Understanding GLPeak's GLP-1 Medication Graphs (and Why They Matter)
By Marvin Duong · 2025-10-02
Learn about the development and methodology behind GLPeak's medication tracking graphs.
Many of you have asked about adding medication graphs to GLPeak—something similar to what apps like Shotsy offer. We listened, and we've now introduced medication level graphs to help you visualize how your GLP-1 medication moves through your body over time.
But before diving into the details, we want to address a common concern: Are these graphs reliable?
Why Some People Are Skeptical
You may have come across critiques of medication graphs. One recurring argument is that GLP-1 pharmacokinetics—how the drug moves through your body—can vary significantly from person to person. Factors like Tmax (the time it takes to reach peak concentration) and individual biology can differ, making any generic graph an estimate at best.
This is a fair point. We want to be upfront: These graphs are educational tools, not medical measurements. They're designed to help you understand general medication trends, not to provide personalized clinical data.
Two Models: Step vs. PK
GLPeak offers two ways to visualize your medication levels:
The Step Model
This is a simple, intuitive view. It shows your medication level as a "step"—rising after each dose and holding steady until the next. It's easy to understand and doesn't require complex calculations.
The PK Model
This is a more data-driven approach based on pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters from clinical studies. It accounts for:
- Absorption phase: How quickly the medication enters your bloodstream
- Half-life: How long it takes for the medication concentration to drop by half
- Bioavailability: How much of the injected dose actually makes it into your system
By using these parameters, the PK Model creates a curve that more closely resembles how medications actually behave in the body—rising after injection, peaking, and then gradually declining.
What These Graphs Can (and Can't) Tell You
They can:
- Help you visualize general medication trends
- Show how doses accumulate over time
- Give context to how GLP-1 medications typically work
They cannot:
- Replace blood tests or clinical monitoring
- Account for your unique metabolism, health conditions, or other medications
- Provide exact concentration values
Why We Think This Matters
Even with limitations, these graphs serve an important purpose: education and engagement. Many GLP-1 users tell us they feel more connected to their treatment when they can see what's happening in their body. Understanding that medications don't disappear overnight—that they build up and taper gradually—can help set realistic expectations and reduce anxiety.
We're committed to being transparent about what these tools are and aren't. If you have questions or feedback, we'd love to hear from you.