Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Specifically, semaglutide slows digestion and prevents the liver from making too much glucose. It also helps the pancreas produce more insulin when needed. In short, it can lower A1C, which reflects average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months.
There are several key benefits of using semaglutide for type 2 diabetes treatment. Firstly, studies show it can lower A1C by around 1-2% when used alone or with other diabetes medications. For example, in the SUSTAIN clinical trials, semaglutide lowered A1C by up to 1.8% vs placebo. Secondly, it may also result in some weight loss, which further improves diabetes control. In studies, people lost on average 4.4 to 13 lbs over 6 to 12 months. Finally, semaglutide has a relatively low risk of causing low blood sugar compared to some other diabetes meds.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature. For instance, you may experience temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, or loss of appetite when starting treatment. These tend to improve over time for most people. There is also a small risk of thyroid tumors, so your doctor will monitor your thyroid health. Less common issues involve reactions at the injection site, increased heart rate, kidney problems, low blood sugar, and diabetic retinopathy complications. But overall, semaglutide is fairly well-tolerated.
Unlike some diabetes pills, semaglutide comes as a prefilled, disposable pen injector device. You first receive training from your healthcare provider on how to properly inject it under the skin of your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. The injection is done once weekly on the same day each week. Proper injecting, storing, and discarding procedures must be followed. Most pens contain 1 to 4 weeks worth of single-use doses that don't require refrigeration.
Semaglutide may be a smart choice if you have struggled to reach your A1C goal with lifestyle changes, metformin, or other antidiabetic meds alone. It can be used alongside other diabetes treatments and may allow some patients to lower the dose of insulin needed. Discuss with your doctor if semaglutide suits your health status and needs. Those with chronic kidney disease or diabetic retinopathy may need close monitoring, but can still potentially benefit. Semaglutide could help many type 2 diabetics better manage blood sugars.
