GLP-1 & Metabolic Peptides
Dulaglutide
Commonly used for
DiabetesHeart HealthMetabolic Health
What is it?
Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that provides effective glycemic control and has demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
Brand names: Trulicity®
Mechanism of action: GLP-1 receptor agonist; Stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion; Suppresses glucagon secretion; Slows gastric emptying; Reduces appetite
What do people use it for?
Approved indications: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Proposed indications: Weight management; Prediabetes; Metabolic syndrome; NAFLD/MASH
How is it used? / Dosing
Administration: Subcutaneous injection — Weekly
How does it compare?
Compare with:
How well does it work? / Evidence
✓ Well-established
Evidence rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Supported by large randomized controlled trials with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit.
Landmark trials: REWIND Trial (2019) — Demonstrated a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes, including many without established cardiovascular disease at baseline.
Safety & side effects
Common side effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Decreased appetite
Serious risks: Pancreatitis; Gallbladder disease; Acute kidney injury (secondary to dehydration); Diabetic retinopathy (monitor in susceptible patients); Thyroid C-cell tumor warning based on rodent studies
Drug interactions: Delayed gastric emptying may affect absorption of oral medications; Increased hypoglycemia risk when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
Monitoring: HbA1c, Weight, Renal function, Gastrointestinal tolerance, Blood pressure
Legal & regulatory status
Legal status: Prescription required. This is an FDA-approved medication available only through a licensed prescriber — dosing is determined by your prescriber based on your medical history and is not provided here.
Regulatory status: FDA Approved • EMA Approved
Who should avoid it?
Contraindications: Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma; MEN2 syndrome; Serious hypersensitivity to dulaglutide or formulation components
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established.
Research & references
Gerstein HC, et al. (2019). Dulaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (REWIND). The Lancet, 394(10193), 121–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31149-3 Dungan KM, et al. Clinical studies of dulaglutide in type 2 diabetes.