Diabetes Awareness Month: What to Know About GLP-1 and GIP Medications

10/29/2026

GLP-1 medications have become familiar names in conversations about weight loss and diabetes. But behind the headlines are important questions: How do these medications work in the body? Who may benefit from them? And what should patients know before starting treatment?

As November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, DeTar Healthcare System is encouraging Crossroads residents to look beyond the buzz surrounding these medications and understand the science behind them. Leslie Kubecka, R.N., DeTar’s diabetic educator, explains how newer GLP-1 and GIP therapies affect blood sugar, digestion and appetite, while Karim Heras, M.D., a primary care provider with DeTar Medical Group, emphasizes the importance of prevention, regular medical care and individualized treatment.

“Understanding how your body processes blood sugar is an important first step in understanding diabetes and how to manage it,” Kubecka said. “Education helps people make informed decisions about their health and have meaningful conversations with their health care providers about the treatment options that may be right for them.”

“Diabetes management starts with understanding the whole person, not just a blood sugar number,” Heras said. “Regular visits with a primary care provider give patients an opportunity to discuss their risk factors, review their health history and develop a plan that fits their individual needs.”

Understanding the body’s role in blood sugar

To understand how these medications work, it helps to start with the body’s natural response to food. When people eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose, a type of sugar that enters the bloodstream. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that acts like a key, allowing glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells to provide energy.

When the body becomes resistant to insulin, its cells do not respond as effectively, making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar. Over time, this can contribute to the development or progression of type 2 diabetes.

The body also relies on hormones to help regulate blood sugar between meals. The liver stores excess glucose for later use and can release it when the body needs energy. When these processes are not properly balanced, managing blood sugar becomes more challenging. This is where GLP-1 medications come into play.

How GLP-1 medications work

GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone naturally produced in the gut. It helps regulate blood sugar, slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach and signals fullness to the brain.

Medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the effects of this hormone. They help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is elevated, reduce excess sugar released by the liver and slow digestion. They can also reduce appetite, helping some patients manage their weight.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, those approved for chronic weight management and certain other indications.

Although these medications may be prescribed to help with blood sugar management or weight management, they are not interchangeable in every situation. Their approved uses, dosages and suitability depend on the specific product and the patient’s medical circumstances.

Heras encourages patients to view medication as part of a broader conversation about their health rather than a stand-alone solution.

“Newer medications can offer meaningful benefits for the right patients, but the decision to use one should be based on a person’s medical history, current health, treatment goals and potential risks,” Heras said. “A primary care provider can help patients understand their options and determine what approach makes the most sense for them.”

The next step: Combining GLP-1 and GIP

Some newer medications work on two hormone receptors rather than one.

GIP, or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, is another naturally occurring hormone released in the small intestine after eating. It helps stimulate insulin release in response to elevated blood sugar and plays a role in how the body processes and stores nutrients.

Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It is used for type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management and certain other approved indications.

By targeting both pathways, tirzepatide can help improve blood sugar control and support weight loss in appropriate patients. Individual results vary, and treatment decisions should be made with a health care provider.

“For some patients, these medications can be an important part of managing type 2 diabetes and weight,” Kubecka said. “But they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. The right treatment depends on an individual’s health, medical history, goals and other medications, which is why it is important to work with a health care provider.”

Weighing the benefits and risks

For patients who are appropriate candidates, GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications may help lower blood sugar and A1C, a blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over time. They can also support weight loss, which may improve insulin sensitivity and other aspects of metabolic health.

Certain medications in these classes have demonstrated cardiovascular or kidney benefits for specific patient populations. The benefits depend on the medication, the patient’s health conditions and the reason it is prescribed.

However, these treatments also carry potential risks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and decreased appetite. Injection-site reactions, headaches and dizziness may also occur. More serious complications, including pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, are possible.

Patients should discuss potential side effects, precautions and warning signs with their health care providers. These medications are not suitable for everyone and should be used under medical supervision. Patients should not change or stop prescribed medications without consulting their provider.

Kubecka emphasizes that medication is only one part of the larger picture of diabetes management. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, recommended medical visits and blood sugar monitoring when indicated remain important components of care.

Heras also encourages patients to be proactive about routine care, especially if they have risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

“Don’t wait until you feel sick to talk with your provider about your health,” Heras said. “Screening and early conversations about risk factors can help identify concerns and give patients an opportunity to take action before problems become more difficult to manage.”

Prevention starts with knowing your risk

While medications can help manage diabetes, awareness and early action are also important, particularly for people who may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Knowing personal risk factors, following recommended screening guidelines and talking with a health care provider about concerns can help individuals take steps toward protecting their health. For those already living with diabetes, understanding available treatments can help them participate more confidently in decisions about their care.

“Small steps can make a meaningful difference over time,” Kubecka said. “Learning about your risk, staying active, making thoughtful food choices and keeping up with recommended screenings can help you take a more active role in your health. If you have questions about diabetes or your treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your health care team.”

This November, DeTar Healthcare System encourages Crossroads residents to take an active role in their health by learning about their risk for diabetes and talking with their primary care provider about prevention, recommended screenings and treatment options. Whether you have questions about blood sugar, newer medications or steps you can take to improve your health, your primary care provider can help you understand your options and determine what is right for you.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment with a DeTar Medical Group provider at MyDeTarDoctor.com⁠.

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