A1C
A1C is the blood test that reports your average glucose over two to three months. The diagnostic cutoffs, treatment targets, and how GLP-1 medications move the number.
View definitionGLP-1 Glossary
This glossary defines the pharmacology, clinical-trial vocabulary, and insurance terminology that appears throughout glp1versus.com's discussions of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Each entry is written to stand alone: a precise definition, a note on clinical significance, and cross-links to related drugs or conditions where the term applies. Definitions reflect current FDA labeling and peer-reviewed literature as of each entry's last review date. Entries are medically reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DO, and are intended to help patients, caregivers, and non-specialist clinicians interpret prescribing information and clinical-trial results accurately. For definitions of specific drug brand names rather than class-level concepts, see the drug profile index at /drugs. The glossary is updated as new entries are added and as FDA labels change.
BMI
Body mass index is the weight-to-height ratio insurers and prescribers use to set GLP-1 eligibility — how it is calculated, the standard categories, and where it falls short.
View definitionCVOT
A CVOT is a large trial testing whether a drug helps or harms the heart. These studies are why several GLP-1 medications carry cardiovascular benefit claims.
View definitionGastroparesis
Gastroparesis is delayed stomach emptying. Because GLP-1 medications slow the stomach on purpose, the term comes up in side-effect, surgery, and anesthesia discussions.
View definitionGIP
What is GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)? How dual GIP/GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide differ from GLP-1-only medications.
View definitionGLP-1
An overview of glucagon-like peptide-1, how GLP-1 receptor agonists work, and a list of all FDA-approved GLP-1 RA medications.
View definitionIncretin
Incretins are gut hormones that trigger insulin release after eating. Understanding the incretin effect explains how GLP-1 and GIP medications actually work.
View definitionInsulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is when cells stop responding well to insulin — the root of type 2 diabetes. How it develops, how it is measured, and how GLP-1 weight loss improves it.
View definitionObesity Class
Obesity is graded into Class I, II, and III by BMI. What each class means, how it shapes GLP-1 coverage and treatment choices, and why the labels are changing.
View definitionPancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and a labeled precaution for GLP-1 medications. The warning signs, what the trial evidence shows, and when to stop the drug.
View definitionPrediabetes
Prediabetes is blood sugar that is higher than normal but below the diabetes threshold. The exact cutoffs, why it matters, and where GLP-1 weight loss fits in.
View definitionPrior Authorization
An explanation of the prior authorization process for GLP-1 medications, including typical requirements, timelines, and what to do if a request is denied.
View definitionSGLT2 Inhibitor
SGLT2 inhibitors are oral diabetes drugs that flush excess glucose through the kidneys. How they compare with GLP-1 medications and why the two are often discussed together.
View definitionSubcutaneous Injection
Most GLP-1 medications are injected subcutaneously — into the fat layer just under the skin. What that means, why it is used, and which drugs are oral instead.
View definitionTitration
How GLP-1 medications are gradually escalated from a starter dose to the maintenance target, why the ramp-up schedule matters, and what to do if side effects force a slowdown.
View definition