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Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication available only by prescription that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The main problem in Type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar levels.  It works by promoting the release of insulin, which in turn helps to lower blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In 2013, diabetes affected 8.3% of the worldwide population. [1] Type 2 diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness, so managing the disease is extremely important. The treatment of type 2 diabetes typically involves making lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, as well as taking medications like semaglutide. With appropriate treatment, individuals with type 2 diabetes can maintain long and healthy lives.

Although living with type 2 diabetes may feel like a permanent sentence, you do not have to feel confined by your condition. Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. can help his patients manage their type 2 diabetes with a semaglutide prescription in either tablet or injectable form. Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D.’s goal is to help his patients feel their best regardless of circumstances. 

If you have type 2 diabetes, consult with  Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. about semaglutide and any other hormone treatments that may help you live your life to the fullest. Contact Rejuuv Medi Spa at (905)695-6956 or fill out our contact form online to learn more about how we can help you manage your type 2 diabetes. One of our team members will call you back as soon as possible.

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More About Semaglutide

 

The FDA approved semaglutide for diabetic treatment in December 2017, and in 2021, it approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for chronic weight management. [2] Semaglutide is quickly becoming a viable option for people seeking medical help for weight loss who are opposed to invasive bariatric surgery. [3] Semaglutide works by increasing the hormone GLP-1 in the body. [4] GLP-1 is a natural substance that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. By increasing GLP-1 levels, semaglutide can help to control blood sugar levels and improve glycemic control. In clinical trials, semaglutide has improved blood sugar control and helped people with type 2 diabetes lose weight. [5] Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. can prescribe semaglutide for his patients with obesity or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Patients who are overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and have medical problems related to their weight are also eligible to receive a prescription.

How Is Semaglutide Administered?

Semaglutide is available in injection and tablet form. The injection is administered once weekly, while the tablet is taken once daily. [4]  The injection is administered under the skin of the upper arm, stomach, or thigh. To ensure proper rotation of injection sites, it is important to keep track of where you administer the semaglutide shot and use a different body area each time. In addition Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. directs his patients to follow these guidelines while taking semaglutide [6]:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Don’t mix semaglutide with insulin in the same syringe

The main mechanism of semaglutide is to aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels, while also decreasing the necessary insulin production in the body.  Although semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, nausea and vomiting are the most reported side effects. These side effects are usually mild and settle with continued treatment. If you are considering using semaglutide, talk to one of our helpful staff members so we can set up an appointment with Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. to discuss the benefits and risks. Call (905) 695-6956 or fill out this form, and we will be in touch shortly.

What is the Difference Between Hypoglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes?

 

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops below normal. Although it can be caused by various factors, including insulin resistance and certain medications, skipping meals or having extended periods between meals is the most common cause of this issue. 

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

  • Lightheaded or Dizzy
  • Shaking or Tremors
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Pale Skin
  • Headache
  • Anxiety or Irritability

If left untreated low blood sugar can lead to serious health problems including seizures or coma. However Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin or properly use the insulin it produces. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. Prolonged high levels of blood sugar can result in detrimental consequences, such as damage to the nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to severe complications. Low blood sugar and diabetes can cause similar symptoms, however they are different conditions that require different treatments.

 

How to Test for Type 2 Diabetes

 

One way Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. can test for type 2 diabetes is the fasting plasma glucose test. [1] This test measures your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least eight hours. Another way to test for type 2 diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test; this is the gold standard for type 2 diabetes testing. For this test, you will need to fast overnight and drink a sugary solution in the morning; the blood sugar will be checked two hours later. [7]

A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). If a patient’s fasting blood sugar is between 100 and 125 mg/dl, they may have prediabetes. If the blood sugar is 126 mg/dl or higher on two separate occasions, the patient may have diabetes. A level of 200 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.

If you are concerned that you may have diabetes, call our office at (905)695-6956 and speak with a staff member about setting up an appointment for testing.

 

 

 

Benefits of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is prescribed for managing weight in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. (27 or higher with accompanying weight-related disease) and to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide works by increasing the level of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps the pancreas to produce more insulin. Semaglutide also 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] It may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and complications such as eye and kidney problems.

Semaglutide For Weight Management

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

The ideal candidate for semaglutide therapy is someone who: 

  • Has type 2 diabetes that is not well-controlled with other medications. 
  • Is willing to take a once-weekly injection (or daily oral tablet).
  • Has a BMI of 30 or greater.
  • Has a BMI of 27 or greater as well as a disease related to weight.

Semaglutide is not recommended for use in children, pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant. You should also not use semaglutide if you have a history of pancreatitis or diabetic ketoacidosis. Before starting semaglutide, advise Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have. It is important that you discuss your medical history in detail with Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. as Semaglutide can interact with other drugs and may not be safe for everyone.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. will discuss your concerns about your health and how semaglutide therapy can help. Dr. Shawn Seit, M.D. will conduct a comprehensive examination and arrange any necessary blood tests and complete tests required to establish if you have prediabetes or diabetes. Additionally at your consultation you are welcome to discuss any additional health concerns. We offer a range of hormone treatments to optimize patient health. 

Call today to set up your initial consultation to find out how Rejuuv Medi Spa can increase your vitality and treat your type 2 diabetes. We are here to help you manage your type 2 diabetes, lose weight, and feel better. Our staff is available to answer any of your questions contact us at (905) 695-6956 to schedule an appointment.

What is the Cost of Semaglutide Therapy?

Currently, semaglutide is not covered by insurance in Canada. This may change in the future as semaglutide continues to be studied for its potential health benefits.

References

  1. Sinnott M, Kinsley BT, Jackson AD, et al. Fasting Plasma Glucose as Initial Screening for Diabetes and Prediabetes in Irish Adults: The Diabetes Mellitus and Vascular Health Initiative (DMVhi). Wang G, ed. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0122704. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122704
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Proper Use – Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/proper-use/drg-20406730
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Savings card offers. www.novocare.com. Accessed August 15, 2022. https://www.novocare.com/diabetes-overview/savings-offers.html