ShadowNurse Goodness for You: GLP-1

A Note from Olivia:

Hi there,

As nurses, we are constantly giving of ourselves, often to the detriment of our own health and well-being. Our profession demands so much, and in our dedication to caring for others, we frequently neglect our own needs. This unbalanced give-and-take can lead to poor health habits, increased stress, and eventually burnout.

But there is power in numbers. At ShadowNurse, we believe that by coming together as a community, we can reverse this paradigm. We are creating a supportive network that offers much-needed benefits to counterbalance the sacrifices we make. Together, we can foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for ourselves while continuing to provide the exceptional care our patients rely on.

Today we are thrilled to feature a primer on GLP-1’s and unveil a partnership that could deliver a GLP-1 telemed weight loss program to you with enormous savings. Exciting, right?

-Olivia

ShadowNurse’s Commitment to RNs:

As part of the ShadowNurse Experience, we are committed to bringing you exclusive perks and vital information to support your health, wellness, and happiness. This will be an ongoing effort, in which we envision offering savings at gyms, health stores, beauty salons, home office stores, clothing retailers, and other places that can bring joy to your day. This month, we’re excited to introduce one of our first exclusive perks for our ShadowNurse Experience Community: special savings on, and easy access to, GLP-1 (semaglutide).

Securing this partnership and exclusive savings is partly dependent on the level of interest from you and the community. If you’ve considered using a GLP-1 or have any interest in learning more about how you may benefit from a GLP-1, please click the button below and fill out our brief “learn more” form.

A Registered Nurse's Primer on GLP-1s

GLP-1s, including semaglutide, have revolutionized the approach to managing weight and diabetes. Here’s a quick cheat-sheet on things you need to know:

Brand Names and Generics: GLP-1 medications, commonly known under brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, have revolutionized the treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Ozempic and Wegovy, both containing semaglutide, are injectable medications used once weekly, but Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss. Rybelsus, the oral form of semaglutide, offers a convenient alternative for patients who prefer not to use injections. These medications work by mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1, which plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. Understanding the differences and applications of these medications can help ShadowNurses better support and advocate for patients and manage expectations.

History: The development of GLP-1 receptor agonists marks a significant advancement in diabetes care. The first GLP-1 medication, exenatide (Byetta), was approved by the FDA in 2005, offering a novel approach to glycemic control. This breakthrough was followed by the development of other GLP-1 analogs, including liraglutide (Victoza) and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Each subsequent medication has built upon the successes and lessons of its predecessors, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. The approval of semaglutide for both diabetes and weight management represents the latest evolution in this therapeutic class, showcasing the growing versatility and importance of GLP-1 medications in modern medicine.

Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of the natural incretin hormone GLP-1, which is released in response to food intake. These medications enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, meaning they help the pancreas release insulin only when blood glucose levels are elevated. They also suppress the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels, and slow gastric emptying, which promotes satiety and reduces food intake. By addressing multiple pathways involved in glucose regulation and appetite control, GLP-1 receptor agonists provide a comprehensive approach to managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This multifaceted mechanism of action makes GLP-1s a powerful tool in the treatment of these conditions.

Indications: GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes, particularly in patients who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with other medications. These drugs are also approved for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension or dyslipidemia. Beyond their FDA-approved uses, GLP-1 receptor agonists are being explored for off-label applications, including reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes. The broad range of potential benefits underscores the versatility and therapeutic value of GLP-1s in clinical practice.

Landmark Articles: Several landmark studies have highlighted the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Learn more about the SUSTAIN and STEP trials in the Premium section below (requires Premium membership)

Facts and Figures: The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has grown exponentially in recent years, reflecting their proven benefits and increasing acceptance in clinical practice. In the United States alone, millions of prescriptions are written annually for GLP-1 medications, with similar trends observed in Europe. Studies have shown that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists achieve significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss, with many experiencing reductions in HbA1c levels by over 1% and weight loss of up to 10% of their body weight. These impressive outcomes highlight the transformative impact of GLP-1s on patient health and underscore their importance in managing diabetes and obesity.

Patient Journey and Dosing: The journey of a patient starting on GLP-1 therapy typically begins with a thorough evaluation by their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication and dosing regimen. Initial doses are often lower to minimize potential side effects, such as nausea, and are gradually increased based on the patient's response and tolerance. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress, adjust dosing, and address any concerns. Patients are educated on proper injection techniques, storage requirements, and the importance of adherence to maximize the benefits of GLP-1 therapy. This patient-centric approach ensures that individuals receive tailored care that supports their long-term health goals.

Tell us…

Top 10 GLP-1 Patient Checklist for ShadowNurse Navigators

1. Regular patient check-ins

2. Monitoring blood glucose levels

3. Assessing weight and BMI regularly

4. Reviewing dietary and exercise logs

5. Advocating for dose adjustments as needed

6. Educating patients on side effects

7. Encouraging adherence to medication

8. Coordinating with primary care providers

9. Providing motivational support

10. Tracking progress and outcomes

Acronym Corner

Key Acronyms Related to GLP-1, Weight Loss, and Diabetes

• GLP-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. Hormone involved in glucose regulation and appetite control.

• DPP-4: Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4. An enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones; inhibitors of this enzyme are used in diabetes management.

• SGLT2: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2. A protein that reabsorbs glucose in the kidneys; inhibitors help lower blood glucose levels.

• HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c. A measure of average blood glucose over the past three months.

• CVOT: Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial. Studies designed to evaluate the impact of diabetes drugs on heart health.

• SGLT2: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (related to another class of diabetes medication)

• RCT: Randomized Controlled Trial. A study design that randomly assigns participants into an experimental group or a control group.

• HOMA-IR: Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. A method used to quantify insulin resistance and beta-cell function.

• NASH: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. A severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that can lead to liver damage.

• REMS: Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. A drug safety program that the FDA can require for certain medications with serious safety concerns.

• NAFLD: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. A condition where fat builds up in the liver without alcohol consumption.

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