A new international study has found that using higher doses of semaglutide, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, may help people better control their blood sugar levels. The research was led by Dr. Vanita R. Aroda from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and involved participants from 14 different countries.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar properly. Many people manage it through a combination of medication, healthy eating, and regular exercise. But for some, even using two or three diabetes medications isn’t enough to keep their blood sugar in check.
This study looked at how different daily doses of semaglutide affected people who were already on up to three other diabetes medicines. The participants were given one of three doses: 14 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg, and were followed for about 68 weeks.
The main goal of the research was to track changes in HbA1c levels—a common blood test that gives an average of a person’s blood sugar over the past two to three months.
The results were clear: people taking the higher doses (25 mg and 50 mg) had better blood sugar control than those taking the lower 14 mg dose. Simply put, the larger the dose of semaglutide, the better the results for lowering blood sugar.
However, the benefits came with some side effects. Those on higher doses experienced more digestive problems like nausea and stomach discomfort. While these side effects were usually mild to moderate, they were more common in the groups taking the larger doses.
This finding is important for people with type 2 diabetes who are already on several medications but are still not reaching their blood sugar goals.
For them, increasing the dose of semaglutide might be something worth discussing with their doctor. Better blood sugar control can help reduce the chances of serious health issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and vision loss.
Still, any changes to a treatment plan should always be made with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Higher medication doses can mean a higher risk of side effects, so it’s important to find the right balance for each person.
Alongside medication, lifestyle choices also play a big role in diabetes management. Some research shows that green tea may help lower the risk of death in people with type 2 diabetes. Not all whole grain foods are equally helpful, and diets high in processed plant-based foods may actually increase health risks.
On the other hand, a Mediterranean-style diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats—has been shown to cut the risk of developing diabetes by about one-third.
This new study, published in The Lancet, adds valuable information to the growing body of research focused on managing type 2 diabetes more effectively. It offers fresh hope for people who need more help getting their blood sugar under control and reminds us of the importance of combining good medical care with healthy daily habits.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about bananas and diabetes, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Vitamin D that may reduce dangerous complications in diabetes and results showing plant-based protein foods may help reverse type 2 diabetes.
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