If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe ozempic (semaglutide). It can help control blood sugar levels while you diet and exercise.
The drug belongs to a group of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. You can ask your doctor if Ozempic or another medicine might be better for you.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or your cells don’t respond to it correctly. Insulin is a hormone that helps transport glucose from the blood into your cells for energy.
When you eat, carbohydrates (sugars) enter your bloodstream and your pancreas releases insulin to help transport it into your cells. Over time, your body’s cells can become resistant to insulin, so your pancreas has to work harder and harder to produce enough insulin to meet your needs.
You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating a healthy diet and staying physically active. You may also need medications to control your diabetes. These include medicines called sulfonylureas, meglitinides and thiazolidinediones.
Heart disease
Heart disease is a group of conditions that can cause problems with the heart and blood vessels. There are many types of heart disease, some of which can be treated with medications or lifestyle changes.
The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). This occurs when the large arteries in your heart get narrowed or blocked. This can lead to angina (chest pains) and a heart attack.
Another type of heart disease is vascular disease. This is caused by a build-up of fatty material in the walls of the arteries that supply your blood to the rest of your body.
These fatty deposits are called plaques and can partially or completely block blood flow. This can cause angina, a heart attack, and problems with the heart muscle.
Other forms of heart disease include heart rhythm disorders, which can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slowly. They can be controlled with medicines or by following a healthy eating pattern and being physically active.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach near your small intestine. It makes chemicals (called enzymes) that help digest food and regulates how your body manages glucose.
It also releases insulin and glucagon into your bloodstream. When it’s damaged, it may no longer be able to make these hormones properly.
Acute pancreatitis develops quickly and can be life threatening, but most cases recover within a few days of treatment. It usually happens when gallstones block the pancreatic duct or when alcohol intoxication causes inflammation.
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition that can get worse over time and cause permanent damage to the pancreas. It can be caused by a number of conditions, including inherited disorders.
A healthcare provider can diagnose pancreatitis with a physical exam, blood tests and imaging tests. A blood test looks for elevated levels of amylase and lipase, which are enzymes made by your pancreas. An imaging test can show swelling and fluid in your pancreas.
Other conditions
Ozempic (semaglutide) is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes along with lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise. It also helps lower certain risks in adults who have both heart disease and diabetes, such as heart attack or stroke.
Ozempic comes in a liquid solution that you inject into prefilled disposable pens. Your doctor will tell you when to give your injections and how often to do so.
During treatment with ozemtic, it may take some time for your body to get used to the medicine. This means that it is important to take it at the same time each day.
It is also important to keep track of your ozemtic doses so that your doctor can check your blood sugar and adjust your medicine if needed.
Taking too much of this medicine can cause low blood sugar or other problems. If you experience low blood sugar or other symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.