Semaglutide
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition many individuals struggle with. This condition develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or is unable to produce enough insulin to maintain its normal blood sugar levels. Patients with excessive body weight often seek options to reduce their interest in food and obtain a healthier body composition. Semaglutide is one prescription medication that can be used to treat excessive body weight by stimulating the release of insulin, acting centrally in the brain to decrease the urge to eat, delay gastric emptying and help to lower total body weight and blood sugar levels.
Excessive body fat and Type 2 diabetes can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness, amongst others. The high risk of complications makes it imperative that type two diabetes be properly treated. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and medications such as semaglutide. With proper treatment, individuals with type 2 diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
At Ontario Regenerative Medicine, we can assist patients with optimizing their well being and health. We can customize a program to facilitate these goals using a combination of appetite suppressant medications, medically approved and monitored food replacement programs and / or Semaglutide in combination with other modalities such as diet, exercise and hormone optimization to facilitate weight loss and enhance your quality of life. Our goal is to help our patients feel their best. Contact us to book a consultation with Ontario Regenerative Medicine to discuss a personalized plan.
More About Semaglutide
The FDA approved semaglutide for diabetic treatment in December 2017, and in 2021, it approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for chronic weight management. [1] Semaglutide has fast become an excellent choice for people seeking medical help for weight loss and are opposed to invasive bariatric surgery. [2] Semaglutide works by increasing the hormone GLP-1 in the body. [3] GLP-1 is a natural substance that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. By increasing GLP-1 levels, patients sense that they are less hungry. It also affects the GI system and delays gastric emptying, making patients feel more full and decreases further eating. In clinical trials, semaglutide has improved blood sugar control and helped people with type 2 diabetes lose weight. [4] Ontario Regenerative Medicine can prescribe semaglutide for individuals suffering with obesity or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. In addition, patients who are overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and have medical problems related to their weight may also be eligible to receive a prescription.
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How Is Semaglutide Administered?
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Semaglutide is available in two forms: injection and tablet. The injection is administered once weekly, while the tablet is taken once daily. [5] Semaglutide injections are given under the skin of the upper arm, the stomach, or the thigh. You will be instructed on how to properly inject yourself at home so that you or someone you trust can feel comfortable administering the injection. You will be directed to follow these essential guidelines while taking semaglutide [6]:
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Follow a healthy meal plan;
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Exercise regularly;
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If you use semaglutide with insulin, do not mix them in the same syringe; and
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Rotate injection sites.​
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Semaglutide works by helping to lower blood sugar levels and also helps reduce the amount of insulin the body needs to produce. Semaglutide is well-tolerated by patients, with nausea and vomiting being potential initial side effects. These side effects are typically mild and resolve with continued treatment. If you are considering using semaglutide, please schedule a consultation with Ontario Regenerative Medicine to discuss your custom treatment plan.
What is the Difference Between Hypoglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes?
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Low blood sugar, also referred to as hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops below normal. Although it can be caused by several factors, including insulin resistance and certain medications, it most often the result of skipping or delaying meals. Symptoms of low blood sugar include: feeling dizzy or lightheaded, shaking or trembling, heart palpitations, sweating, hunger, pale skin, headache, anxiety or irritability.​
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Low blood sugar has the potential to lead to serious health problems like seizures or even coma if left untreated. Diabetes, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or properly use the insulin it does produce. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels, leading to severe complications. While both low blood sugar and diabetes can cause similar symptoms, they are different conditions that require different treatments.
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Benefits of Semaglutide:
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Semaglutide is used for weight management in patients with a BMI of 30 or higher. It can be considered in patients with a BMI from 25 to 29.9 if they have accompanying weight-related health concerns. Semaglutide works by increasing the level of the GLP-1 hormone, which assists the pancreas in producing more insulin. In addition, semaglutide helps to reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver and delays the emptying of the stomach. Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can help to lower HbA1c levels, body weight, and fasting blood sugar levels. [7] Semaglutide may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and complications such as eye and kidney problems that are associated with diabetes.
Semaglutide For Weight Management:
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In clinical trials, participants lost 35 to 52 pounds through treatment with semaglutide, diet, and exercise. [8] More than 50% of trial participants lost 15% of their body weight, with around 40% of participants showing an overall loss of 20%.
Candidates for Semaglutide:
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The ideal candidate for semaglutide therapy at ORM are individuals who:
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Have a BMI of 30 or greater.
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Have a BMI of 25 or greater as well as a disease related to weight.
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Are willing to take a once-weekly injection.
Semaglutide is not recommended for use in pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant. It is also not recommended for use in children. You should also not use semaglutide if you have a history of pancreatitis or diabetic ketoacidosis. Before prescribing semaglutide, we will review all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have. Semaglutide can interact with other drugs and may not be safe for everyone, so it is imperative that your medical history be discussed in detail.
Consultation at Ontario Regenerative Medicine
During your consultation at Ontario Regenerative Medicine, we will discuss your concerns about your health and the potential for semaglutide therapy to help. A thorough medical exam will be performed and any necessary blood work or additional tests will be arranged. A custom treatment plan based on the results of your tests will be created.
Contact Ontario Regenerative Medicine today to learn more about semaglutide or schedule your consultation.
Referenced Scientific Literature
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Commissioner O of the. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. FDA. Published June 4, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
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Lages M, Barros R, Moreira P, Guarino MP. Metabolic Effects of an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Compared to the Mixed Meal Tolerance Tests: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022;14(10):2032. doi:10.3390/nu14102032
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Goldenberg RM, Steen O. Semaglutide: Review and Place in Therapy for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 2019;43(2):136-145. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2018.05.008
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Phillips A, Clements JN. Clinical review of subcutaneous semaglutide for obesity. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. Published online December 28, 2021. doi:10.1111/jcpt.13574
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Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/proper-use/drg-20406730
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Miles KE, Kerr JL. Semaglutide for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Pharmacy Technology. 2018;34(6):281-289. doi:10.1177/8755122518790925
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CNN SL and VL. Overweight people lost 35 to 52 pounds on newly approved diabetes drug, study says. CNN. Published 2022. https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/06/health/weight-loss-drug-diabetes-wellness/index.html
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Savings card offers. www.novocare.com. Accessed August 15, 2022. https://www.novocare.com/diabetes-overview/savings-offers.html
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