A new study reveals that higher doses of semaglutide, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, are more effective in controlling blood sugar levels.
The research, led by Dr. Vanita R. Aroda from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, involved adults with type 2 diabetes from 14 countries.
The study aimed to find out how different doses of the drug affected people’s blood sugar control and overall health.
Participants in the study were already taking one to three different medications to lower their blood sugar levels. They were given a daily dose of either 14 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg of semaglutide for 68 weeks.
The researchers primarily looked at changes in HbA1c, a blood test that measures long-term blood sugar control.
What the Results Show
At the end of the study, people who took the higher doses of 25 mg and 50 mg showed better control of their blood sugar levels compared to those on the 14 mg dose.
On average, the higher doses led to a greater decrease in HbA1c levels. In simpler terms, the higher the dose, the better the results for controlling blood sugar.
However, it’s important to note that more people taking the higher doses also reported side effects, mostly related to stomach issues. These side effects were mostly mild to moderate.
Why It Matters
Managing type 2 diabetes is a long-term commitment that usually involves lifestyle changes and medication.
This study suggests that if your current medication isn’t effectively controlling your blood sugar, a higher dose of semaglutide might be a better option.
This could be especially helpful for people who are already taking multiple medications for diabetes but still aren’t seeing the results they need.
The findings could be a game-changer for treating type 2 diabetes, helping people better manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.
Before making any changes to your treatment plan, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best options for you, including potential side effects.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that not all whole grain foods could benefit people with type 2 diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in type 2 diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about unhealthy plant-based diets linked to metabolic syndrome, and results showing Mediterranean diet could help reduce the diabetes risk by one third.
The study was published in The Lancet.
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