Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. Over time, this can worsen, making it harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. Medicines like semaglutide can help.
A recent study led by Dr. John Buse explored how different doses of semaglutide affect blood sugar and weight loss. The results, published in The Lancet, reveal that higher doses offer greater benefits for both.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers tested three doses of semaglutide: 14 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg. They found that while all doses helped control blood sugar, the higher doses worked better for weight loss.
- People taking 50 mg lost an average of 17.5 pounds over a year.
- Those taking 25 mg lost around 14.8 pounds.
- Participants on 14 mg lost about 10 pounds.
Dr. Buse noted that smaller doses are excellent for lowering blood sugar, but larger doses are more effective for significant weight loss.
How the Study Was Done
The study included 1,606 participants, most of whom were men around 58 years old. Their starting blood sugar levels, measured by A1C, were between 8.0% and 10.5%. Healthy A1C levels should be below 7%.
Participants were divided into three groups, each taking one of the three doses daily for a year. By the end of the study:
- People taking 25 mg or 50 mg were more likely to reach an A1C below 7%, indicating better blood sugar control.
Weight Loss and Side Effects
Semaglutide not only helped with blood sugar but also caused weight loss by reducing appetite. However, higher doses came with more side effects.
The most common issues were stomach-related:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
These symptoms were more frequent with the 50 mg dose but were generally manageable.
What This Means for People with Diabetes
Semaglutide offers a powerful option for managing diabetes and losing weight. Higher doses like 25 mg and 50 mg show significant improvements in both areas compared to smaller doses.
However, patients should discuss with their doctors to weigh the benefits against potential side effects, especially with larger doses.
This study highlights the importance of personalized treatment for diabetes, balancing effectiveness and comfort.
The research was published in The Lancet. For those interested in diabetes care, other studies suggest connections between sleep problems and vision loss, and drugs that may prevent kidney failure in diabetes.
Blueberries and Vitamin D have also been linked to benefits for people with metabolic and diabetic conditions.
Taking steps to manage diabetes, through both medicine and lifestyle changes, can lead to better health and quality of life.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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