Diabetes is a long-term condition where too much sugar stays in the blood. If not managed well, it can get worse over time, leading to serious health problems. One of the newer medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes is called semaglutide. It helps lower blood sugar and can also lead to weight loss.
A new study led by Dr. John Buse looked at how different amounts of semaglutide work for people with diabetes. The study was published in The Lancet, a respected medical journal.
Researchers tested three different daily doses: 14 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, and 50 mg. They wanted to find out which dose was most helpful for controlling blood sugar and reducing weight.
All three doses improved blood sugar levels, but the larger doses helped more with weight loss. People who took 50 mg of semaglutide lost about 17.5 pounds on average in one year. Those who took 25 mg lost around 14.8 pounds, while those who took 14 mg lost about 10 pounds.
Dr. Buse explained that even small doses are great for managing blood sugar, but higher doses are better if someone is also trying to lose a lot of weight.
The study involved 1,606 adults, most of whom were men with an average age of 58. At the start of the study, their blood sugar levels (measured using something called A1C) were between 8.0% and 10.5%. For reference, a healthy A1C level is below 7%. Participants were divided into three groups, each taking a different dose of semaglutide every day for a year.
At the end of the study, more people who took the higher doses (25 mg and 50 mg) were able to bring their A1C levels down to under 7%, meaning their diabetes was better controlled.
Semaglutide works by lowering appetite, so people tend to eat less, which helps with weight loss. However, higher doses also had more side effects. The most common problems were stomach-related—such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
These side effects were more likely to happen with the 50 mg dose, but most people were able to manage them without needing to stop the treatment.
This study shows that semaglutide can be a powerful tool for people with type 2 diabetes, especially for those who also need to lose weight. However, not everyone will react the same way to the medicine.
That’s why it’s important for patients to talk with their doctors about the right dose for them. Doctors can help balance the benefits of better blood sugar and weight loss with the chance of uncomfortable side effects.
Personalized care is important in managing diabetes, since each person’s needs and reactions can be different. This research supports the idea that there isn’t one solution for everyone—finding the right plan may take time and discussion.
Other research continues to explore new ways to support people with diabetes. For example, some studies have looked at how poor sleep might affect vision in people with diabetes, or how certain drugs could protect the kidneys. There is also interest in how healthy foods like blueberries or nutrients like vitamin D may help with blood sugar and overall health.
The good news is that people with diabetes can improve their health with a mix of medicine, healthy eating, regular activity, and support from healthcare professionals. With the right care, it’s possible to feel better, avoid complications, and live a longer, healthier life.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vitamin D and type2 diabetes, and to people with type 2 diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
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