Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar levels 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 blood sugar is high. It also slows digestion, helping food stay in the stomach longer so blood sugar does not spike as quickly after eating. These dual actions work together to lower A1c, which is a key marker of long-term blood sugar control.
The branded version of semaglutide, Ozempic, was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 as an adjunct treatment for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, a higher dose of semaglutide, was later approved in 2021 specifically for chronic weight management.
Here are some key things to know about semaglutide:
Now let's take a deeper look at how semaglutide works and the proven benefits it provides...
Semaglutide helps improve diabetes control through two complementary mechanisms:
Semaglutide activates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors found on beta cells in the pancreas. This stimulation causes the beta cells to release more insulin - the hormone needed to transport blood sugar out of circulation and into cells for energy usage and storage.
With higher insulin levels, blood sugar can be brought down into the normal range instead of remaining chronically elevated due to insulin deficiency or resistance.
Semaglutide also activates GLP-1 receptors along the gastrointestinal tract. This slows gastric emptying and digestion, meaning that nutrients from meals (especially carbohydrates) are released into the bloodstream in a more gradual, controlled manner rather than quickly flooding circulation.
The result is that blood sugar spikes less severely after eating relative to baseline diabetic control. This effect also promotes feelings of fullness and can aid with weight loss for some individuals.
So in summary, semaglutide leverages two complementary mechanisms - stimulating insulin production while slowing food absorption - leading to improved long-term blood sugar management for many people with type 2 diabetes.
Multiple large clinical studies have demonstrated a robust set of benefits with semaglutide treatment in people with type 2 diabetes, including:
A1c testing measures average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Reducing A1c is key for minimizing risks of diabetic complications.
In trials, semaglutide lowered A1c by 0.7-1.8% on average compared to placebo. This rivals or exceeds effects seen with other popular diabetes medications like GLP-1 drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, and insulins.
The higher 1.8% A1c reductions came from studies using the branded Wegovy product for weight loss which contains a higher dose of semaglutide. But even the lower dose Ozempic product led to 0.7-1.2% average A1c drops, indicating robust blood sugar lowering.
Excess weight drives insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation. Thus, promoting weight loss is hugely beneficial.
In clinical trials, semaglutide triggered 5-15% body weight reduction on average depending on dose. This equates to 15 to 45 pounds for a 300 pound individual, for example. Such substantial weight loss then amplifies the glucose control benefits.
By driving substantial A1c and weight reduction, semaglutide allowed trial participants to use fewer other diabetes medications like insulin while achieving better blood sugar control.
In real-world practice, this medication cost savings effect would be expected as well for many patients. Using less insulin or eliminating sulfonylureas, for example, decreases prescription expenses and medication burden/complexity.
Emerging evidence indicates semaglutide provides cardiovascular and mortality risk reduction - a hugely valuable added benefit.
In the large SUSTAIN 6 trial, semaglutide cut cardiovascular event risk by 26% over standard care. And a 2021 meta-analysis reported it significantly reduces deaths from all causes.
Through improved blood sugar control and likely other mechanisms, semaglutide offers heart and longevity boosting effects that go beyond glucose management alone. This can incentivize adoption for protective reasons.
Some glucose lowering medications like insulin and sulfonylureas carry significant hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) risk. But the glucose-dependent effects of semaglutide avoid this issue.
In trials, semaglutide either matched placebo for hypoglycemia risk (with non-insulin regimens) or reduced hypoglycemia by 30-40% (when combined with insulin). This safety profile facilitates finding an optimal dose for diabetes control without dangerously low blood sugars.
Semaglutide can benefit many individuals with type 2 diabetes but checking a few key boxes indicates someone may be an especially good fit:
Per diabetes management guidelines, GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide are actually recommended quite early - even as a second line treatment after metformin fails. So most individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can benefit. Discuss options with your Hormone Harmony provider.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1. When injected weekly, it helps lower blood sugar and A1C levels in a unique way by slowing food digestion and decreasing appetite. Though originally approved for diabetes, it was recently found to also induce significant weight loss in obese individuals without diabetes.
Here at Hormone Harmony in Arlington, we offer cutting-edge prescription solutions like semaglutide based on the latest research and guidelines. Our experienced medical team optimizes treatment plans to achieve goals like A1c reduction, weight loss, reduced polypharmacy when possible, enhanced cardiovascular protection, and improved quality of life.
We also emphasize holistic lifestyle approaches to complement medication effects including nutrition adjustment, physical activity, stress relief practices, and sleep hygiene. This comprehensive approach gives patients the best chance at gaining control over diabetes and feeling their best.
As an elite diabetes and hormone specialty clinic, patients can expect compassionate, dedicated care with Hormone Harmony. We are fully invested in understanding your health history and priorities to craft a personalized treatment plan.
Our onsite blood testing lab also allows for efficient and frequent monitoring so dosing can be calibrated in data-driven fashion for safety and efficacy.
Medications like semaglutide provide powerful blood sugar and weight reduction. But optimizing certain lifestyle factors imparts additional benefits and helps sustain treatment effects long-term:
Eating abalanced, low glycemic diet enhances semaglutide's efficacy. Focus on vegetables, high fiber carbs, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Our nutrition specialists can provide personalized meal planning guidance.
Exercise directly improves insulin sensitivity for better blood sugar control. It also burns calories aiding with weight loss and maintenance.
Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate activity like walking, swimming or gentle cycling. Start slowly and build up duration/intensity over time as able.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol and inflammatory markers that disrupt glucose regulation and metabolism.
Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and massage therapy activate the parasympathetic system to counteract stress.
Poor sleep reduces insulin sensitivity and drives appetite/cravings. Getting enough high quality sleep regulates hormones and metabolism for better diabetes control.
Prioritize 7-9 hours nightly by limiting electronics before bed, eliminating caffeine after noon, and following a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Our staff provides guidance to help you build sustainable healthy lifestyle habits that support your medication protocol. Small steps make a real impact over time!
We have close partnerships with various establishments in the Arlington community to provide comprehensive support services that enhance your care:
This certified lab offers advanced blood testing like A1c, fasting glucose, and C-peptide to monitor treatment progress. Convenient online appointment booking and electronic results delivery.
This new fitness complex near UT-Arlington campus has state-of-the-art equipment and classes plus registered dietitians on staff for nutrition planning. Excellent facility for students and residents on the south side.
One of America's "Fittest Cities", Arlington has over 80 parks and 60 miles of trails - perfect for walking, jogging, cycling. The 3 mile River Legacy trail offers nature views and connects numerous neighborhoods.
This popular downtown studio has classes for all skill levels plus new student discounts. Yoga builds strength, flexibility and balance while reducing stress. Helpful for controlling blood sugar and weight.
A local meal prep delivery service focused on delicious recipes optimized for calorie/carb counts. Very nutritionist-approved! Offers plans tailored to diabetes management.
Please ask our staff for details and referrals to any of these valuable local partners to help you fully leverage lifestyle and community resources in tandem with your treatment plan.
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is critical to start actively managing blood sugar levels as soon as possible to minimize the likelihood of developing complications and comorbidities over time, which include:
- Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to retinal blood vessels that can severely impair vision - Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve injury leading to pain, numbness and reduced sensation - Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney disease progressing to renal failure requiring dialysis or transplant
- Heart disease:Accelerated atherosclerosis raising heart attack and stroke risk - Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced lower limb blood flow increasing amputation risk
These issues stem largely from years of elevated blood sugar causing vascular damage via glycation end products, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
That's why bringing A1c under control quickly with medications like semaglutide - and sustaining control long-term - is vital to preserve health and quality of life. Don't delay if your blood sugar is running high!
Fortunately, places like our Hormone Harmony clinic offer rapid access to advanced medications like semaglutide thanks to our in-house diagnostics capabilities and strong relationships with insurance providers in the area to streamline approval processes.
Our founder and head physician Dr. Marks is a national thought leader in diabetes care and optimizing injection therapy outcomes. With over 500 patients, our multidisciplinary team has the expertise to quickly build customized treatment regimens leveraging the latest agents.
We also emphasize consistent follow up care and blood sugar monitoring to proactively make adjustments that sustain control. It's this comprehensive approach, integrating both cutting-edge medical and lifestyle components, that enables the best possible outcomes for our patients.
So if you or a loved one needs urgent assistance better managing diabetes, contact Hormone Harmony today to discuss pathways to achieve your health goals!
