What is Ozempic® and how does it work?

Ozempic® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 plays a critical role in glucose metabolism and appetite suppression. Some of the effects of GLP-1 include:

1. Stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. Insulin is released in the bloodstream in response to rising blood glucose levels. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose helping to regulate blood glucose levels.

2. It inhibits glucagon release. GLP-1 inhibits the release of glucagon which acts on the liver to release glucose
3. Delays gastric emptying. This leads to a slow down of food being moved from the stomach to the small intestine which leads to longer feelings of satiety.
4. It reduces appetite. GLP-1 acts on appetite control centres of the brain leading to decreased hunger and food intake which may lead to weight loss.
5. Helps maintain the function of beta cells in the pancreas which is helpful for diabetes management.

Ozempic® mimics many of the effects outlined above of GLP-1. Thus it can be effective for blood sugar control for Type II diabetics and have the added benefit of weight loss.

Ozempic® is taken as a weekly dose injection and it’s dose can be escalated by your physician to meet you diabetes and weight loss goals. Weight loss can be expected to be in the 5-15% range over a year. However, it should be noted that patients weight loss can plateau on Ozempic® and in many cases the weight is regained if the patient stops using Ozempic®.

Side effects of Ozempic®:

Ozempic® does have a host of side effects associated with it’s use noted below:

1. GI side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
2. Dyspepsia types of symptoms and indigestion
3. Nutritional deficiencies due to decreased food intake secondary to decreased appetite
4. Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar often when combined with other diabetic medications
5. Rarely can cause kidney injury
6. Pancreatitis