Illustration of semaglutide (silver helix) bound to a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) transmembrane receptor (multi-coloured helices across membrane). A G-protein, part of the GLP-1 signalling cascade, is visible below the membrane as a 3d globular structure. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, a type of drug that mimics the function of natural GLP-1 hormones. GLP-1 hormones are released in the gastrointestinal tract when we eat. They work by binding to GLP-1 receptors throughout the body and stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and slowing down gastric emptying. These effects all lower blood sugar levels, making semaglutide a treatment option for type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, a drug used to treat diabetes.