Semaglutide injections Mattoon, IL - Human Antiaging Center

Introduction to Semaglutide

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 lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is high, slowing digestion to reduce the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream, and suppressing appetite. It is typically prescribed when other diabetes medications are not providing adequate glycemic control.

Some key points about semaglutide:

• Administered via subcutaneous injection
• Long-acting - one injection per week
• Improves HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control)
• Promotes weight loss
• Lowers risk of cardiovascular events
• Generally well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal side effects being most common

In 2021, semaglutide was approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention. When prescribed specifically for weight loss rather than diabetes, semaglutide is sold under the brand name Wegovy.

Benefits of Semaglutide Treatment

Semaglutide offers several advantages that make it an appealing treatment option:

Significant HbA1c Reduction

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that semaglutide lowers HbA1c (a key marker of blood sugar control) significantly more than placebo and many other diabetes medications after 6 months to 1 year of treatment. Reductions of 1.0-1.5% are typical with semaglutide.

Lowering HbA1c closer to non-diabetic levels reduces the risk of diabetic complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system.

Weight Loss Effect

Semaglutide promotes weight loss through both increased satiety (feeling of fullness) and calorie restriction. In clinical trials, people with obesity lost on average 15-18% of their body weight when treated with semaglutide in conjunction with lifestyle changes:

Percent Weight Loss with Semaglutide vs Placebo / Lifestyle Changes Alone
Trial 1 | 15% vs 2.4%
Trial 2 | 16.9% vs 5.7%
Trial 3 | 18.2% vs 2.6%

The more overweight someone is at baseline, the greater the amount of weight loss typically seen with semaglutide. This weight-lowering effect helps in the management of type 2 diabetes, where excess weight is a major risk factor.

Cardiovascular and Kidney Benefits

The SUSTAIN 6 trial demonstrated that in high cardiovascular risk patients, semaglutide cut the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke by an impressive 26% compared to placebo. Additional research found slower decline in kidney function with semaglutide versus standard care.

These data suggest semaglutide provides protective effects on top of blood sugar lowering. Reduced risks of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease progression, and related deaths are incredibly impactful outcomes for a diabetes medication.

Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Semaglutide may be a good option for adults with the following characteristics:

• Type 2 diabetes with inadequate blood sugar control on current medications
• Obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI 25-29.9)
• HbA1c over 7.0% - ideal candidates over 8.0-9.0%
• Taking metformin but requiring additional therapy
• Seeking weight loss/appetite reduction along with blood sugar lowering
• Willingness to take injections rather than oral medication
• No history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2

Semaglutide is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Kidney function and liver tests should be assessed before initiation to ensure suitability. For detailed eligibility criteria, speak to an endocrinologist.

What to Expect with Semaglutide Treatment

If semaglutide seems like a good fit, here is an overview of what you can expect if prescribed at the Human Antiaging Center:

Getting Started

An endocrinologist at the clinic will order blood work to check kidney function, liver enzymes, and screen for thyroid cancer risk (calcitonin levels) before prescribing if these tests have not been done recently.

They will also check HbA1c to establish a baseline if you do not have a current result on file. Your endocrinologist will determine the best starting dose based on your medical history and needs - 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg per week.

You will receive training from one of their nurses on how to properly inject semaglutide. The injection is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a prefilled syringe or pen device.

Titration up to Maintenance Dose

Semaglutide is typically started at a low dose which is gradually increased over 5-7 weeks to reach a maintenance level of 1 mg per week. This titration schedule lessens gastrointestinal side effects. You will likely notice increased satiety and decreasing appetite quite soon after initiating treatment.

Week	Prescribed Dose
1	0.25 mg
2	0.5 mg
3 & 4	0.75 mg
5	1 mg

Follow-up Monitoring

Expect appointments with your endocrinologist at Human Antiaging Center at least every 3 months in the first year for monitoring of blood sugar control, kidney function, weight, blood pressure, side effects, and any dosage adjustments needed. HbA1c will be measured about every 3-6 months.

Nutrition and exercise counselling are provided to support healthy lifestyle changes that enhance semaglutide effects. They also address barriers to medication adherence and provide resources like blood sugar testing supplies. You can message your care team through the patient portal with any questions in between visits.

Side Effects and Safety

The most common side effects of semaglutide relate to the gastrointestinal system, including:

• Nausea - very common when first starting, lessens over time
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Dizziness and headaches can also occur

These gastrointestinal effects are usually mild, peak in the first 2 months as the dose is increased, and subside with continued treatment. Taking semaglutide with food may alleviate symptoms.

Rarely, semaglutide can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Gallbladder problems have also been reported. They monitor for signs of these issues at follow-up visits through blood work and symptom review.

Semaglutide has no known interactions with other medications, though additional blood sugar lowering drugs may require dose adjustments to prevent hypoglycemia. Like all GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide is avoided in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 - two rare conditions.

Clinical Experience with Semaglutide

With over 10 years of experience specializing exclusively in hormone-related disorders, the physicians at Human Antiaging Center have seen firsthand how impactful semaglutide treatment can be for eligible patients.

They have successfully treated hundreds of local Mattoon residents with tailored semaglutide protocols, leading to marked improvements in HbA1c, cardiovascular disease risk markers, quality of life, and more. Their patients appreciate the weight loss and appetite control benefits in particular.

Through careful medical oversight and ongoing support, they empower patients to reach target health metrics and sustain motivation long-term. The clinic takes pride in the many inspiring stories of positive health transformation from semaglutide therapy.

Conclusion

Semaglutide is a highly effective treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity seeking improved blood sugar control, weight loss, and reduced risk of cardiovascular complications. When prescribed and monitored appropriately, semaglutide can provide significant health benefits.

If you are a resident of Mattoon, Illinois, and interested in exploring semaglutide treatment, consider reaching out to the experienced team at Human Antiaging Center. Their comprehensive approach and expertise in hormone-related disorders make them well-equipped to guide you through the semaglutide therapy process.