GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide–1, a hormone your gut naturally secretes after a meal. It helps regulate blood glucose by stimulating insulin release when glucose is high.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are medications designed to mimic that natural hormone but with a longer-lasting effect. After taking a GLP-1 medication (usually as a weekly injection or daily tablet), three key things happen:

You feel full faster and for longer - The medication slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions.

You’re less hungry - It signals your brain to reduce cravings, especially for sugar and processed foods, making it easier to eat less.

Your blood glucose stays steadier - It helps your pancreas release insulin when needed and lowers another hormone (glucagon) that raises blood glucose. This keeps energy levels more stable and reduces fat storage.

Below is a list of some of the medications you may be familiar with and their TGA approved indications¹:

Evidence-based Benefits of GLP-1 Therapy

• Glycaemic (blood sugar) management
  In people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 RAs significantly reduce HbA1c levels (often by 0.5–1.5 %) and reduce the occurrence of hyperglycaemic spikes. ^2,3

• Weight loss & appetite suppression
  Many patients lose 5-15 % of body weight (or more) depending on baseline weight, dose, and duration.⁴

• Cardiovascular benefits
  Some GLP-1 RAs have been shown in large trials to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in people with type 2 diabetes.²

• Better metabolic health
  Improvements in insulin sensitivity and reductions in belly fat have been observed.⁶

Possible Side-Effects of GLP-1 Therapy

• Up to 40% of users experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most common, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. ⁸

• Abdominal discomfort, bloating, indigestion

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose): mainly when used in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas

• Muscle (lean mass) loss: some weight loss comes from lean tissue.

Symptoms typically diminish as the body adapts; however, it’s best to consult with your healthcare professional if you experience any of these side-effects. ⁸

1. Preserving lean muscle / combatting sarcopenia risk

Because GLP-1-based therapies may result in some lean mass loss as weight falls, using a complete and balanced formula like Glucerna can help supply high-quality protein and micronutrients to support muscle maintenance (coupled with resistance exercise). ⁹

In a randomised trial of 235 people with type 2 diabetes, using 1-2 Glucerna servings as partial meal replacements over 90 days led to 2 x lean mass (including skeletal muscle) increase. ¹²

 2. Supports weight management while protecting lean mass

Along with the lean mass increase mentioned in the study above, using 1-2 Glucerna servings as partial meal replacements over 90 days also led to 2 x greater weight loss and 7 x belly fat loss.¹²

3. Smoother glycaemic response

Glucerna is clinically shown to keep glucose levels in target range up to 90% of the time.*¹⁴

4. Facilitate adherence to dietary management plans

Its slow-release carbohydrate blend helps blunt peaks and troughs in energy levels, which may reduce hunger. ¹⁴

Unlike standard “protein shakes” or generic meal replacements, Glucerna is formulated specifically for people with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, with a low GI slow-release carbohydrate blend aiding slower glucose absorption. Glucerna also contains a key ingredient called myo-inositol.⁹ Inositol is a carbohydrate produced by the body and found in some foods. Research has shown that it can mimic the role of insulin and may help to increase insulin sensitivity.^9,15-17

Glucerna could be used in the following ways:

• Replace a meal: Replace one main meal (e.g., breakfast or lunch) with Glucerna.

• Snack substitute: In between meals to prevent excessive hunger or “energy crashes.”

• Post-exercise / recovery: Particularly if using GLP-1 therapy and risk of lean mass loss, Glucerna can help supply protein and controlled carbohydrate in recovery.⁹
  

Glucerna should always be integrated as part of a holistic plan (dietary strategy, physical activity, glucose monitoring, medical therapy) and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.