Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Semaglutide works by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. It also slows digestion, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes after meals, and suppresses appetite, which may aid in weight loss. The way semaglutide works makes it an appealing treatment option for many folks.
As with most medications, semaglutide may cause some side effects. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, indigestion, and constipation. These tend to be mild-to-moderate and often improve over time.
More serious potential side effects include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), low blood sugar, kidney problems, changes in vision, gallbladder problems, and an increased heart rate. It's important to monitor for signs of these more concerning reactions and report them promptly to your healthcare provider. Being aware of risks allows for early intervention if troubles crop up.
Semaglutide comes in a pre-filled, single-dose pen that makes taking an injection straightforward. The pens are meant for self-injection into areas with plenty of fat just under the skin, like your thigh, stomach, or upper arm. Shots are taken once weekly at any time of day, with or without meals.
Many find the injection process with semaglutide surprisingly simple and painless. Taking the plunge that first time understandably causes some hesitation for certain individuals. But rest assured, you'll get the hang of it quickly with a little practice and patience!
In clinical studies, semaglutide has been shown to lower A1c, a measurement of average blood sugar over a 2-3 month period, by around 1-2% when taken alone. It also resulted in modest weight loss of approximately 5-10 pounds.
Of course, results vary from person to person depending on dosage, diet, exercise regimen, and how long semaglutide is taken. But for many, adding this medication provided that extra boost needed to hit target blood sugar and weight loss goals. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits while taking semaglutide can really help optimize those desired positive outcomes.
Semaglutide should not be used in folks with a personal or family history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. It is also not recommended in those with severe kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy complications, or in children under 18 years old.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their provider before starting semaglutide, as its safety has not been well established. People with very high diarrhea and vomiting unrelated to semaglutide should avoid treatment as well until those issues resolve. As always, chat with your doctor about the pros and cons of semaglutide pertaining to your unique medical history. Here is a draft 5-topic FAQ on testosterone replacement therapy with headers, detailed answers, and rich formatting targeting a featured snippet:
