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:
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment that helps raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal levels. As men age, their bodies often make less testosterone, leading to symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, irritability, and low libido. "TRT can really help turn those symptoms around and get men feeling like themselves again," said Dr. Mark Johnson, a hormone delivers testosterone to the body in a few ways:- Testosterone injections - Getting shots of testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate every 2-3 weeks. This raises testosterone levels pretty quickly.- Testosterone gels - Rubbing a daily testosterone gel onto the arms to steadily release testosterone. Gels include AndroGel and Testim.- Testosterone patches - Using a patch that sticks to the skin to release testosterone. Patches must be changed daily.
Men who try TRT often see improvements in 4 key areas:- Energy levels - TRT gives most men more physical and mental energy to get through their day. TRT user Jim says, "I used to hit a wall at 3 pm, but with TRT, I can power through my whole workday."- Muscle mass - TRT helps men gain strength and lean muscle mass more easily through exercise.- Mood - By raising testosterone, TRT often elevates mood, confidence, motivation, and cognitive ability.- Sex drive - Many men report a lift in libido and sexual function on TRT. This improves intimacy with their partners.
TRT does come with some risks, though most side effects are mild with proper therapy:- Acne breakouts, especially on the back- Sleep apnea worsening- Polycythemia (having too many red blood cells)- Lower sperm production- Shrinkage of the testicles- Higher red blood cell countThe biggest risk is doctors prescribing too high of testosterone doses. "We start men at lower doses and adjust slowly based on lab work," said Dr. Anna Lewis, an endocrinologist. This prevents side effects and keeps men feeling their best on TRT.
Men with low testosterone levels plus symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and weak erections can benefit from TRT. Good TRT candidates include:- Men over 30 whose lab work shows low testosterone- Men who have pituitary gland injuries or diseases- Men with chronic health conditions that lower testosterone- HIV-positive men- Men who underwent testicle removal surgeryAdditionally, men who live a healthy lifestyle - eating well, exercising, reducing stress - tend to feel their best on TRT. We help men make lifestyle changes alongside starting therapy.
The cost of TRT varies based on:- Your insurance - Some plans cover TRT, lowering out-of-pocket costs. We work with patients on insurance approvals.- Which TRT type - Testosterone injections are cheapest, around $20-50 monthly. Gels cost $200-500 monthly. Skin patches cost $200-400 monthly.- Any lab work/checkups - These may add $100-300 annually. We try to minimize costs clinic works with each patient to keep treatment affordable. We also watch for lower cost options and discounts over time. "TRT can fit into many budgets with some savvy planning," said Kelly White, our patient care coordinator.
