Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide helps the body produce more insulin when needed and decreases the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream after a meal.
Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus. It can be prescribed alone or together with other diabetes medications such as metformin. When used properly, semaglutide has been shown to lower A1c (average blood sugar over 3 months), leading to improved diabetes management and reduced risk of complications.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone made in the intestines that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. Specifically, semaglutide:
Together, these effects allow insulin and glucagon to work better at controlling blood sugar levels. Most people notice improved blood sugar control within 1-2 weeks of starting semaglutide treatment.
Multiple large clinical trials have shown that semaglutide provides the following benefits for many patients with type 2 diabetes:
Additionally, being an injectable GLP-1 drug, semaglutide controls blood sugar for a full 24 hours or longer. This allows for flexibility in meal timing, which can improve quality of life.
Overall, adding semaglutide to the treatment regimen can markedly improve diabetes control and outcomes for many patients.
Here at Balance Hormone Clinic in Belleville, we provide cutting edge medical care combined with a warm, supportive environment. We believe semaglutide can greatly help many of our patients achieve better blood sugar control and are excited to offer this treatment.
Our semaglutide program includes:
With this collaborative approach, most patients achieve marked improvements in blood sugar management, along with benefits like weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. Treatment becomes an integral piece of restoring metabolic health on your journey to wellness.
Balance Hormone Clinic Belleville clinic resides in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature trails, parks, and scenic river views. We offer cutting edge hormone treatments and preventative health services in a welcoming environment. Our talented practitioners get to know each patient personally and develop customized treatment plans to meet their individual needs.
We utilize advanced testing that looks beyond simple lab reference ranges at the optimal hormone, nutrient and metabolic markers associated with wellness. Deficiencies are precisely treated using bioidentical hormones, peptides and other regenerative modalities. Patients notice improved energy, sleep, mental clarity and wellbeing.
With treatment gaps closed and biology optimized, people can focus on enjoying life free of unpleasant symptoms or limitations. We guide and support each individual in reaching their peak vitality and actualized health.
Hormone imbalances often develop gradually over months to years. Therefore, related health decline may seem normal until problems become severe. However, feeling suboptimal reflects underlying physiological dysfunction, not standard aging.
Restoring deficits through timely treatment prevents worsening disease while allowing people to reclaim lost vitality. Our clinicians identify deficiencies early and initiate individualized therapy. Marked improvements typically occur within 4-6 weeks.
Common hormone deficiency symptoms include:
Causes involve complex interactions between genes, environment, nutrients and stress. Some people simply make less hormones over time. Chronic inflammation, toxins and infections also disrupt endocrine pathways.
While genes play a role, lifestyle factors like diet, activity level, sleep hygiene and toxin exposure largely determine who develops deficiencies when. Implmenting healthy habits protects hormone pathways and reduces risk substantially, making deficiencies highly preventable.
Distinct blood and saliva tests assess hormone levels, along with associated metabolic markers like inflammation and insulin resistance. Used properly, these labs accurately diagnose deficiencies, along with identifying lifestyle contributors amenable to intervention.
We also check vitamins D/B12, iron, thyroid and sex hormones using precision diagnostic panels. From the total data, our clinicians determine the optimal treatment regimen to resolve identified issues. Follow up testing occurs in 4 weeks to confirm improvements.
Individualized testing and analysis is crucial for discovering personalized deficiencies. Generic treatments fail because no two people share the exact same imbalances. Our methodical approach achieves results.
Left untreated due to oversight or reluctance, hormone deficiencies inevitably worsen over time. The gradual disease progression seems like normal aging when really represents decaying physiology.
However, clinical improvements frequently occur quickly when balanced hormones are restored. Benefits include:
In essence, timely treatment returns people to full functioning and prevents chronic issues. Patients often feel 10-20 years younger upon balancing key hormones.
Now that foundational topics are covered, specific information about semaglutide treatment follows in sections below.
Semaglutide comes in a multi-dose pen for convenient self-injection just under skin of abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Starting dose is 0.25 mg weekly, increasing to 0.5 mg then 1 mg over one month to improve gastrointestinal tolerance. Higher doses up to 2 mg weekly can further enhance A1c reductions.
Strict adherence to the dosing schedule provides consistent blood levels, leading to steady improvements. Remembering the 2-3 weekly injections improves with habit formation. Setting reminders on smart phones helps many of our patients comply with ease.
As occurs with most medications, semaglutide has potential side effects to consider. However, developing issues is far from assured - most people tolerate treatment quite well. That said, we closely monitor all patients starting semaglutide to maximize benefit and safety.
The most common side effects involve gastrointestinal distress - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Starting with lower doses and slowly increasing mitigates such symptoms. Staying well hydrated and avoiding fatty/sugary foods helps too. G.I. issues typically resolve within 4 weeks. Notify us about persistent troubles.
Rarely, semaglutide can cause diabetic retinopathy complications through sudden blood sugar dropping. Thus, co-treatment with insulin likely requires reducing rapid-acting doses. We coordinate any medication adjustments carefully based on regular lab testing.
While semaglutide potently lowers blood sugar, optimizing nutrition and activity further improves metabolic health. Our clinicians suggest healthy diets and exercise plans tailored to each patient's needs and abilities. Even basic changes make substantial differences over time.
We also address sleep, stress management and toxin exposures using solutions like sleep hygiene training, meditation, sauna therapy and water filtration. Layering positive lifestyle habits on top of semaglutide stacks benefits. Health coaching facilitates this process.
Within our relaxing clinical environment, individuals learn healthy living skills essential for sustaining long-term wellness. All staff members model positive behaviors as well - leading by example.
Semaglutide was originally discovered in the saliva of a venomous species of gila monster lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Researchers found it helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, leading to the development of semaglutide as a medication for diabetes and weight loss.
Successfully starting semaglutide involves patience, commitment and a knowledgeable treatment team. Balance Hormone Clinic provides all needed medical care, education and encouragement along your journey to better health. We take a genuine interest in optimizing health for Belleville residents.
Please see our website for further details about our practitioners, services and location. New patients are welcome.
We look forward to helping you reclaim lost health and achieve positive results via precision hormone optimization. Trust our experienced staff to devise an effective treatment plan meeting your personal health goals. Consistency with the protocol leads to life-changing benefits over time.
