Semaglutide is an injectable 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 lower blood sugar levels by:
Benefits of semaglutide include:
Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. These tend to be mild and often resolve with continued treatment.
Semaglutide is available under the brand names Ozempic® and Rybelsus®.
The benefits of timely treatment for Type 2 diabetes are immense. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels reduces your risk of diabetes complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss, stroke, and heart disease. Starting treatment early is key, as prolonged high blood sugar causes progressive damage over time.
With the ability to lower HbA1c, assist in weight loss, and help preserve insulin production, semaglutide is an excellent treatment option for many patients. Used alone or combined with other diabetes medications, semaglutide can be a powerful tool to help patients achieve treatment targets.
At Hormone Harmony, our medical providers stay informed on cutting-edge diabetes treatments like semaglutide. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your individual health needs. Don't delay - call today to learn more about semaglutide or schedule an appointment!
Diagnosing diabetes involves blood tests to measure your average blood sugar level over the prior 2-3 months. This test is called the A1C or haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c).
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made when:
Prediabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugar is elevated beyond normal levels but not high enough yet for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. With early lifestyle changes, those with prediabetes can prevent progression to diabetes.
ADA criteria for prediabetes diagnosis:
At Hormone Harmony, we provide complete lab testing for HbA1C and glucose. Detecting prediabetes or early diabetes is important for preserving health and initiating timely treatment. Call today to schedule testing!
Beginning semaglutide treatment first requires diabetes testing and evaluation by a medical provider. Additional considerations before starting:
Semaglutide is only appropriate for patients with type 2 diabetes (not type 1 or other causes). Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency over time. Lab tests and evaluation of symptoms can confirm this diagnosis.
Semaglutide is eliminated from your body via the kidneys so normal kidney function is important. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine levels will be checked.
Let your provider know all current prescription and over-the-counter medications you take as semaglutide can interact with some. This includes herbs, supplements, and vitamins.
Semaglutide is given via subcutaneous injection just under skin. Your provider will prescribe semaglutide auto-injector pens with instructions for use. Proper injection technique prevents discomfort and optimizes absorption.
Starting dose is 0.25 mg weekly. This helps minimize temporary side effects like nausea. The dose increases gradually up to the 1 mg weekly maintenance dose.
At Hormone Harmony, our certified diabetes care specialists provide complete care - from testing to diagnosis to developing your personalized treatment plan. We offer semaglutide plus nutrition counseling, activity planning, glucose monitoring, and more! Call today to learn more or make an appointment.
Semaglutide offers several advantages making it an appealing treatment option for many patients with type 2 diabetes:
The primary benefit of semaglutide is lowering HbA1c levels, your average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Semaglutide lowers HbA1c an average of 1-2% across numerous clinical trials. The higher your starting HbA1c, the more dramatic improvement you may see.
Weight management is critical for diabetes control and semaglutide promotes weight loss in most patients. Appetite reduction and calorie absorption contribute to typical weight loss of 10-15 pounds over 6-12 months of treatment. This boosts insulin sensitivity for better blood sugar regulation long-term.
Compared to insulin and sulfonylureas, semaglutide rarely causes blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia) - an advantage for diabetes control and safety. Symptoms like palpitations, sweating, irritability, hunger and confusion prompt patients to ingest quick carbs, rebounding blood sugar higher. Semaglutide avoids extreme highs and lows.
Unlike many diabetes medications taken daily, semaglutide is injected just once weekly under the skin. This improves adherence for those with suboptimal compliance using daily meds. Less frequent dosing reduces injection site irritation as well.
Beta cell function declines progressively in type 2 diabetes; many patients ultimately require insulin. By preserving beta cell mass and insulin production, semaglutide may delay the need for insulin.
With benefits like HbA1c reduction, weight loss, hypoglycemia avoidance, weekly dosing, and insulin-sparing effects, semaglutide is an effective medication for many adults with type 2 diabetes. Schedule your evaluation at Hormone Harmony today!
Semaglutide is structurally very similar to the human glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone. When injected weekly, it mimics this hormone's effects, stimulating the release of insulin only when blood sugar levels rise after meals, leading to better blood sugar control with low risk of dangerous lows.
The recommended protocol for initiating and adjusting semaglutide:
1. Begin with 0.25 mg subcutaneously once weekly Start with the lowest dose to minimize temporary side effects like nausea and vomiting. Stay at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks.
2. Increase to 0.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly If tolerated without significant persistent side effects, increase to 0.5 mg weekly for at least 4 more weeks.
3. Increase to 1 mg subcutaneously once weekly The target maintenance dose giving the best blood sugar improvement is 1 mg injected subQ each week. Stay at 1 mg long-term if tolerated.
4. Check HbA1c 12 weeks after reaching 1 mg dose Evaluating HbA1c after 12 weeks at full dose assesses if any additional meds may be needed for combination therapy to reach treatment targets.
5. Use ongoing to maintain glycemic control long-term Used alone or with other diabetes medications, semaglutide is suitable for long-term maintenance therapy without drug holidays or restrictions on treatment duration.
Follow up with your Hormone Harmony provider regularly to ensure treatment safety and efficacy. Report concerning or intolerable side effects promptly as well as inadequate blood sugar control despite compliance with semaglutide. Call today to schedule your consultation!
While semaglutide is potent for lowering blood sugar, optimizing lifestyle habits amplifies results. Hormone Harmony providers offer comprehensive lifestyle planning - call today for an evaluation! Recommendations include:
Following a balanced, low glycemic diet emphasizing vegetables, lean proteins, high fiber carbs, and healthy fats promotes weight loss, better blood sugar regulation, and reduced cardiovascular risks. Our registered dietitian provides personalized nutrition guidance.
Exercise helps burn calories, boost insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss and reduce blood sugar. Aim for 150 minutes weekly of brisk walking, swimming, strength routines or other moderate activity you enjoy. We suggest local gyms and walking trails perfect for activity in Oviedo's beautiful climate.
Chronic stress raises blood sugar via excess cortisol and glucagon production. Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, massage therapy and nature immersion counter these effects. Oviedo offers serene parks and spas perfect for stress relief!
With semaglutide treatment plus lifestyle optimizations, Hormone Harmony patients achieve exceptional diabetes regulation for lifelong health. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care- call today!
Oviedo features a warm subtropical climate and natural attractions that make optimal conditions for semaglutide treatment and an active lifestyle.
Temperatures range from 60-90°F throughout most of the year providing comfort for outdoor walking, swimming, boating and other physical activity critical for fitness and diabetes management.
Oviedo's average rainfall around 45-50 inches annually primarily falls June into September. Dry pleasant weather prevails during spring and fall - perfect for hiking, golf and tennis. Even winter months offer moderate 60-70 degree temps suitable for pickleball, disc golf and exploring Oviedo's parks and nature preserves.
Whether you enjoy lakes, trails, recreation centers or just neighborhood streets, Oviedo supports regular outdoor activity known to help regulate blood sugar and insulin sensitivity at any age. Just be sure to stay hydrated and use sun protection!
Hormone Harmony partners with local gyms, personal trainers and dietitians to offer patient discounts. We make healthy lifestyle changes easy and accessible! Call today to learn more.
Conveniently located labs, clinics, wellness centers and our own Hormone Harmony office provide exceptional medical care and testing resources for Oviedo residents. We offer insider guidance to help patients navigate local healthcare easily. Recommendations include:
Our experienced physicians and nurses provide cutting-edge hormone testing, treatment, and holistic wellness care tailored to your unique health needs. We offer semaglutide, testosterone therapies, thyroid treatments and more along with nutrition services onsite for comprehensive medical care under one roof!
Offers a full range of blood tests, health panels, and lab services, providing results promptly to patients and physicians. Their efficient phlebotomists make lab testing quick and stress-free!
This state-of-the-art Veterans Administration hospital offers world-class endocrinology, cardiology, fitness and mental health services to qualified veterans. Diabetes education, nutrition counseling and specialty care provide exemplary treatment guided by research.
Don't delay diagnosis and treatment - get lab testing today! Our exceptional patient care makes optimal health easy.
Hormone Harmony helps connect patients to Oviedo's exceptional wellness resources during semaglutide treatment. Call us today for guidance and discounts at the following establishments:
This large upscale gym offers state-of-the art equipment, pools, courts, classes and personal training with special rates for Hormone Harmony patients trying to increase activity. Their trainers customize programs to your fitness level and health conditions.
Featuring fresh Greek and Italian cuisine, this local favorite provides healthy Mediterranean options perfect for diabetes-friendly nutrition. Their fresh fish, salads, veggie sides and whole grain breads make eating well effortless.
Express your creative side while enjoying friends and community at this popular paint-it-yourself art studio offering Hormone Harmony patients special pricing. Whether a beginner or expert, have fun crafting your own pottery piece from scratch to promote relaxation.
Along with stellar medical care, Hormone Harmony helps patients access all Oviedo has to offer for health, fitness and fun during treatment. Let us help you optimize wellbeing today!
Conclusion
We strive to provide the latest evidence-based diabetes treatments plus comprehensive lifestyle guidance and wellness resources to help our patients fully overcome this diagnosis. Semaglutide and timely intervention offer most patients an excellent prognosis plus the avoidance of diabetes complications. We're ready when you are - call Hormone Harmony today in Oviedo to learn more or schedule care. Here's to health!
