Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps the body produce more insulin when blood sugar is high.
To qualify for semaglutide injections, there are several requirements:
- You must be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by your doctor. Semaglutide is only approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes or other conditions.
- Your doctor will check your A1C level, which measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. An A1C of 7% or higher generally makes you eligible for semaglutide.
- You will need to have tried other diabetes medications first without adequate blood sugar control. Semaglutide is not usually a first-line treatment. Your doctor will want you to try metformin and possibly other medications before prescribing semaglutide.
- Semaglutide can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. You will need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Certain health conditions may prevent you from using semaglutide if the side effects could be dangerous for you.
If you meet these qualifications, your doctor may prescribe once-weekly semaglutide injections to help improve your blood sugar levels and A1C. The typical dosing schedule starts at 0.25 mg injected under the skin once per week, then increases to 0.5 mg and finally 1 mg based on your response and tolerance.
Some key points about semaglutide eligibility:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes and A1C ≥7% on other medications
- Requires prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner
- Not for people with type 1 diabetes
- History of tolerating GLP-1 side effects
- Need to try other diabetes medications first in most cases
Semaglutide is an exciting, newer treatment option that requires some caution and supervision but can be very effective when prescribed appropriately.
If you think you may qualify for
semaglutide injections, schedule an appointment with your doctor or endocrinologist to discuss your eligibility. Bring your latest blood test results, medication history, and a list of any health conditions you have.
Do not try to obtain semaglutide without a prescription or share medication with others. Work directly with your healthcare provider to determine if semaglutide is right for you.
Here at Hormone Harmony Clinic, we specialize in diabetes care and prescribing the latest treatments like semaglutide for qualified patients. Our endocrinologists and nurse practitioners will thoroughly assess your medical history and eligibility for injectable diabetes drugs. We offer convenient telehealth visits and in-person appointments throughout the state. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if you meet the requirements for semaglutide injections to improve your A1C and blood sugar control!