Tirzepatide antidiabetic drug action, illustration

Illustration of tirzepatide (silver helix) bound to a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) transmembrane receptor (multi-coloured helices across membrane). A G protein (3d multicoloured structure), part of the GLP-1 signalling cascade, is visible below the membrane. Tirzepatide is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It functions as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist (mimic), which are natural hormones secreted in the gastrointestinal tract when we eat. They work by binding to GLP-1 and GIP receptors throughout the body and stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and slowing down gastric emptying. These effects all lower blood sugar levels, making tirzepatide a treatment option for type 2 diabetes., by RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY