Understanding the link between diabetes and weight
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, either due to inadequate insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Excess weight, especially visceral fat around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance, making it harder for cells to respond to insulin properly. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels and can worsen the symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes Medication for Weight Loss
Two GLP-1 medications, Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy), have gained approval for weight loss. These medications are sanctioned for long-term usage. While some other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are approved for diabetes treatment, they lack full approval for weight-loss purposes.
Among these injectable drugs are dulaglutide (Trulicity), liraglutide (Victoza), and semaglutide (Ozempic). Semaglutide is also available in pill form known as Rybelsus. Both liraglutide and semaglutide have garnered approval for weight loss, marketed respectively as Saxenda and Wegovy.
Common struggles faced by individuals with diabetes in losing weight
For individuals with diabetes, losing weight can be particularly challenging due to various factors such as insulin resistance, medication side effects, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Moreover, traditional weight loss methods like dieting and exercise may not always yield the desired results for diabetic individuals, further complicating their weight loss journey.
Best Diabetes Drug For Weight Loss
Novo Nordisk (producing under the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Victoza) and Eli Lilly (with Trulicity) predominantly produce GLP-1 receptor agonists, a key class of diabetes medications renowned for their potential in weight management. These agonists mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body.
Several diabetes medications can also cause weight loss. These drugs have varying effects on the body and are administered differently.
The nine diabetes drugs that are also prescribed for weight loss include:
- Ozempic (contains semaglutide)
- Rybelsus (contains semaglutide)
- Victoza (contains liraglutide)
- Trulicity (contains dulaglutide)
- Mounjaro (contains tirzepatide)
- Canagliflozin (generic for Invokana)
- Empagliflozin (generic for Jardiance)
- Dapagliflozin (generic for Farxiga)
- Metformin (generic for Fortamet and Glumetza)
Do Diabetes Drugs Cause Side Effects?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drugs listed above, indicating that their benefits generally outweigh the risks of side effects. However, some patients may still experience side effects while taking these medications.
Common side effects of these medications include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Low blood sugar
Certain GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Victoza) can increase the risk of developing specific medical conditions. These drugs should be avoided if you have a history of:
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) (thyroid cancer)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Any digestive disorders
Before starting treatment with any diabetes medication, discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.
For more details about Diabetes Weight Loss Drug - click here
Comments
Post a Comment