GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone found in all people. Dulaglutide shares 90% of the same structure as human GLP-1 but is synthetically manufactured. Dulaglutide has been modified structurally to prevent it from being broken down by an enzyme in the blood called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or DPP-4.
Dulaglutide, like GLP-1, has a number of actions in the body that help to improve blood sugar levels. Dulaglutide is a medication used to lower blood glucose levels and works to:
- Lower blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas
- Reduce the amount of glucose that your liver is producing.
- Causes you to feel full by increasing early satiety.