Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical problems.
To qualify for semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss, there are several factors physicians consider:
- Medical history - Your doctor will review conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, heart disease, and medications you currently take. This helps determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you.
- A1C - This blood test provides your average blood sugar over 2-3 months. If your A1C is 7% or higher, semaglutide may help lower it.
- BMI - Your Body Mass Index. If your BMI shows obesity (30 or above) or overweight (25 or above) with weight-related health issues, you may qualify for semaglutide for weight loss.
Steps to getting a semaglutide prescription:
- Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss semaglutide. Bring your latest blood test results, including A1C if diabetic.
- If qualified, your doctor will write you a prescription for semaglutide injections.
- Obtain prior authorization from your health insurance, if required. This confirms coverage for the medication.
- Pick up your semaglutide prescription from the pharmacy. The pharmacist will provide injector pens and explain proper injection technique.
What to Expect with Semaglutide
- Weekly injection under the skin with pre-filled, pre-measured pen
- Common side effects - nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation. These generally improve over time.
- Gradual appetite reduction leading to decreased food intake for weight loss
- Moderate blood sugar improvement within 1-2 weeks if diabetic
- Greater weight loss compared to other diabetes or weight loss medications
- Continued use - Requires ongoing weekly injections with doctor follow-up every 3-6 months
- Cost - Around $1000 per month without insurance. Copay with insurance varies by plan.
At Hormone Wellness Institute, our physicians specialize in diabetes, thyroid and hormone disorders. We help patients qualify for and properly use medications like semaglutide for diabetes and weight management. Contact us today to see if you may benefit from semaglutide or other hormone therapies for better health!