Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: July 2025 | Last updated: August 2025
Gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are hormones involved in controlling blood sugar (glucose). Your doctor may prescribe a drug that helps mimic GIP and GLP-1.
Drugs that mimic GLP-1 alone are called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Drugs that mimic both GLP-1 and GIP are called dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists.
Both types of drugs can treat people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The drugs lower blood sugar by triggering the pancreas to release insulin after meals. These drugs are used in combination with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.1-4
Blood sugar levels depend on the activity of several hormones. Some of these hormones include:1
GLP-1 and GIP are both incretin hormones. They are released by the intestines after you eat a meal. They then bind to proteins called the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor. This causes the pancreas to release insulin, which reduces blood sugar.2,3,5
People with T2D release low levels of GLP-1 and GIP after eating. Taking drugs that activate the GLP-1 receptor or both receptors may help lower blood sugar. The drugs work by:1,4,6
GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists can lead to weight loss. And losing weight may help lower the risk of heart problems and overall mortality. GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists are useful for people with T2D who are carrying extra weight or have heart disease.1,7
Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include:4
Examples of dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists include:8
The choice of which drugs to use depends on a number of factors, including:4
Common side effects include:1,3,8
More serious side effects are possible, including:1,3,8
These are not all the possible side effects of GLP-1 and dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking them. You should also call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking GLP-1 or dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists.
Take GLP-1 and dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists exactly as your doctor prescribes. Most versions are self-injected using a prefilled injector pen. Semaglutide also comes as a pill.1
Your doctor may start you at a low dose to avoid side effects, then slowly increase the dose as needed. If you have side effects, they may switch you to a different version. Longer-acting (once-weekly) versions have a lower risk of side effects.1
Your doctor may combine GLP-1 or dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists with other T2D treatments. But these receptor agonists should not be combined with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.1
Some GLP-1 or dual GIP-GLP1 receptor agonists should not be used if you have other medical conditions. In general, you should not use them if you:1,4
Unfortunately, GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most expensive drug for T2D. They typically cost $500 to $700 for a 30-day supply. However, this is cheaper than hospital stays and treatment for diabetes complications. These are still valuable treatment options.4
Before beginning treatment for T2D, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.
