North Dallas/Addison Location Ph. (214) 219-4000 4727 Frankford Rd. #305 Dallas
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management. It is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
It was approved for medical use in the US in 2017. In 2022, it was the 48th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 13 million prescriptions.
In March 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for semaglutide, in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in obese or overweight adults with cardiovascular disease.
How does Semaglutide works?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. The drug decreases blood sugar levels. The decrease is theorized to be caused by the mimicking of the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It also appears to enhance growth of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production and release.
Additionally, it inhibits the production of glucagon, the hormone that increases glycogenolysis (release of stored carbohydrate from the liver) and gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose).
It reduces food intake by lowering appetite and slowing down digestion in the stomach, helping reduce body weight.
Semaglutide for cardiovascular health
In March 2024, the FDA expanded the indication for semaglutide to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.
Semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke.
Benefits beyond metabolic and cardiovascular
A 2024 study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia suggests that semaglutide may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers analyzed three years of electronic medical records from over 1 million patients with Type 2 diabetes who had not been previously diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had at least one additional cardiometabolic risk factor. The study found that, compared to seven other anti-diabetic drugs, semaglutide was particularly effective in lowering the risk of Alzheimer's, as well as other GLP1 medications.
A recent 2024 study suggests common diabetes medications may reduce asthma attacks by up to 70%, according to new research from the UK. The study focused on metformin and GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide.
Among nearly 13,000 individuals with both diabetes and asthma, metformin lowered the risk of asthma attacks by 30%, and adding a GLP-1 drug further reduced it by 40%.
The weight loss drugs semaglutide may help individuals with alcohol addiction as well.
Treat Now Pay Later!
Proudly introducing our Treat Now Pay Later Program. Enjoy 3, 6 or 12 Months No Interest. Apply and get approved in less than 3 minutes with no impact to your credit score.