Liraglutide facts for kids

Liraglutide, also known by its brand name Victoza, is a special medicine used to help people with Type 2 diabetes. It helps their bodies manage blood sugar levels better. This medicine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in early 2010, which means experts decided it was safe and helpful for use. It's usually taken once a day.

What is Liraglutide and How Does it Help?

Liraglutide is a type of medicine called a "glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist." That's a long name, but it just means it acts like a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps your body control how much sugar is in your blood.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition where your body doesn't use sugar (glucose) properly for energy. This can happen because your body doesn't make enough insulin (a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells), or because your body doesn't respond well to the insulin it does make. When sugar stays in your blood instead of going into your cells, it can cause health problems over time.

How Liraglutide Works in Your Body

Liraglutide helps in several ways:

• It encourages your pancreas (an organ in your body) to release more insulin when your blood sugar levels are high.
• It lowers the amount of glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar.
• It slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar after you eat.
• It can also help some people feel less hungry, which might help them manage their weight.

Daily Treatment for Diabetes

Because Liraglutide is a "long-acting" medicine, it works for a full day. This means people with Type 2 diabetes usually only need to take it once every day to help keep their blood sugar levels steady. This makes it easier for them to manage their condition as part of their daily routine.

Important Approvals and Use

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency in the United States that makes sure medicines are safe and effective. When the FDA approved Liraglutide in 2010, it meant that scientists had done many tests and found that the medicine worked well and was safe for people with Type 2 diabetes. Doctors can prescribe it to help patients control their blood sugar.

See also

In Spanish: Liraglutida para niños