If you’re exploring treatment options for type 2 diabetes or looking for support in your weight loss journey, you may have come across a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, which plays a vital role in helping your body regulate blood sugar levels. It increases insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slows the rate at which your stomach empties—leaving you feeling fuller for longer and helping curb appetite.

One medication that falls into this class is Trulicity (dulaglutide). At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we know how important it is for you to understand the science behind your treatments. Whether managing diabetes or pursuing medical weight loss, understanding how Trulicity works can help you make informed decisions about your health.

What is GLP-1, and how does it work?

GLP-1 is a hormone your body naturally produces in the intestines in response to eating. Its main job is to help regulate blood glucose levels, which it does by triggering insulin production and reducing glucagon release. GLP-1 also slows digestion, which controls blood sugar spikes after meals and promotes a feeling of fullness—making it easier to reduce calorie intake.

However, in people with type 2 diabetes, the natural GLP-1 response may be impaired. That’s where GLP-1 receptor agonist medications come in. These drugs, like Trulicity, mimic the action of natural GLP-1—helping to restore balance and improve metabolic function.

Is GLP-1 in Trulicity?

While Trulicity doesn’t contain the natural GLP-1 hormone itself, it acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. That means it binds to and activates the same receptors in your body that GLP-1 would, thus imitating the hormone’s actions. The active ingredient in Trulicity is dulaglutide, a synthetic protein that mimics GLP-1. Once injected, dulaglutide stimulates insulin production, stimulates gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon release, and even reduces appetite.

This combination of effects makes Trulicity an effective tool for lowering blood sugar levels and supporting modest weight loss, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.

Trulicity and diabetes management

If you have type 2 diabetes, your body may not use insulin properly or may not produce enough of it. Trulicity helps counter this by increasing insulin secretion only when your blood sugar is elevated—helping avoid the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Studies have shown that Trulicity effectively lowers A1C levels, a key marker for long-term blood sugar control. Trulicity is also convenient since it’s a once-weekly injection—making it easier to stick to your treatment plan without daily dosing.

Trulicity and weight loss

Although Trulicity is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes, many people notice weight loss as an added benefit. This is largely thanks to the GLP-1-like effects of dulaglutide, which slow digestion and reduce appetite.

On average, people taking Trulicity may lose 2 to 7 pounds, depending on the dose and whether it's combined with other medications like metformin. While this is typically less than what’s seen with semaglutide-based medications like Wegovy, it can still be a meaningful improvement—especially if you're just beginning your journey.

Trulicity vs. other GLP-1 medications

There are several GLP-1 receptor agonists available, including Ozempic (semaglutide), Bydureon (exenatide), and Victoza (liraglutide). While all of these drugs work in similar ways, they differ in terms of effectiveness, side effects, and dosage schedules.

Compared to semaglutide, dulaglutide tends to have slightly less weight loss and blood sugar reduction but may be better tolerated by some users. Trulicity’s ease of use—thanks to its auto-injector pen and simple weekly schedule—also makes it a convenient option for many patients. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we take the time to assess your goals and your body’s unique needs to match you with the most effective treatment for your journey.

What to expect with Trulicity treatment

If you and your provider decide Trulicity is right for you, you’ll typically start on a 0.75 mg dose once a week, with the possibility of increasing to 1.5 mg or higher depending on your progress and how well you tolerate the medication. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and, in rare cases, pancreatitis or allergic reactions.

Many people find these symptoms to be mild and temporary. Still, it’s important to report any issues to your provider so they can help adjust your plan or explore other options if needed.

Trust the experts at Genesis Lifestyle Medicine

When it comes to your health, personalized care makes all the difference. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we specialize in helping patients manage type 2 diabetes, lose weight, and improve overall wellness with modern treatments like Trulicity and other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Our experienced providers will work closely with you to develop a custom plan tailored to your goals—whether it’s lowering your A1C, reducing medication dependence, or finally reaching a healthier weight. Please schedule a consultation to explore your GLP-1 options.