Incretin mimetics and other non-insulin injectable diabetes medications represent an expanding class of drugs in diabetes management. Unlike insulin, which directly replaces or augments a deficient hormone, these agents, including GLP-1 agonists and amylin analogs, harness alternative pathways to regulate blood glucose. They can aid in glycemic control, weight loss, and carry a low risk of hypoglycemia. As with insulin therapies, patient education on proper injection technique and storage is essential.
Incretin mimetics, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes (off-label for type 1). They mimic the action of incretins, which are natural hormones in the body. Examples of incretin mimetics include liraglutide, exenatide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide.
Adverse effects of incretin mimetics
Potential adverse effects of incretin mimetics include:
Hypoglycemia when taken with insulin
GI distress
Pancreatitis
Renal insufficiency
Possible risk of thyroid cancer
Other non-insulin, injectable diabetes medications
GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonists
GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonists are used to treat type 2 diabetes only. They can have adverse effects including:
Hypoglycemia when taken with insulin
GI distress
Renal insufficiency
Pancreatitis
Possible risk of thyroid cancer
Amylin mimetics
Amylin mimetics are a group of medications used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Potential adverse effects of these drugs include hypoglycemia (when taken with insulin), GI distress, and injection site reactions.
Mechanism of action
All non-insulin, injectable diabetes medications work by
