Is Trulicity a form of insulin?
- No, Trulicity is not a form of insulin.
- Trulicity mimics the effects of GLP-1 a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion.
- Trulicity is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who still have functioning insulin-producing cells in their pancreas.
- Trulicity is given by subcutaneous injection, once a week.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is not a form of insulin. It relies on people still having some functioning beta cells – these are cells in the pancreas that produce, store, and release insulin.
Trulicity belongs to the class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It may also be called an incretin mimetic.
Trulicity is given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into your stomach, thighs, or upper arm, once a week and may be used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Trulicity may also be given to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as a heart attack or stroke) occurring in adults with type 2 diabetes who already have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Trulicity does not work for type 1 diabetes.
How does Trulicity work?
Trulicity mimics the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate blood glucose levels.
Trulicity contains 90% of the same amino acid sequence as naturally occurring GLP-1. This enables it to bind to and activate GLP-1 receptors, which stimulate insulin secretion and lower glucagon secretion when blood glucose levels are high. Activation of GLP-1 receptors also causes a slow down in stomach emptying.
References
- Trulicity (dulaglutide) Lilly Feb 2020 https://www.drugs.com/pro/trulicity.html
- Trulicity (dulaglutide) Approved to Reduce Cardiovascular Events in Adults With and Without Established Cardiovascular Disease Feb 21 2020 Drugs.com News https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/trulicity-dulaglutide-approved-reduce-cardiovascular-events-adults-without-established-5358.html
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How and where should I inject insulin?
Injecting insulin is not difficult, but it does take a bit of practice. There are three main sites where insulin can be injected: the stomach area except for a 2-inch circle around your navel, and the soft part of your waist, but not anywhere near your spine; the top and outer part of your thighs, but not your inner thighs or anywhere close to your knee; the outer back of your upper arm where there is a pocket of fatty tissue. Continue reading
Can Trulicity be used with insulin?
Trulicity can be used with insulin, but because the combination of Trulicity and insulin increases the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), the dosage of insulin may need to be reduced. Continue reading
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