Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs 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.
At Hormone Harmony in Wellington, we provide customized treatment plans involving semaglutide shots to help patients effectively manage type 2 diabetes symptoms. Timely assessment and treatment are vital for regulating blood glucose, minimizing diabetes complications, and improving overall health. Our experienced medical team specializes in diabetes care and continuously studies the latest advancements in treatment options like semaglutide.
Below we'll explore key topics around semaglutide shots so you can determine if it may be a beneficial option on your health journey.
Semaglutide is a synthetic, injectable version of a gut hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar levels. Here's an overview of how it works in the body:
So in summary, semaglutide directly targets mechanisms involved in managing blood glucose levels. The synthetic hormone mimics how natural GLP-1 works while also resisting breakdown by an enzyme called DPP-4 that would normally inhibit GLP-1 rather quickly.
There are many potential benefits of incorporating semaglutide shots as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan:
The HbA1c blood test gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Semaglutide has been shown to lower HbA1c by up to 1.5%. This brings many people into the target range under 7%.
Weight loss is a common "side effect" of semaglutide treatment. In studies, people lost on average between 5-15% of their body weight over 6-12 months. This likely occurs due to reduced appetite and delayed stomach emptying.
Recent research indicates semaglutide can reduce the likelihood of major cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack by over 25%. It also lowers associated risk factors like high blood pressure.
After the initial ramp-up phase, semaglutide is taken just once-weekly as a subcutaneous injection with a pre-filled pen device similar to an insulin pen. This makes it easier to stay compliant with treatment.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These tend to be mild-moderate and subside over time for most people. Compared to other GLP-1 drugs, semaglutide has less instances of these temporary side effects.
For many, the wide range of benefits make consistent semaglutide shots an extremely advantageous addition to managing high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle adjustments are still required for optimal health, but semaglutide can provide essential support.
Semaglutide has been approved for use alongside diet and exercise changes to lower A1c in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be an excellent option for various patients including:
Discuss your health profile and goals with your care team to determine if semaglutide shots could be advantageous for you. Hormone Harmony offers free consultations to review treatment possibilities.
Semaglutide is a new type of injectable diabetes medication originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes. However, recent research has shown that when used for weight loss in obese individuals, semaglutide shots can lead to an average 15% body weight reduction over 68 weeks, an unexpectedly high level of weight loss for a diabetes drug.
There are a few pharmaceutical companies currently producing semaglutide products for diabetes treatment. The two most common options are:
While subtly different, both semaglutide formulas essentially provide the same effects in terms of A1c and weight reduction. Wegovy tends to cause a bit more temporary nausea and vomiting during the dose increase phase. It also costs more out-of-pocket since not approved for diabetes.
Talk to your Hormone Harmony provider about which formulation may be preferential based on your insurance coverage, treatment priorities, dosing requirements and side effect tolerance.
If you and your care team decide semaglutide is the right fit, here is an overview of the process of initiating treatment:
While the process takes some diligence, semaglutide can be straightforward to incorporate. And Hormone Harmony is here to provide education plus reinforce consistency and safety.
A well-balanced lifestyle synergizes beautifully with semaglutide treatment for enhanced blood sugar improvements. Here are tips to maximize results:
Nutrition
Activity
Wellbeing
Hormone Harmony partners with exceptional local professionals to make healthy lifestyles more accessible for our patients. Take advantage of our trusted nutritionists, trainers, and mental health network.
Ready to take charge of your health? Wellington provides exceptional community resources to support you on your diabetes and wellness journey:
Hormone & Blood Testing
Walking Trails & Fitness Centers
Healthy Dining
Reach out today to establish care at Hormone Harmony. Our personalized solutions and compassionate staff empower your health goals.
