Ozempic this, Ozempic that! All of a sudden, the entire world is talking about only one thing! Ozempic. Ozempic can help cure diabetes, help with weight loss, and reduce cardiovascular problems… at this point, it could even save the Titanic! But what is it really?
Ozempic belongs to a group of medicines known as the GLP-1 receptor antagonists, which are responsible for controlling the mechanism of the pancreas. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a peptide that’s made to look and act similar to a naturally occurring gut hormone in humans. It is an injection used once every week to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Semaglutide (active ingredient)
Disodium phosphate dihydrate (buffer to keep Ozempic potent)
Propylene glycol (isotonic agent to lessen pain and reduce clogging)
Phenol (preservative to prevent germs from growing)
Water (injection vehicle)
Hydrochloric acid or sodium bicarbonate (to adjust acidity)
Better Blood Sugar Control
Ozempic is excellent for managing Type 2 diabetes by boosting insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose levels. It works by imitating insulin production in response to meals while suppressing excess glucose production in the liver.
This dual action helps stabilise blood sugar levels throughout the day. It improves HbA1c and brings down the risk of diabetic complications, nerve damage, kidney disease and cardiovascular issues.
Maintaining optimum blood sugar levels is excellent for overall health and can prevent the onset of severe complications.
Weight Loss
Ozempic is great for significant weight loss, making it useful for overweight or obese people with Type 2 diabetes. It works by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, making you feel full for longer.
The weight loss is a result of reduced food intake and increased satiety. Losing weight leads to better insulin sensitivity and reduced overall cardiovascular risk. Weight management is excellent for reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or managing it, ensuring better long-term health outcomes.
Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Ozempic can bring down the risk of major cardiovascular events like strokes, heart attacks and cardiovascular-related deaths in people.
This is because it can bring down blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. It brings down the strain on the heart. This protection is excellent for people who have diabetes and existing heart issues.
Convenient Once-Weekly Dosing
Unlike diabetes medications that need daily administration, Ozempic is a weekly injection, offering convenience and adherence for patients.
Great for individuals who want to stay consistent with their treatment regimen, ensuring better long-term management of blood sugar levels. This is great for people who struggle with daily injections or have busy schedules.
Brings Down Blood Pressure
Ozempic has been found to bring down blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can result in complications like stroke, heart failure and kidney damage.
By improving blood sugar control, reducing appetite and promoting weight loss, Ozempic helps bring down systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Better Beta-Cell Function
Ozempic assists in preserving and even enhancing beta-cell function in the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin; in type-2 diabetes, they might become damaged over time, resulting in poor blood sugar control.
By stimulating insulin secretion and improving overall glucose metabolism, Ozempic helps to protect beta cells and may improve their ability to function over the long term.
Better Fat Metabolism
Ozempic is great for fat metabolism, bringing down abdominal and visceral fat, both of which are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease as well as other metabolic disorders.
By boosting fat burning and helping with overall energy expenditure, Ozempic helps with healthier fat distribution in the body.
Decreased appetite.
Headache
Vomiting
Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Passing gas
Burping
Constipation
Heartburn
Weight Loss
Painful or swollen stomach
Reactions at the injection site include bruising, irritation, pain, itching and rash
Delay in emptying the stomach
Fast heartbeat
Feeling tired
Feeling dizzy
Vision or eyesight changes
Abnormal, altered or unpleasant taste
In conclusion, while Ozempic has its fair share of side effects, it also poses a lot of advantages for people looking to reduce weight or control their blood sugar. Ozempic offers a powerful and multifaceted approach to managing Type 2 diabetes, with benefits in blood sugar control, cardiovascular health and weight loss.
It is a once-weekly injection that makes it an excellent option for many patients, improving medication adherence and quality of life. Beyond blood sugar management, it positively impacts cardiovascular health, blood pressure and fat metabolism.
Research is ongoing, which means Ozempic is a promising medicine in the fight against type 2 diabetes, giving immediate and long-term health benefits to people looking to manage their condition better.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medicine that can be used to treat diabetes and in weight loss management.
How often do I need to take Ozempic?
Ozempic is administered once a week via a subcutaneous injection. The injection is typically done on the same day each week, and the dosage is adjusted based on individual needs.
What are the common side effects of Ozempic?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. These symptoms often lessen over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Can Ozempic help with weight loss?
Yes, Ozempic has been shown to support significant weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. It suppresses appetite and slows down food digestion, thus helping you in your weight loss journey.
Who should not take Ozempic?
Ozempic is not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or severe gastrointestinal disorders. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting Ozempic to ensure it's safe for you based on your medical history.
