New GLP-1 drug attacks the root problem of weight control in diabetes treatment
Overweight is a major contributing factor triggering the onset of diabetes and requires rigorous management, but unfortunately current limitations in anti-diabetes drugs means that they often have the undesirable effect of promoting weight gain. There is, however, good news with recent clinical trials that show the GLP-1 agonist can produce the opposite result of weight loss in diabetic patients.
Type 2 diabetes is a public health issue that is worsening on a global scale, and Hong Kong is no exception, with 12% of the adult population aged 18-plus affected. “What is more worrying is the trend that younger patients are on the increase,” says Dr. Norman N. Chan, Specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. “The problem with living in a high-pressured urban environment is that people tend to adopt a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient regular exercise; they follow an unhealthy diet, especially with fast food; and they overwork on a sustained basis. All of this does not bode well for their health.”
Without judicious management, Dr. Chan points out, the sustained high blood glucose in diabetic patients could lead to fatal complications, like coronary heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. Other serious consequences include blindness, nerve damage in the foot, and erectile dysfunction in men.
Whilst a well-balanced lifestyle is a definite plus in slowing the progression of diabetes, it is not enough for some patients to guarantee better blood glucose control, and they may require medications to regulate their blood sugar level.
Dr. Chan explains that different classes of anti-diabetes medication produce different impact on body weight. The problem with many classes of current medication is that they can lead to an increase in body weight. It is important, therefore, for patients to consult doctor in devising the correct combination of drugs that can control diabetes without aggravating weight problems.
The latest GLP-1 agonist plays a synergistic role in that, combined with other oral medication, it effectively controls blood glucose level, especially the after meal blood glucose, without causing weight gain.
In fact, clinical trials show GLP-1 agonist reduces patient body weight by as much as 5kg over 6 to 12 months. The reasons, Dr. Chan points out, are that the medication reduces appetite, and slows gastric emptying, thereby suppressing the patient’s desire for food.
GLP-1 agonist is not an insulin, but under medical advice and monitoring, it can be applied by subcutaneous injection in the same way as for insulin. Patients require only one injection every morning, and would find it convenient and easy to use.
The information has been provided by Dr. Norman N. Chan.
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