Semaglutide is a relatively new drug that was approved for medical use in 2017. It is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as to reduce cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
A brief history of semaglutide:
- Semaglutide was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and goes by the brand name Ozempic® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
- Novo Nordisk conducted extensive clinical trials on semaglutide starting around 2009. Trials found semaglutide effective for lowering A1c and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- In September 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved semaglutide injection to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This first approval was for the treatment of diabetes specifically.
- In December 2017, semaglutide was approved for use in Europe, Canada and Japan to treat type 2 diabetes.
- In January 2021, the FDA expanded the approval of semaglutide injection to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
So in summary, while
semaglutide was in development for close to a decade before approval, it has only been commercially available for treatment since late 2017. So it has been used as a medication for approximately
5 years as of 2022.
At Hormone Wellness Institute, our physicians stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in
diabetes care like
semaglutide. We provide individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve healthy blood sugar levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Who can use semaglutide?
The FDA has approved
semaglutide injection for the following uses in adults:
- To improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise
- To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease
Semaglutide has not been approved for use in patients with type 1 diabetes or for weight loss, even though it may have benefits in these areas.
How semaglutide works:
- Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- It mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that helps the body produce more insulin when needed to lower blood sugar. It also decreases appetite.
- Semaglutide works by stimulating insulin production, reducing glucagon secretion, slowing digestion to decrease food absorption, and increasing feelings of fullness.
- Taken once weekly by injection, semaglutide helps lower A1c and fasting blood sugars, leading to better long-term blood sugar control.
At Hormone Wellness Institute, our endocrinologists are experts in medications like
semaglutide and other
diabetes drugs. We provide cutting-edge treatments to help patients manage conditions like type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. Let our team work with you on a customized treatment plan for your health needs.
Benefits of semaglutide:
Research shows
semaglutide provides the following benefits:
- Lowers A1c by 1-2% on average
- Improves average fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels
- Enhances weight loss by approx. 6-15 pounds typically
- Requires only once-weekly dosing for convenient use
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal stroke, and non-fatal heart attack in high-risk patients
Studies found these cardiovascular and A1c-lowering benefits persisted throughout 2 years of continued
semaglutide treatment.
Potential side effects:
As with most medications,
semaglutide may cause certain side effects including:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - often improving over time
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) - especially if on insulin or sulfonylurea
In clinical trials,
semaglutide did not appear to increase risk for thyroid cancer, pancreatitis or diabetic retinopathy. But more long-term data is needed on these and other potential risks.
At Hormone Wellness Institute, we provide close monitoring and comprehensive lab testing to detect any issues early during treatment. Let our endocrinologists determine if
semaglutide is the right medication for your type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. We're here to help optimize your health!