Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. It has several effects that together lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes:
Semaglutide comes in a prefilled pen device which patients use to self-inject just under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly, which increases gradually up to a maintenance dose of 1 mg once weekly. This titration schedule helps patients tolerate semaglutide better.
Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide provides excellent blood sugar control, often lowering HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by 1-2%. It also typically leads to moderate weight loss of around 10-15 pounds. Further benefits include:
With proper adherence, patients can expect to see the full effects of semaglutide within 12-16 weeks.
The American Diabetes Association recommends GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide as one of the treatment options for type 2 diabetes, especially in the following situations:
Obesity exacerbates insulin resistance, driving type 2 diabetes progression. Semaglutide promotes weight loss, which itself improves diabetes control. It's an excellent option for overweight or obese patients.
Despite using other diabetes drugs like metformin and sulfonylureas, many patients don't achieve their HbA1c targets. Adding semaglutide often successfully gets blood sugar under control.
Cardiovascular disease is the top complication and cause of death in type 2 diabetes. Beyond glucose control, semaglutide has cardio-protective properties that lower heart disease risk.
Diabetic kidney disease develops in 30-40% of type 2 diabetes patients. As an injectable GLP-1 drug, semaglutide slows GFR decline better than oral meds, preventing kidney function loss.
The below type 2 diabetes patients make good semaglutide candidates:
Newly diagnosed patients have better beta cell function. Starting semaglutide early exploits remaining insulin secretion for tighter glycemic control. Delaying treatment leads to irreversible beta cell loss over time.
Obesity worsens insulin resistance and diabetes progression. Semaglutide's weight loss properties directly combat the root drivers of type 2 diabetes in heavier patients.
Dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and family history heighten CVD risk in diabetes. As semaglutide improves all of these, it should be strongly preferred for folks with cardiovascular risk factors.
Semaglutide relies on kidney elimination so isn't suitable for advanced kidney disease. But those with eGFR over 30 ml/min/1.73m2 can safely use it for better glycemic control and kidney protection.
If you have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, especially with obesity or chronic kidney disease, semaglutide may be an excellent treatment option to discuss with your Balance Hormone Clinic provider.
Like most newer diabetes medications, most insurers require a prior authorization before covering semaglutide. But Balance Hormone Clinic handles the entire PA process so you can swiftly start treatment.
Without insurance, semaglutide costs around $1000 per month. However, its manufacturer Novo Nordisk offers excellent financial assistance programs so most uninsured patients pay as little as $25 per month through them. Balance Hormone Clinic helps all eligible patients enroll.
Diet, activity, sleep, and stress management profoundly impact diabetes progression and semaglutide results. We provide personalized lifestyle optimization guidance as a key part of our integrative treatment plans.
Semaglutide was originally developed as a potential treatment for diabetes, but clinical trials showed it also caused significant weight loss. This led to further research and the approval of a higher dose semaglutide injection specifically for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults.
Balance Hormone Clinic provides personalized, integrative care for type 2 diabetes. Instead of just prescribing medications, we take a holistic approach combining lifestyle, nutrition, and advanced medications like semaglutide for optimal blood sugar control.
Our medical director Dr. ___, MD PhD FACP FACE has over 20 years of distinguished endocrinology service, including a decade at Mayo Clinic. You get top tier diabetes specialty care and expertise with us.
Getting world-class care shouldn't require traveling or using impersonal telemedicine apps. Instead, Balance Hormone Clinic offers top-notch in-person care from your Massapequa neighbors. We pride ourselves in building close doctor-patient relationships.
If you start semaglutide, here is an overview of the treatment process and protocol:
We first check bloodwork and do a full health evaluation to confirm semaglutide is appropriate and get pre-treatment baselines for safety and results monitoring.
The semaglutide manufacturer provides starter kits with your initial monthly supplies. We provide hands-on device and injection training for foolproof at-home weekly administration.
You begin with 0.25mg weekly, increasing every 4 weeks up to the full 1mg maintenance dose, which provides maximal glucose lowering and weight loss effects. This gradual titration schedule improves gastrointestinal tolerance.
You'll have regular follow up visits for safety checks, dose adjustments if needed, and guidance. We also offer nutrition advice and lifestyle optimization coaching for best results.
The twin hallmarks of type 2 diabetes progression are insulin deficiency due to gradual pancreas burnout, and insulin resistance - tissues increasingly ignoring insulin signals. As these defects compound for years, blood sugar control worsens despite treatment advances.
Furthermore, prolonged hyperglycemia silently damages small nerves and blood vessels years before symptoms appear. Eventually, untreated or undertreated diabetes leads to disabling and life-threatening microvascular complications:
That's why timely intensive treatment is so crucial - to preserve crucial insulin secretion before beta cell failure, avoid complications, and minimize ancillary CVD risks. Fortunately, newer agents like semaglutide - with their glucose lowering potency and multifactorial risk benefits - are vastly more effective than old drugs.
But maximizing these benefits requires early and appropriate use under expert endocrine guidance. If you have new or uncontrolled diabetes, prompt intervention with advanced medications prevents irreversible progression and complications down the line. So whether newly diagnosed or struggling on your current meds, waste no time- consult our specialists regarding the latest and greatest treatment options. With an integrative plan combining semaglutide and lifestyle optimization, most patients rapidly stabilize blood glucose with additional CVD protection and weight loss bonuses too. We help ensure you receive timely cutting-edge prescriptions paired with holistic evidence based care for fullest health possible.
Beyond leading-edge medical care, you gain numerous additional benefits partnering with Massapequa's premier hormone clinic, Balance Hormone Clinic:
We provide exceptional endocrinology service right in our Long Island neighborhood- no more hauling into Manhattan or dealing with disjointed telemedicine apps! Extended weekday and weekend availability means visits whenever works best for you.
Insurance prior authorizations, appeals, Rx fulfillment... these frustrating delays stymie treatment initiation and adherence. We expertly handle all aspects of medication access and delivery for uninterrupted therapy.
Succeeding with intensive medical regimens requires concurrently optimizing exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress, and other factors aggravating diabetes and medication efficacy. Our therapists provide personalized lifestyle enhancement coaching.
Frequent lab testing and adjustment in response to results – not just throwing meds at problems (the "fire and forget" approach) underlies effective diabetes care. We closely track your parameters to ensure treatment is working and modify things if not.
In summary, Balance Hormone Clinic offers unrivaled endocrinology expertise with an integrative orientation right in Massapequa. We smoothen all aspects of advanced prescription access and optimize lifestyle elements crucial for treatment durability and safety. Together this allows us to far surpass standalone clinics or remote telemedicine apps on all metrics- convenience, quality, outcomes, and affordability. We're honored to serve our neighborhood and look forward to helping you regain health!
