Abstract:Diabetes is a kind of metabolic disorders disease of aberrant glucose homeostasis that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Type Ⅱ diabetes accounts for over 90% of cases globally. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a peptide hormone produced in the L cells of the intestines, can act on pancreatic islet cells, promote the transcription of insulin gene, and augment the biosynthesis and secretion of insulin in a glucose-dependent manner. However, GLP-1 is easily degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) within 2-3 min in the circulation, which significantly limits its therapeutic application. Therefore, a variety of GLP-1 receptor agonists with prolonged in vivo half-lives have been developed. These GLP-1 receptor agonists can be classified as either short-acting compounds or as long-acting ones. Meanwhile, various delivery systems of GLP-1 receptor agonists using functionalized polymers as carriers have also been exploited to provide prolonged in vivo actions, reduce administration frequency and increase patient compliance. This review focuses on the progress of GLP-1 receptor agonists approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and their delivery systems, such as injectable thermogel systems containing GLP-1 receptor agonists, for the treatment of typeⅡdiabetes.