Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide helps the body produce more insulin when needed and decreases the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream after a meal.
Semaglutide can be used alone or together with other diabetes medications such as metformin or insulin. When used properly, semaglutide has been shown to lower A1c (average blood sugar levels over 3 months), leading to better long-term blood sugar control.
Some key facts about semaglutide:
Semaglutide is FDA-approved as an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes. It may be a good option for patients who:
Patients with type 1 diabetes should not take semaglutide. It has only been studied in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide is not approved for use in pediatric patients under 18 years old. However, research studies are underway evaluating its safety and efficacy in children ages 10-17 with type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of injectable diabetes medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Here's how it works:
The combination of increasing insulin, slowing digestion, and decreasing appetite helps improve long-term blood sugar control.
Semaglutide is taken once weekly by subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen device. The injection can be self-administered by the patient or given by another person after proper training.
The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly. After 4 weeks, the dose increases to 0.5 mg once weekly. Some patients may benefit from increasing again to 1 mg once weekly for even greater A1c lowering.
Semaglutide should be injected on the same day each week, at any time of day with or without food. The injection site can be rotated between the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
Proper injection technique, rotation of sites, and adherence to weekly dosing is important to get the full benefits of semaglutide treatment. Talk to your Vitality Hormone Clinic provider about injection training.
In large clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to significantly improve glycemic control and reduce A1c levels compared to placebo:
Semaglutide also lowers fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels. The effects can be seen within the first 2 weeks of treatment but maximize after 3-4 months.
For many patients, semaglutide also allows reduction in other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas to avoid hypoglycemia. This can simplify complex treatment regimens.
In addition to lowering blood sugars, semaglutide promotes weight loss for many patients. In studies, people taking semaglutide lost 4-6 kg on average compared to placebo.
This weight loss is thought to occur due to:
The weight loss effects seem greatest with the 1 mg dose. The weight reduction can in turn help improve insulin sensitivity and further assist with blood sugar control.
As with most medications, semaglutide may cause certain side effects. The most common include:
Rare but serious side effects can include:
Notify your Vitality Hormone Clinic provider if you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain. Routine monitoring of amylase/lipase levels is recommended on semaglutide treatment.
In general, side effects are mild and tend to lessen over time. Starting with the 0.25 mg dose and increasing slowly may help reduce initial GI side effects.
There are many potential benefits of adding semaglutide for patients with type 2 diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and worldwide. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin and/or loses the ability to produce enough insulin from the pancreas.
Without proper management, type 2 diabetes leads to dangerously high blood sugar levels which can cause:
That's why getting and keeping blood sugars in a healthy range is so important. Work with your Vitality Hormone Clinic provider to determine your optimal A1c target and make a plan to achieve it.
Do not delay diabetes treatment. The sooner you start proper management, the more likely you can avoid or minimize complications down the road. Small changes make a big difference in the long run.
At Vitality Hormone Clinic in Loudon, Tennessee, we specialize in advanced hormone replacement and optimization therapies. Our goal is to help patients like you regain health, wellness, and vitality.
We offer cutting-edge treatments to fight age-related hormone decline. This includes therapies like:
Managing diabetes and avoiding complications requires the right medications along with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. We help create customized treatment plans for optimal blood sugar control and reducing risk factors.
Our providers stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in diabetes care such as:
We accept most major insurance plans. Please call or visit our website to learn more about how we can partner with you on your health journey.
If semaglutide seems like a good fit, the next step is getting set up on treatment:
Starting any new medication can seem complicated but we are here to guide you every step of the way. The potential benefits of improved blood sugar control and avoiding diabetes complications are well worth it!
Along with semaglutide treatment, be sure to follow these healthy lifestyle recommendations:
Follow a diabetes-friendly meal plan. Work with a nutritionist to create balanced meals with fiber-rich complex carbs, healthy fats and lean proteins. Avoid added sugar and refined grains.
Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking. Strength training is also important for controlling blood sugar.
Lose weight if overweight. Even a 5-10% reduction can improve insulin sensitivity.
Take medications properly. Adhere to your semaglutide schedule. Monitor blood sugar levels to ensure your regimen is working.
Don't smoke. Smoking raises risks for diabetes complications. Speak to your provider about quitting options.
Reduce stress. Try yoga, meditation, massage or other relaxation techniques. Stress contributes to high blood sugar.
Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours per night. Poor sleep increases insulin resistance.
Together with your health care team, YOU have the power to take control of your diabetes for better health now and in the future. We look forward to working with you!
