When it comes to treating type 2 diabetes, treatment options have evolved and multiplied considerably. One of these developments is Trulicity, a weekly injection that helps control blood sugar levels.
But what is Trulicity, what is it for and how does it work exactly? Find out more about this medication!
What is Trulicity?
Trulicity is a medicine for type 2 diabetes in the form of a subcutaneous injection . It is used to improve blood sugar control. Its active ingredient is dulaglutide, a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps increase natural insulin secretion when needed, thereby reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver.
Trulicity is injected once a week using an easy-to-use injection pen.
Trulicity is not insulin
Before we go any further, we need to clarify one important point. You need to understand that Trulicity is not insulin .
Rather, Trulicity increases our body's insulin secretion by mimicking the action of the body's own incretin hormones. These hormones are the real stars in regulating blood sugar levels, especially after eating a meal.
The interesting thing about Trulicity is how it works hand in hand with your body. By mimicking these hormones, it helps your pancreas work better and naturally release insulin when blood sugar levels rise. It's like giving your body a little nudge to do its job better and keep blood sugar levels under control, without the insulin involved.
It is also important to know that Trulicity is specifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin, so Trulicity would not be suitable or effective as it requires insulin injections.
Other diabetes injections
There are other injectable diabetes medications that work similarly to Trulicity. Let's look at some examples:
- Ozempic (semaglutide): Similar to Trulicity, Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It helps improve blood sugar control and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is administered once a week and may also help with weight loss.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): This is a newer and quite interesting option. Mounjaro not only acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, but also mimics the action of the hormone GIP, contributing to better blood sugar control and potentially greater weight loss. It is also administered through weekly injections.
- Byetta (exenatide) and Bydureon (extended-release exenatide): These exenatide-based medications are other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Byetta is given twice daily, while Bydureon is a weekly dose. Both help to better control blood sugar levels and may be helpful in weight loss.
- Victoza (liraglutide) : This medication is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is given once daily. It has been shown to be effective in improving blood sugar control and may also have positive effects on weight loss and cardiovascular health.
Each of these type 2 diabetes injections has its individual characteristics in terms of dosing frequency, side effects and additional benefits such as weight loss or protection of the cardiovascular system.
It is essential that you work closely with your doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.
What exactly does Trulicity do?
As mentioned, Trulicity's primary purpose is to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes . It does this through several features, including:
Function 1: Stimulation of insulin secretion
When we eat a meal, especially one rich in carbohydrates, our blood sugar levels rise. This is where Trulicity comes in with its first and most important function. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin , the key hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells where it is needed for energy. This is especially helpful after meals, when sugar spikes are most common.
Function 2: Limiting glucagon secretion
Trulicity has another trick up its sleeve. It also works to limit your body's production of glucagon . Glucagon is another hormone that does the opposite of insulin: it increases blood sugar levels. By keeping this hormone under control, Trulicity helps prevent unwanted blood sugar spikes.
Function 3: Reducing gastric emptying
Trulicity also slows down the rate at which your stomach empties . And by slowing stomach emptying, it helps prevent the sugar from food from entering your blood as quickly. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes that can be problematic after meals, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.
Feature 4: Trulicity and Weight Loss
Although it is not its primary function, weight loss with Trulicity is an additional benefit noted in many patients. Since this medication suppresses appetite and causes the stomach to empty more slowly, you may eat less. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss.
Function 5: Other Services
But wait, Trulicity can do more! Trulicity may have other benefits, such as improving blood lipid levels and lowering blood pressure in some patients. That means it not only helps treat diabetes, but could also contribute to a healthier heart .
How is Trulicity used?
Trulicity is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection (an injection into the fat tissue beneath the skin). A major advantage of Trulicity is that it can be injected at any time of day , with or without food.
It comes in prefilled doses that are designed to make injection as easy and convenient as possible. A little more about it:
Trulicity is available in two different doses: 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg . Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your blood sugar control and medical history.
Trulicity comes in a prefilled injection pen that contains one dose and is virtually ready to use.
The injection is given in the layer of fat just under the skin . This can be done in different parts of the body that have enough fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, thighs or upper arm . It is important not to inject in the same place each time to avoid lipodystrophy , a complication that affects the skin and the absorption of the medication.
Before starting treatment with Trulicity, patients should receive detailed instructions from a doctor, including how to store Trulicity and how to administer the injection correctly and safely.
If you have any questions about Trulicity, talk to your doctor for the most up-to-date information and best practices to help you live your life to the fullest , even with type 2 diabetes!
