Semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and death compared with placebo in people with diabetes. It also improves cardiometabolic markers including systolic blood pressure, waist circumference and fasting glucose levels.In a clinical trial, [3H] Semaglutide was administered as a single subcutaneous injection. Total [3H]-radioactivity was measured in blood, urine and faeces using liquid scintillation counting in humans and rat and monkey samples.
What is it?
Semaglutide is an injectable medication that can help people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight and improve their health by changing the way they eat and use energy. It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive tract, reducing hunger and promoting satiety.
Semglutide also improves gut-brain communication and promotes healthy eating patterns by helping people feel more attuned to their true satiety levels. It may even affect cellular functions to enhance fat cell breakdown and increase the body’s ability to burn fatty tissues for energy.
Semaglutide injection is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis or gallbladder disease; kidney, liver or endocrine-related conditions; or any other medical condition. Also, let your doctor know if you have any allergies, especially to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications, including nonprescription and herbal products, you are taking.
How does it work?
Developed to manage diabetes, semaglutide targets areas of the brain that suppress appetite and signal satiety. It also regulates blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion, keeping glucose levels stable. In addition, it slows gastric emptying, resulting in a more prolonged sense of fullness after eating that can help you to make mindful food choices and consume fewer calories overall.
While the medication creates an environment in the body conducive to weight loss, you’ll need to make healthy lifestyle changes for best results. Your Ozempic or Wegovy doctor will work closely with you to establish a healthy diet and physical exercise regimen, as well as provide regular telehealth appointments that allow them to monitor your progress and address any questions or concerns.
Dosage
Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously into the fat under the skin. The injection site can be your abdomen, thigh or the back of the arm. You should select a spot that is not irritated and clean it with soap and water or an alcohol swab before injecting.
Before you start treatment, your healthcare provider should show you how to self-administer your dose of Semaglutide. They will also give you instructions about avoiding serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder issues and thyroid tumors.
It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns or questions. It is also a good idea to test your blood sugar regularly, especially when starting or stopping therapy.
GLP-1 receptors in the brain reduce hunger and signal fullness, which leads to a decrease in food intake. It slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine, known as delayed gastric emptying, further decreasing calorie intake.
Side effects
Stomach or gastrointestinal side effects may occur with this medicine, including heartburn, burping, belching, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own in a few weeks or less, but you should talk to your healthcare team about them if they get worse, don’t improve, or interfere with your daily activities.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur with this medication, especially if you take it with other diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. It can also happen if you don’t eat enough, exercise too much, are sick or injured, or drink alcohol. Signs of low blood sugar include anxiety, cold sweats, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, fast heartbeat, and unusual tiredness or weakness.
This medicine is not recommended for use in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also not safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This medicine passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant.