Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite by mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1. Semaglutide injections have been gaining popularity for their weight loss benefits.
At the Rebalance Clinic in Bonney Lake, Washington, we provide semaglutide injections and closely monitor patients to ensure safe and optimal treatment. In this guide, we will cover key topics about semaglutide therapy.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog manufactured by Novo Nordisk. As an incretin mimetic, it mimics the effects of GLP-1 hormones naturally produced in the gut to stimulate insulin production after meals.
Specifically, semaglutide:
This leads to better blood sugar control and weight loss.
The injectable semaglutide comes in a pre-filled pen that patients administer themselves weekly. Two brand name versions are available:
Semaglutide injection was first approved by the FDA in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic for:
In 2021, a higher dose semaglutide injection called Wegovy gained approval specifically for:
This makes semaglutide the first GLP-1 drug approved for obesity treatment.
At Rebalance Clinic, we provide semaglutide injections to patients with:
Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar and body weight through several mechanisms of action:
1. Increases insulin secretion
2. Decreases glucagon levels
3. Slows gastric emptying
4. Reduces calorie intake
In short, semaglutide improves glycemic control and reduces appetite, enabling better diabetes management and easier weight loss with lower caloric intake.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated significant benefits of semaglutide therapy for diabetes and weight loss:
In the SUSTAIN trial for obesity, semaglutide 2.4 mg injections led to:
| Trial | Semaglutide Dose | Average Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|
| SUSTAIN | 2.4 mg weekly | 14.9% |
With calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity, results may be even better.
In diabetes trials, semaglutide led to:
Helping achieve ADA HbA1c target <7%.
The seminal SUSTAIN-6 trial found once-weekly semaglutide significantly:
Confirming cardiovascular safety necessary for long-term use.
Our clinic specializes in weight loss medications like semaglutide. Below is an overview of our typical treatment process:
We first perform lab testing and medical history evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for semaglutide therapy.
Key factors assessed:
Starting injections:
We prescribe semaglutide pens and instruct proper self-administration technique: - Inject solution subcutaneously in abdomen - Rotate sites weekly - Use auto-injector pen for easy injection
Ramp-up schedule:
Gradually increase dose for better gastrointestinal tolerance:
| Week | 1-4 | 5-12 | 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose | 0.25mg | 0.5mg | 1-2.4mg* |
*Higher maintenance doses customized based on response
We monitor your response and adjust dosage to optimize results while minimizing side effects:
This close medical supervision leads to better adherence and outcomes.
Like any medication, semaglutide carries risks of possible side effects. We take steps to ensure your safety:
Gastrointestinal problems most frequently occur:
These are generally mild/moderate and subside over time as the body adjusts.
Uncommonly, semaglutide may also cause:
We provide tips to alleviate symptoms. Changing injection timing or using antacids/antidiarrheals can help.
In clinical trials, semaglutide caused few but very concerning side effects:
We screen for factors that increase these risks before prescribing.
Semaglutide should not be used in patients with:
For optimal diabetes and weight control with semaglutide, we advise patients on needed lifestyle changes:
- Emphasize high protein - Small frequent meals - Low glycemic index foods - Limit carbs and fat - Stay hydrated
- 150-300 minutes per week - Focus on both aerobic & strength training
- Self-monitoring - weight, food logs - Stress management - Cognitive behavioral therapy - Join support groups
Comprehensive lifestyle management amplifies medication results. Our specialists help craft customized plans.
Semaglutide assists in blood sugar reduction and weight loss, but requires close medical supervision to monitor therapeutic response and mitigate side effects.
As an experienced hormone therapy clinic, Rebalance Clinic provides:
We partner with you on your health journey to help you live better and healthier lives through semaglutide treatment.
In summary, once-weekly semaglutide injections provide a valuable new treatment option for adults struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Our extensive experience with semaglutide therapy allows the Rebalance Clinic to deliver exceptional individualized care. We aim to optimize treatment benefits while minimizing risks.
To determine if semaglutide is right for you and your health goals, schedule a consultation with our specialists. We are dedicated to providing the tools and support needed to help you successfully manage weight and diabetes.
