Liraglutide

Liraglutide

Liraglutide (pronounced: li-RA-gloo-tide) is a medication used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist), also known as incretin mimetics.

Etymology

The name "Liraglutide" is derived from its chemical structure. It is a derivative of human incretin (metabolic hormone) glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is made by attaching a C-16 fatty acid (palmitic acid) with a glutamic acid spacer on the remaining lysine residue at the N-terminal end of the GLP-1 molecule. This modification allows the molecule to bind to albumin within the subcutaneous tissue and bloodstream, which reduces renal clearance and allows it to have a longer half-life in circulation.

Usage

Liraglutide is used in the management of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is administered via subcutaneous injection once daily. The medication works by slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety, thereby leading to weight loss in patients with obesity. In patients with type 2 diabetes, it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta-cells and suppresses glucagon secretion.

Related Terms

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
• Incretin mimetics
• Insulin
• Glucagon
• Pancreatic beta-cells

See Also

• List of medications for diabetes
• List of medications for obesity

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Liraglutide
• Wikipedia's article - Liraglutide

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