Although healthy lifestyle changes are an important part of the treatment plan for people with diabetes, medications can also be useful for many people. There are several different medication options available that can be helpful in gaining better control of blood sugar. Among these are a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. Besides helping to control blood sugar, these medications can also lead to weight loss, and some of them are specifically approved for this purpose.

GLP-1 RAs include semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide.

Which GLP-1 RAs are available in Singapore?

Certain GLP-1 RAs are approved specifically to promote weight loss, but others are approved only for treating diabetes. In Singapore, until recently, only a liraglutide is currently approved for weight loss. There is also a form of semaglutide that has been recently approved for weight loss in Singapore. 

For treating diabetes, there are more options. There are two different forms of semaglutide that are currently approved for use in Singapore. Although all of these medications have the potential to cause weight loss as a side effect, they’re primarily intended for helping to control blood sugar, and they’re generally only prescribed for this purpose.

Benefits of Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and other GLP-1 RAs

Blood sugar control

Diabetes is a condition in which a person's blood sugar levels are higher than usual. Keeping blood sugar under control is crucial for reducing the risk of the long-term complications of diabetes, such as vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Diabetes is usually diagnosed when a person has a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher, or a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 6.5% or higher.

GLP-1 RAs have been shown to control blood sugar effectively, making them an viable option for many diabetes patients.

GLP-1 RAs such as Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and Dulaglutide can be used on their own, in conjunction with lifestyle changes like exercise and taking a healthy diet. If needed, they can also be combined with other diabetes medications.

Weight loss

These medications have also been shown to result in weight loss, which may in turn help to reduce the risk of diabetes complications. While other GLP-1 RAs may have weight loss as a side effect, they are not intended to be used for the purpose of controlling weight.

In order to be considered to be a candidate for receiving a GLP-1 RA for weight loss, a person must have a body mass index (BMI) indicating obesity. This means that body weight is high enough to cause a significant risk of health complications. Alternatively, they may have a slightly lower body weight, but are already experiencing complications due to their body weight (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol).

Based on the available scientific research, the World Health Organization recommends slightly different cutoffs in body weight targets for Asian and non-Asian populations. To be a candidate for receiving a GLP-1 RA for weight loss, a person needs to meet one of the following criteria:

• For non-Asians, a BMI of 30 or greater (indicating obesity), or a BMI of 27 or greater along with health complications of being overweight.

• For Asians, a BMI of 27.5 or greater (indicating obesity), or a BMI of 23 or greater along with health complications of being overweight.

Reduction in risk of heart disease and kidney failure

GLP-1 RAs have been shown to have benefits for both the heart and kidneys. Semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack by more than 25% and to reduce the risk of stroke by 40% over the course of two years.

In addition, these medications reduce the risk of kidney failure. In one large study, people with diabetes who took semaglutide experienced a 15-20% improvement in kidney function over about a year and three months, while those taking a placebo experienced an 18% decline in their kidney function.

How to get the most benefit from Semaglutide, Liraglutide, or Dulaglutide

To maximize the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs, it is recommended to work on optimizing your diet and physical activity levels together with taking the medication.

Improving your nutrition and physical fitness will help with glucose control, make you feel more energetic, and help you get the most out of your day. It will also help to sustain the weight loss you experience.

Potential side effects of Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and other GLP-1 RAs

Like all medications, GLP-1 RAs can have side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Constipation or Bloating

• Headache

• Heartburn

• Abdominal Pain

• Burping or Indigestion

• Allergic Reaction (such as hives, swelling, or rash)

These side effects may be uncomfortable, but are usually not dangerous. However, an allergic reaction can be serious and should be reported to your doctor immediately. This is rare, but it can occur with any medication.

If you experience any of these side effects, you should consult your doctor to review your treatment plan. In many cases, lifestyle changes can help to manage the side effects. It’s also possible that your dose may need to be adjusted. Starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing it helps to give the body time to get used to the medication, which tends to reduce the side effects.

Where can I buy Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and other GLP-1 RAs in Singapore?

These medications are not available over the counter. They can only be obtained by prescription, so you will need to consult a doctor in order to get them. Not all clinics in Singapore carry GLP-1 RAs, so if this is an option that you’d like to explore, you should call the clinic to check before making an appointment.

Medication alone isn’t enough. GLP-1 RAs, whether for weight loss or diabetes management, are most effective when paired with sustainable, healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term well-being.