Examples

Exenatide and liraglutide are a type of medicine called incretin mimetics used to treat people who have type 2 diabetes and who have not been able to control their blood sugar levels with oral medicines. This medicine is given as a shot.

This medicine is also known as a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, or GLP-1 agonist.

How It Works

Incretin is a natural hormone that your body makes. It tells your body to release insulin after you eat. Insulin lowers blood sugar.

Incretin mimetics act like (mimic) the incretins in your body that lower blood sugar after eating. Incretin mimetics:

• Prompt your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is rising.
• Prevent the pancreas from giving out too much glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that causes the liver to release its stored sugar into the bloodstream.
• Help to slow the rate at which your stomach empties after eating. This may make you feel less hungry and more satisfied after a meal. Your blood sugar shouldn't get too high too fast after a meal.

Why It Is Used

These medicines help to keep blood sugar in a target range without causing low blood sugar or weight gain, unless they are taken in combination with medicines that do. Some people feel less hungry and lose weight while taking these medicines.

How Well It Works

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that can get worse over time, so medicines may need to change.

Diabetes medicines work best for people who are being active and eating healthy foods. Studies have suggested that incretin mimetics lower hemoglobin A1c by 0.5% to 1%.¹

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.