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Anorexic girl choosing weight loss drugs instead of vegetables, unhealthy diet

<p>Ever Google “weight-loss drugs”? You’re likely to find a ton of results. But if you switch up your search to “antiobesity medications,” the results drop dramatically. However, when you look at scientific papers, it’s the other way around—there’s a lot more talk about “antiobesity” than “weight-loss.” Why does this matter? Well, language can be a powerful thing, especially when it comes to serious medical issues like obesity.</p><h3>The Importance of Using the Right Words</h3><p>So, a group of Brazilian healthcare experts is sounding the alarm. They’re saying, “Hey, let’s be careful with our words.” Calling them “weight-loss drugs” kind of undermines these medications. After all, they aren’t just diet pills; they’re medicines specifically designed to treat obesity—a legit medical condition. These experts argue that changing the words we use can change how society views obesity and its treatment. It’s not just a superficial issue; it’s about removing the stigma that often comes with the condition.</p><h3>It’s Not Just Semantics; It’s About Stigma and Treatment</h3><p>Now, you might think, “What’s the big deal? It’s just words.” But hold on a minute—words have a way of shaping our views and even our actions. For example, only a tiny portion of U.S. adults with obesity are prescribed medication for it. Most of the time, doctors are just telling patients to eat better and exercise more. The experts say that changing the words we use could encourage more people to consider a broader range of treatment options, including medication.</p><h3>Doctors, We’re Looking at You</h3><p>Here’s the kicker: even doctors, the folks who should know better, sometimes show biases against people with obesity. That’s a problem because the way a healthcare provider talks to a patient can greatly impact how well they manage their condition. The experts recommend using terms that show empathy and respect, like asking if a patient wants to discuss their “weight issue” or “BMI issue” instead of using more judgmental terms.</p><h3>The Lowdown on Treatment Options</h3><p>Last but not least, it’s crucial to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to obesity treatment. Not all “weight-loss agents” are created equal. While some medications are rigorously tested and approved by health authorities, others are over-the-counter options that can be downright dangerous, leading to things like emergency hospital visits.</p><h3>What’s Next?</h3><p>So, what can we take away from all of this? Well, it’s clear that the language we use can have a big impact—not just on how we view obesity, but also on the kinds of treatments that people consider. And that, in turn, could be a game-changer in how effectively we tackle this widespread medical issue.</p><p>By using more accurate and respectful terms, we can help remove the stigma surrounding obesity and make it easier for people to get the help they need.</p>

Weight-Loss Drugs vs. Antiobesity Medications: What's the Name?

Doctor hand hold heart shape with stethoscope on white background

<h3>A Closer Look at the STEP-HFpEF Study</h3><div><br></div><h3>What’s the Big News?</h3><div><br></div><div>If you’re someone who struggles with obesity and a particular type of heart failure known as HFpEF (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction), there’s some good news. A recent study shows that a medication called Semaglutide could help improve your heart’s performance and overall health.</div><div><br></div><h3>The Study in a Nutshell</h3><div><br></div><div>Researchers examined more than 500 patients with obesity and HFpEF, focusing on how the heart pumps blood. They found that regardless of the baseline heart pumping function, patients treated with Semaglutide experienced improvements in symptoms, ability to exercise, and certain health markers.</div><div><figure id="figure-v3aa8ei5kvlnkl9w9u"><img id="v3aa8ei5kvlnkl9w9u" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530026454774-50cce722a1fb?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxNZWRpY2FsJTIwd2VpZ2h0bG9zc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY5NTczMzh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined"/></figure><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p></div><h3>What Makes Semaglutide Special?</h3><div><br></div><div>Semaglutide isn’t just another heart medication. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and could potentially be a game-changer. Unlike some other treatments whose effects diminish as heart function improves, Semaglutide appears to provide consistent benefits.</div><div><br></div><h3>The Measurements That Matter</h3><div><br></div><div>Patients on Semaglutide showed notable improvements in two key areas:</div><div><br></div><div>1.The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS), a measure of heart failure symptoms and their impact on daily activities.</div><div>2.A reduction in body weight.</div><div><br></div><div>Not just that, the drug also helped improve patients’ walking distance within six minutes and reduced levels of specific proteins that indicate heart and inflammation issues.</div><div><figure id="figure-ahuhbehhplnkkzavi"><img id="ahuhbehhplnkkzavi" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530026405186-ed1f139313f8?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxNZWRpY2FsJTIwd2VpZ2h0bG9zc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY5NTczMzh8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530026405186-ed1f139313f8?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxNZWRpY2FsJTIwd2VpZ2h0bG9zc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY5NTczMzh8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><br></p></div><h3>Beyond Weight Loss</h3><div><br></div><div>One important finding questions whether the benefits from Semaglutide were just due to weight loss. Interestingly, the medication seemed to be doing something more, giving hope that it might also help those without obesity or those with different types of heart failure.</div><div><br></div><h3>What’s Next?</h3><div><br></div><div>While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Semaglutide. Plus, the study mostly included White patients, so it would be essential to see if the medication benefits a more diverse population.</div><div><br></div><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><div><br></div><div>This study brings vital reassurance that Semaglutide could be a new treatment avenue for patients with obesity and HFpEF. It’s still early days, but the medication could join other therapies in the future, offering a more rounded approach to treating this form of heart failure.</div><div><br></div><div>While the study offers a glimpse of hope, future trials should expand the scope to include non-obese patients and those with different types of heart failure to really understand how far-reaching the benefits of Semaglutide can be.</div><div><br></div><div>So, here’s to more research and a healthier heart for everyone!</div><div><br></div><h3>Sources:</h3><div><br></div><div>•Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting: Presented October 8, 2023</div><div>•Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Published online October 8, 2023</div>

Semaglutide: New Hope for Heart Failure Patients:

The old man is standing on a modern scale. Measuring the fat content of the body. Intelligent medical weight. The concept of obesity

<p><span style="font-family: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">In a groundbreaking development for individuals battling type 2 diabetes, real-world data from Israel has illuminated the potential of semaglutide (Ozempic, Novo Nordisk), a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). <br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">The findings reveal that semaglutide not only significantly improves A1c levels but also leads to sustained weight loss for up to three years in adults with type 2 diabetes. These revelations come as a ray of hope for individuals grappling with the long-term management of this chronic condition.</span><br></p><h3><strong>Semaglutide’s Impact on A1c and Weight</strong></h3><p>The study, led by Dr. Avraham Karasik from the Institute of Research and Innovation at Maccabi Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel, demonstrated remarkable results. After just six months of treatment with semaglutide, participants experienced a substantial reduction in both A1c levels (by -0.77%) and body weight (by -4.7 kg). These initial improvements were maintained for up to three years, particularly among those patients who diligently adhered to the therapy.</p><p>Dr. Karasik emphasized the clinical significance of these results, stating that the improvements seen after six months were on par with those observed in randomized trials. However, the pivotal aspect of this study lies in the fact that these effects endured for an extended period, thereby supporting semaglutide’s viability as a long-term solution for type 2 diabetes management.</p><figure id="figure-lvurszj257lnc7m2oy"><img id="lvurszj257lnc7m2oy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/29Q0ofBzaZniA8DkAyPfWmjmVkAJ4YeHIxf73s1MUsbZH8Akw6ggDO3u6UQHY0tW.jpeg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined"/></figure><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><h3><strong>Real-World Validation of Semaglutide</strong></h3><p>Esther Walden, RN, deputy head of care at Diabetes UK, expressed her appreciation for the study’s alignment with findings from randomized controlled trials. She noted that these real-world data suggest that the improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss can indeed be sustained in the longer term for adults with type 2 diabetes who adhere to semaglutide as prescribed.</p><h3><strong>Why Real-World Data Matters</strong></h3><p>Dr. Karasik emphasized the significance of real-world data in contrast to the controlled environments of clinical trials. In Israel, where once-weekly semaglutide has gained popularity, a sizable sample size was available, providing ample opportunity for a retrospective study. This study aimed to address the questions surrounding the durability of the drug’s effects and how patient adherence impacts its efficacy.</p><h3><strong>The Role of Patient Adherence</strong></h3><p>One key takeaway from the study was the direct correlation between patient adherence and the effectiveness of semaglutide. Patients who consistently adhered to the therapy demonstrated a higher positive effect. Dr. Karasik stressed that the drug only works when taken, underscoring the importance of medication compliance in the management of type 2 diabetes.</p><h3><strong>Study Details</strong></h3><p>The study encompassed an impressive 23,442 patients, with 6,049 of them being followed up for two years or more. Key baseline statistics included a mean A1c of 7.6%-7.9%, a body mass index (BMI) of 33.7-33.8, and a high prevalence of metformin and insulin use among participants. Notably, the study included patients who had previously been treated with another GLP-1 RA before switching to semaglutide.</p><h3><strong>Primary and Secondary Outcomes</strong></h3><p>The primary outcome of the study was the change in A1c from baseline to various time points, ranging from 6 to 36 months. Additionally, the study examined key secondary outcomes such as changes in body weight and A1c in patient subgroups, including those who remained on therapy and those with different baseline characteristics.</p><h3><strong>Long-Term Sustained Effects</strong></h3><p>The study revealed impressive results, with A1c levels decreasing by a mean of 0.77% and body weight decreasing by 4.7 kg after just six months of semaglutide treatment. These improvements persisted throughout the three-year follow-up period in approximately 1,000 patients.</p><h3><strong>High Adherence Yields Better Results</strong></h3><p>Among the participants who used semaglutide for at least two years, those with high adherence (PDC of at least 80%) experienced significant A1c reductions of 0.76% after 24 months and 0.43% after 36 months. Additionally, their body weight was reduced by 6.0 kg after 24 months and 5.8 kg after 36 months. Patients with lower adherence levels demonstrated less pronounced improvements.</p><h3><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h3><p>As expected, patients who were new to GLP-1 RA therapy experienced more significant reductions in A1c levels and body weight compared to those who had prior experience with these medications. This further underscores the potential of semaglutide as a promising option for patients seeking better control of their type 2 diabetes.</p><h3><strong>Unusual Observations and Encouraging Outlook</strong></h3><p>Interestingly, the study noted that some patients who stopped taking semaglutide did not immediately regain weight, indicating a potential residual effect after treatment discontinuation. While this phenomenon differs from the findings of randomized controlled trials, it poses intriguing questions for further investigation.</p><p>Dr. Karasik concluded by highlighting the study’s encouraging aspect: unlike many drugs where the effects diminish over time, semaglutide showed no such trend. This adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the drug’s suitability for the long-term management of type 2 diabetes.</p><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>The real-world data from Israel’s extensive study of semaglutide provide compelling evidence of its enduring benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. With sustained improvements in A1c levels and weight loss over three years, semaglutide offers renewed hope for those seeking a long-term solution to managing this challenging condition. Patient adherence emerges as a pivotal factor, reinforcing the importance of medication compliance in achieving optimal outcomes. As researchers delve deeper into the potential residual effects post-treatment, semaglutide continues to shine as a beacon of promise in the ever-evolving landscape of type 2 diabetes management.</p>

Sustained Weight Loss With Semaglutide: A Real-World Breakthrough for Type 2 Diabetes

<p>Patients who use injectables like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to lose weight will eventually experience a point where their weight stabilizes, just as with any other treatment. This phase is referred to as a “plateau,” during which the body establishes a new equilibrium, and weight, as well as other metabolic markers like blood pressure and HBA1c, stabilize or only fluctuate slightly. Some people may notice a gradual increase in appetite during this phase, while others may maintain their current weight.</p><p><a data-mce-href="https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05822830" href="https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05822830" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Studies</a> have indicated that, on average, this plateau occurs at around a little over a year with semaglutide. Nevertheless, it can be surprising for some patients to learn that there’s a limit to what these medications can achieve. Everyone will eventually reach a plateau, but it’s challenging to predict when and how much weight loss will occur when starting the medication.</p><p>This plateau phenomenon is not unique to these medications; it occurs in various medical scenarios. For example, blood pressure medications won’t continue reducing blood pressure indefinitely, and diabetes medications won’t keep lowering blood glucose levels forever. This natural balance is essential for our health, preventing extreme changes.</p><figure id="figure-wf4ijjwylfln04y5p4"><img id="wf4ijjwylfln04y5p4" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1537977193203-d4fce971cb5e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyN3x8TWVkaWNhbCUyMHdlaWdodGxvc3N8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjk1NzIxNTQyfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1537977193203-d4fce971cb5e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyN3x8TWVkaWNhbCUyMHdlaWdodGxvc3N8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjk1NzIxNTQyfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><br></p><p>While it’s unclear what factors predispose some patients to longer or shorter responses to GLP-1 agonists, early responses often indicate later outcomes. Patients who experience significant weight loss on lower doses of semaglutide, for instance, may remain on a lower dose for an extended period. Patients with a history of childhood obesity or suspected genetic factors may be more prone to a subdued response.</p><p>Clinicians emphasize the importance of discussing these expectations, including potential plateaus and non-responses, with patients before prescribing these medications. <a data-mce-href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/obesity/102417" href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/obesity/102417">Clinical trials</a> have shown that weight loss tends to taper off after a certain duration, and individual responses can vary widely due to factors such as medical history and medications.</p><p>In the future, research may focus on identifying characteristics, like genetics, to predict patient responses to GLP-1 agonists, reducing the trial and error involved in treatment. This personalized approach could streamline the prescribing process and save time and resources for both patients and healthcare providers.</p><p>Patients’ desires and societal pressures often conflict with clinical realities. Many patients aim for specific weight loss goals, sometimes unrealistic ones, despite achieving positive health outcomes with GLP-1 agonists. Clinicians have strategies to address plateaus, such as increasing doses or adding complementary medications like phentermine (Lomaira). However, “drug holidays” or stopping and restarting GLP-1 agonists typically don’t break plateaus.</p>

The Unspoken Plateau of GLP-1 Agonists”

Blur image of medical team and patient during local anesthesia for surgery to treatment in operating room at the hospital.

<p>Anesthesiologists are deeply divided on how to manage the increasing number of surgical patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications elevate the risk of aspiration during surgery. While the prominent U.S. anesthesiology society recommends that patients stop using injectable forms of these drugs for seven days before surgery, some anesthesiologists are exploring alternative approaches, such as intubating all high-risk patients, even for minor procedures. Others are advocating for patients to discontinue these medications for weeks, not just days, or gradually reduce their doses.</p><p>This issue is currently a subject of intense debate within the anesthesia community, and opinions are sharply divided.</p><p>Last autumn, a patient on injectable semaglutide (known as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss) who experienced regurgitation of stomach contents while sedated for a lumpectomy. Typically, medical professionals minimize aspiration risk by requiring patients to fast before scheduled surgery to ensure their stomachs remain empty.</p><p>In theory, their stomachs should be fairly empty, However, GLP-1 agonists, including the popular semaglutide, can significantly disrupt normal digestive processes. Users’ stomachs may not empty within the usual 90 minutes to 2 hours after a meal. This slower gastric emptying can cause patients to feel fuller, potentially leading to regurgitation of lingering food from days ago while they are under anesthesia and unable to cough to prevent airway blockage.</p><p>This situation increases the risk of food being inhaled into the lungs, a rare but severe event associated with a high likelihood of death or severe injury.</p><p>Anesthesiologists are deeply concerned to the point that “the anesthesia plan for any surgery involving a patient on these medications could be affected,” Some anesthesiologists are now considering intubation for patients on these drugs even for minor procedures and employing techniques usually reserved for high-risk aspiration cases.</p><p>Alarm has risen among anesthesiologists as the number of regurgitation cases has increased among surgery patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. In a distressing incident in October 2022, a 48-year-old woman undergoing a lumpectomy in Toronto began to regurgitate while under anesthesia, despite fasting from solid food for 20 hours and clear fluids for 8 hours.</p><p>Describing the incident, a case report published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, stated, “It was very dramatic.” He and the medical team took immediate steps to ensure that stomach contents didn’t enter her airway, followed by intubation, and a bronchoscope inspection of her lungs. Fortunately, no stomach contents entered her airway.</p><p>While there haven’t been reported deaths resulting from aspiration during surgery after taking GLP-1 agonists, another case report in the same journal from Boston described a more troubling incident. An endoscopy patient on weekly semaglutide injections aspirated food from the stomach into the trachea and bronchi despite fasting for 18 hours. The food was removed via bronchoscope before intubation.</p><p>Several anesthesiologists have reported encountering numerous patients taking GLP-1 agonists, including those undergoing minor procedures that typically do not require intubation, such as colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, and breast biopsies.</p><p>These drugs have surged in popularity due to reports in medical literature and mainstream media about significant weight loss among users, including celebrities. For instance, a retrospective study in 2022 tracked 175 Mayo Clinic patients and found they lost an average of 5.9% of their weight at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months while using injectable semaglutide.</p><p>In addition to injectable semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), these medications include the oral version of semaglutide (Rybelsus), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon), and liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a GIP/GLP-1 agonist, shares similarities.</p><p>Despite reports of side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sulfurous burps, and even unusual dreams about famous people, their sales have surged. Wegovy, approved for weight loss, reportedly saw a 344% increase in U.S. sales during the first 6 months of the year.</p><p>Meanwhile, recent research has revealed how significantly these drugs slow down the digestive system. In one study, researchers in Slovenia administered injectable semaglutide or a placebo to 20 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity for 12 weeks. At the study’s conclusion, 37% of meals remained in the stomachs of women taking the drug at 4 hours, compared to none in the placebo group.</p><p>Another study from Brazil found that upper endoscopy patients on semaglutide were significantly more likely than others to retain an abnormal amount of food in their stomachs despite fasting.</p><p>Strategies for managing this issue range from brief drug hiatuses to intubation. In a June 29 consensus statement, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommended that patients stop taking weekly doses of GLP-1 agonists for 7 days before procedures, with daily doses stopped for 1 day. For patients using GLP-1 agonists for diabetes management, consulting an endocrinologist for bridging antidiabetic therapy is advised if the drug needs to be held for a longer duration. The society maintains its existing fasting guidelines, as there is no evidence indicating the optimal fasting duration for patients on these drugs.</p><p>Dr. Daniel Cole, a UCLA anesthesiologist and former ASA president, supports these recommendations but notes their limited evidentiary basis. He emphasizes that the ASA is doing its best with the available data and that various approaches can be taken to protect patients.</p><p>At the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Dr. Omonele Nwokolo and several colleagues are bypassing the ASA’s recommendations by intubating all patients using weight-loss drugs. The risk of dangerous or fatal pulmonary aspiration is substantial enough to warrant extra precautions, according to Nwokolo. Intubation is typically reserved for longer and more painful surgical procedures or emergencies where fasting history is unclear, and it must be assumed that patients’ stomachs are full. Nwokolo and colleagues employ rapid sequence induction, a technique used for specific situations such as emergent procedures and cases with fasting concerns.</p><p>However, Dr. Kathryn Cobb, a University of North Carolina anesthesiologist, cautions that intubation is not always a straightforward option, especially in procedural settings without anesthesia machines geared for intubation, where intubation is reserved for emergencies.</p><p>Dr. Cole adds that intubation carries risks like mouth and teeth damage, increased anesthetic doses impacting heart and vascular function, and delayed cognitive recovery.</p>

Inform Your Anesthesiologist About GLP-1 Agonist Usage

Extreme close up macro shot of a yellow disposable insulin injector or syringe with a mounted needle at the tip. 

<p>A small case series suggests that using a GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as semaglutide, at an early stage of type 1 diabetes may reduce the reliance on insulin. In this study, ten adults recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes initially received a weekly dose of 0.125 mg of semaglutide, which was adjusted up to a maximum of 0.5 mg per week as their prandial (mealtime) insulin doses were reduced.</p><p>Within just 3 months of starting semaglutide, all ten patients were able to completely discontinue their prandial insulin. Within 6 months, seven patients were also able to eliminate their basal (background) insulin. These findings were reported by Dr. Paresh Dandona and colleagues from the State University of New York at Buffalo in a New England Journal of Medicine correspondence.</p><p>The researchers noted that these initial observations support the need for larger, prospective, randomized clinical trials to further investigate this approach. It’s worth mentioning that while GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are commonly used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, none of them, nor SGLT2 inhibitors, are currently FDA-approved for type 1 diabetes. This is often due to concerns about the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia associated with their potent glucose-lowering effects.</p><p>The patients in this case series, aged 21 to 39, were followed from 2020 to 2022. Half were female, predominantly white, with an average baseline BMI of 25.1. Most presented with diabetic ketoacidosis or classic diabetes symptoms like excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss. Nine of the patients had antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase, a marker of autoimmune diabetes, and one had autoantibodies against islet antigen 2.</p><p>Semaglutide treatment began within 3 months of diagnosis, as many new-onset type 1 diabetes patients still have functioning beta cells. While adjusting medication doses, carbohydrate intake was restricted for all patients.</p><p>HbA1c levels decreased significantly, from an average of 11.7% at baseline to 5.9% at the 6-month mark on semaglutide. This continued to drop slightly to 5.7% at 12 months. Patients on semaglutide also experienced a notable increase in fasting C-peptide levels, indicating improved insulin production, and spent the majority of their time within the target glucose range as measured by continuous glucose monitoring.</p><p>The researchers acknowledged the absence of a control group but compared their HbA1c data with control groups from other studies involving early type 1 diabetes patients. These studies showed an initial improvement in HbA1c during the first 6 months, followed by an increase, consistent with the end of the “honeymoon period” in early type 1 diabetes treatment.</p><p>Mild hypoglycemia was observed during the semaglutide dose titration, but once the dose stabilized, no patients experienced hypoglycemic episodes or diabetic ketoacidosis. The baseline insulin doses were also recorded for reference.</p>

Dr Ozempic UK 🇬🇧

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Weight-Loss Drugs vs. Antiobesity Medications: What's the...

Semaglutide: New Hope for Heart Failure Patients:

Sustained Weight Loss With Semaglutide: A Real-World Brea...

The Unspoken Plateau of GLP-1 Agonists”

Inform Your Anesthesiologist About GLP-1 Agonist Usage

Semaglutide Can Ease The Insulin Need in T1DM