How do the new medications work?

It is the body's own hormone within the incretin group GLP-1 that has been successfully changed so that they remain longer in the blood and can exercise their activity in the body before they are broken down. This hormone is normally secreted from the gut when we eat. The GLP-1 analogues are the first drugs of this type to be approved. They cause the stomach to empty more slowly, which in turn causes the body to release various hormones that signal the brain that we are full and satisfied. Medicines from this group, eg semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide also lower blood sugar levels, blood fats and blood pressure.

‍