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 glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Semaglutide helps the body produce more insulin when blood sugar is high. It also decreases the amount of sugar made by the liver and slows food remaining in the stomach from getting into the bloodstream as fast. All these effects together lower blood sugar levels.
When blood sugar levels start to rise after eating, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin allows sugar to enter the cells to be used for energy. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin well. This causes sugar to build up in the blood rather than enter the cells.
Semaglutide imitates a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. It also prevents the liver from making too much sugar. These actions together improve blood sugar control.
The first step is getting examined by a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. This involves discussing symptoms, family history, and having blood tests to measure HbA1c (average blood sugar over 2-3 months). An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Semaglutide can be a good option if blood sugar is not well controlled by diet/exercise alone or along with other oral diabetes medications. Semaglutide used together with metformin (first-line diabetes treatment) can lower HbA1c even further.
People who cannot take metformin or experience side effects may start semaglutide as initial treatment. Those with long-standing or more severe diabetes often require combination therapy with 2-3 medications for adequate control.
Multiple clinical trials have shown semaglutide lowers HbA1c by about 1-2% on average compared to placebo. This brings many people into the target range under 7%. Achieving an HbA1c this low reduces risk of diabetes complications.
Some people taking semaglutide have seen decreases in HbA1c between 2-4%. Such significant improvements in blood sugar control enhance energy, mood, and overall health.
Semaglutide often leads to moderate weight loss of around 10-15 pounds over 6 months. Losing even a small amount of weight can improve insulin sensitivity and have big benefits for health.
The way semaglutide slows stomach emptying and increases feelings of fullness helps with eating less and reducing calories. The scale going down keeps people motivated to maintain healthy changes.
People with diabetes have higher rates of heart disease and stroke. By improving blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss, semaglutide reduces cardiovascular risk factors.
In a large clinical trial, semaglutide treatment lowered rates of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes by over 25% compared to placebo. This protective effect is a major advantage of semaglutide.
Semaglutide comes in a pre-filled pen device meant for self-injection into areas like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm The initial dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for a month, then increases to 0.5 mg once weekly for a month The target maintenance dose for most people is 1 mg taken once per week A doctor determines if any dosage adjustments are necessary based on treatment response
Common temporary side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain Taking injections with food or slowly titrating up dose can minimize gastrointestinal effects Injection site reactions (redness, rash) generally resolve quickly Tell your doctor about any worrisome or persistent side effects
No dosage adjustments needed for patients with kidney/liver problems Can be used safely with other diabetes medications like metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors Taking semaglutide with insulin or sulfonylurea may increase hypoglycemia risk
Semaglutide is structurally very similar to the human hormone GLP-1. When injected weekly, it helps lower blood sugar and A1C levels in a unique way by slowing digestion and decreasing appetite. Despite these effects, semaglutide shots surprisingly don't seem to significantly impact gut transit time or nutrient absorption.
Focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains into meals Choose lean protein sources like fish, chicken, beans Limit carbohydrates by avoiding sugars, refined grains Smaller, more frequent meals can help manage blood sugar Registered dietitians can help create personalized eating plans
Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking Try new workouts like swimming laps, cycling, rowing Include both aerobic training and resistance training Avoid sedentary behavior by taking breaks to stand/stretch Work with fitness trainers experienced with diabetes
Prioritize quality sleep and rest through good sleep hygiene Practice relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation Stay socially engaged in hobbies/activities that bring joy Seek counseling for mood disorders like anxiety or depression Emotional well-being supports physical health
Diagnosing and treating hormone deficiencies early is crucial for preventing worsening symptoms and damage to the body. Routine blood work and paying attention to concerning signs helps identify problems sooner. Early detection allows faster intervention to resolve deficiencies.
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Our clinic brings together an exceptional team of Baytown's top board-certified practitioners across specialties of endocrinology, urology, gynecology, and age management medicine. Patients can trust expert guidance tailored to their unique needs. We take pride in delivering unparalleled individualized care.
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Why Choose Semaglutide Injections?
Brings HbA1c down 1-2% on average Over 25% may achieve 2-4% reductions
Stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion Increases insulin sensitivity
Slows liver glucose output
Blunts post-meal blood sugar spikes
Higher GLP-1 levels increase feelings of fullness after smaller portions
Eating less and feeling satisfied with less food promotes fat burning
Most shed 10-15 pounds over 6 months
Improving blood sugar control and losing weight reduces likelihood of heart attack and stroke
>25% decrease in rates of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke
Hormone Harmony: Your Local Hormone Experts
Hormones like insulin, testosterone and estrogen orchestrate nearly all essential bodily processes - energy production, growth/repair, metabolism, reproduction, mood regulation, and much more. When certain glands produce too little or too much of key messengers, wide-ranging negative effects can result.
Blood tests gauging hormone levels and ratios offer insight into properly functioning regulatory systems versus dysfunctional ones. Identifying deficiencies and imbalances early is key for preventing consequences like fatigue, sexual dysfunction, infertility, cognitive problems, anxiety/depression, weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
Through precision evaluation and state-of-the-art treatments, the Hormone Harmony medical team excels at optimizing patients' hormonal health to restore wellness, vitality and quality of life. We consider restoring proper hormonal balance integral to healthy aging and disease prevention.
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Urologists and gynecologists on our team focus on sexual and reproductive health for both men and women. They treat hormonal imbalances behind infertility, sexual dysfunction, urinary problems, menstrual irregularities, menopause concerns and more.
Our age management doctors specialize in customized care plans tailored to help people optimize health and functioning as they get older. Their expertise includes testosterone and growth hormone replacement alleviating symptoms of aging and enhancing longevity.
As your local hormone experts and trusted medical home in Baytown, the providers at Hormone Harmony offer convenient access to specialized care for whole health across the lifespan. We gladly accept most major insurances while having options for self-pay.
We look forward to partnering for vitality!
