Diabetes, a chronic condition, causes high blood sugar or glucose levels in the body. Sanofi, among other pharmaceutical companies, has developed medications to help manage the symptoms of diabetes, including abnormal blood sugar levels.

In this article, we will focus on how Sanofi’s diabetes medication works to balance blood sugar after eating.

How Does Diabetes Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

In individuals without diabetes, the hormone insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels after eating. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells, where it is used for energy.

In contrast, those with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively, hence the high levels of glucose in the blood and poor regulation of blood sugar levels.

Sanofi’s Diabetes Medication: Mechanism of Action

Sanofi’s diabetes medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This medication mimics the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which is produced in the small intestine after eating.

GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion, slows down gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. These actions help decrease blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Types and Administration

There are several GLP-1 receptor agonists available in the market, including Sanofi’s medication. These medications have different onset and duration of action. Some are administered via injection, while others are available in oral forms.

Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Sanofi’s diabetes medication, have several effects on blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. These include:.

Insulin secretion: GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate the secretion of insulin, which helps glucose enter cells and lowers blood sugar levels.
Gastric emptying: GLP-1 receptor agonists slow down gastric emptying, meaning that food stays in the stomach for a longer time. This helps reduce the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
Appetite reduction: GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce appetite, which can lead to a lower intake of carbohydrates and hence lower blood sugar levels.
Glucagon secretion: GLP-1 receptor agonists also reduce the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. Lower glucagon levels help reduce blood sugar levels after eating.

Sanofi’s Diabetes Medication: Dosage and Side Effects

The dosage of Sanofi’s diabetes medication varies depending on the individual’s age, weight, and severity of diabetes.

The medication is typically prescribed once a week via injection, and patients are advised to follow the prescribed dosage carefully.

Common side effects of Sanofi’s diabetes medication include:.

Nausea
Diarrhea
Headaches
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Injection site reactions

Patients are advised to report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Sanofi’s diabetes medication, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimics the action of the natural hormone GLP-1 and helps regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

The medication stimulates insulin secretion, slows down gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and lowers glucagon secretion. Patients are advised to follow the prescribed dosage carefully and report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.