Diabetes happens when blood sugar levels become too high, making it difficult for the body to manage sugar properly. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems. Medications like semaglutide help control blood sugar, and a new study shows that higher doses may also lead to more weight loss.
A study led by Dr. John Buse, published in The Lancet, examined how different doses of semaglutide affect blood sugar levels and weight. The results show that while all doses help, higher amounts provide greater benefits—especially for weight loss.
Study Findings
Researchers tested three different doses: 14 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg. All doses helped lower blood sugar, but higher doses led to greater weight loss:
- 50 mg: Average weight loss of 17.5 pounds over a year
- 25 mg: Average weight loss of 14.8 pounds
- 14 mg: Average weight loss of 10 pounds
Dr. Buse explained that while smaller doses work well for lowering blood sugar, larger doses are more effective for people looking to lose weight.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study included 1,606 participants, mostly men around 58 years old, with starting blood sugar (A1C) levels between 8.0% and 10.5%. For good diabetes management, A1C should be below 7%.
Participants took one of the three semaglutide doses daily for a year. By the end of the study:
- People taking 25 mg or 50 mg were more likely to achieve an A1C below 7%, meaning better blood sugar control.
Weight Loss and Side Effects
Semaglutide helps control blood sugar and reduces appetite, leading to weight loss. However, higher doses were linked to more side effects, mostly stomach-related:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
These side effects were more common with the 50 mg dose but were generally manageable.
What This Means for People with Diabetes
Semaglutide offers a strong option for improving blood sugar and supporting weight loss. Higher doses like 25 mg and 50 mg provide the most benefits, but patients should talk to their doctors to decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects.
This study highlights the importance of personalized diabetes treatment, where each patient can find the right balance between effectiveness and comfort.
Other research also suggests that lifestyle factors, such as better sleep, proper nutrition, and vitamin intake, can play a role in managing diabetes. Some studies link blueberries and Vitamin D to improved metabolic health, while new diabetes medications are being studied for their role in preventing kidney failure.
By combining medications, healthy eating, and lifestyle changes, people with diabetes can improve their health and quality of life.
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