According to a brand new study, which will be announced this week during the Annual Meeting of the 59th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), semaglutide, a diabetes medication, is able to significantly improve glucose control as well as weight reduction if it is used for three years.
Researchers said that these findings could be applied to adults who have type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes type 2 is a medical issue where the cells cease to react to insulin. This causes the pancreas to produce even more.
If the pancreas is unable to continue to function, the demands of blood sugar increase and can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and eyes over time.
Semaglutide Semaglutide is available under the brands Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus and is a glucagon peptide-like ( GLP-1) receptor agonist. It functions by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that can be released from the gut after you eat.
GLP-1 stimulates insulin release in order to push the blood glucose into cells so that it can be utilized for energy.
Semaglutide is also utilized by a variety of healthcare professionals off-label to help weight loss because of its ability to control appetite.
At present, the WegovyTrusted source Semaglutide brand is FDA-approved for weight loss.
Semaglutide enhances the long-term control of blood sugar, as well as weight loss.
Semaglutide has been demonstrated to be effective in random clinical trials, but more extensive studies involving large numbers of participants in real-world scenarios have not yet been conducted. This is the aim of the present study.
In order to conduct their research, they selected more than 23,000 patients who had received at the very least one prescription for weekly semaglutide injections.
The selected patients also had their HbA1c tested 12 months before and approximately six months after the start of treatment with the drug.
Researchers then observed how patients’ HbA1c levels and weight fluctuated over three years.
According to the study’s authors, higher levels of HbA1c are associated with complications of diabetes, such as heart or kidney problems. An increase in HbA1c levels — less than 7% as the goal is an indicator of better control of blood sugar.
After the six-month treatment of semaglutide, patients, on average, had reduced their HbA1c level from 7.6 percent to 6.8 percent. Also, they had shed an average of 4.7 kg (10.4 kilograms).
Analyzing the results at the conclusion of the study found that individuals maintained these gains.
It is also important to note that those with the highest compliance with treatment also had the most positive results.
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What do these results mean to those using semaglutide
Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, who is a medical doctor and a content adviser for welzo.com, said The results could have “significant implications” for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
“Ozempic … has shown effectiveness in improving glycemic control, reducing HbA1c levels, and promoting weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes,” he added. “The fact that it can lead to sustained improvements in blood sugar levels and body weight is promising for individuals with type 2 diabetes.”
Afzal explained further that semaglutide could be an important treatment option for treating this condition.
“It may be especially beneficial for those who struggle to achieve adequate glycemic control with other treatments or lifestyle modifications,” Dr. A. said.
However, he also noted that the medication should be administered and monitored by healthcare professionals in order that the patient’s personal requirements, risks, and potential benefits are considered.
Afzal said that the findings are important for those who are suffering from weight problems.
“Weight loss is an important aspect of managing obesity because it can lead to improvements in various health parameters, including metabolic health,” He explained.
“However, it’s important to note that Ozempic is not specifically approved as a standalone treatment for obesity, but rather as a treatment for type 2 diabetes,” the doctor said. “Healthcare providers may consider its use in individuals with both type 2 diabetes and obesity to address both conditions simultaneously.”
Semaglutide’s not an easy fix.
Doctors advise patients that they must be aware that semaglutide is not a quick fix to weight loss and diabetes.
“Here’s the thing,” Dr. Elizabeth Sharp, founder and CEO of Health Meets Wellness, said, “there is no silver solution to obesity or weight management. It is still necessary to implement the more challenging behavior changes if you wish to shed weight and maintain your weight off.”
But, the benefits of eating a balanced diet and making lifestyle changes could be “exponential,” she said. “[Y]ou can really start to improve your cholesterol levels, vitamin levels, energy levels, and immune response and reduce your blood pressure and inflammation if you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.”
Medical treatment can aid in sustaining the positive effects, as per Sharp and Sharp, as it gives quicker results.
Afzal said that semaglutide is also not a treatment you take to shed weight and then stop. It is required to be used for the long term in order to treat your illness.
He also said that not all people will see the same results from the medication, and not all people can lose that same weight or have the same control over their blood sugar levels.
In addition, there could be certain adverse effects, he added, such as gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to talk about this with your doctor.
“In summary,” said Afzal, “Ozempic represents an effective treatment option for patients who have type 2 diabetes. It could offer benefits when it comes to obesity.
“However, its use should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and individuals considering it should have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider to make informed decisions about its use, taking into account both its advantages and potential risks.”
