學士
英國倫敦皇家內科醫學院院士
英國倫敦皇家內科醫學院榮授院
英國倫敦大學醫學院畢業
香港內科醫學院院士
香港醫學專科學院院士
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