The Story of Glp-1: A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity

The Story of GLP-1: A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity is a critically acclaimed account detailing the groundbreaking discovery of the hormone GLP-1, narrated by the award-winning scientist Professor Jens Juul Holst, along with co-authors Professor Sten Madsbad, Professor Jens Meldgaard Bruun, and Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. GLP-1 is the hormone found in weight loss medications and diabetes treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The discovery of GLP-1 has significantly transformed treatment options for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering benefits that include improved blood glucose regulation and substantial weight loss, while also lowering the risk of related complications. Professor Jens Juul Holst, MD, DMSc, is among the world's leading diabetes researchers, having pioneered the discovery of GLP-1 in the 1980s. In this book, we follow the historical research journey that led to the identification of this hormone, which now signifies a paradigm shift in the management of diabetes and obesity. "The Story of GLP-1: A Historical Journey in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity" narrates the rising rates of obesity and diabetes, underscoring a critical public health issue, even in light of considerable progress in treatment alternatives. While traditional approaches, such as low-calorie diets, have shown potential for short-term weight loss, maintaining that loss has proven difficult. Efforts to achieve better blood sugar control have not consistently translated into reduced complications or improved patient outcomes, as demonstrated by extensive international studies. However, the introduction of new diabetes medications, particularly those based on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), such as liraglutide and semaglutide, has marked a significant breakthrough. These medications not only improve blood sugar levels but also promote substantial weight loss and reduce cardiovascular complications, offering hope for better management of obesity and diabetes. Despite these promising results, challenges remain regarding accessibility and affordability of these treatments, raising important societal questions about who should receive them and how they should be funded. The author's involvement in the discovery and development of GLP-1 provides a unique perspective on the historical and physiological context of these advancements, making this book a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of metabolic diseases and the evolution of treatment options.