Managing type 2 diabetes requires more than just taking a pill. It is a daily commitment to keeping blood sugar levels in check, reducing long-term risks, and maintaining overall well-being.
In recent years, Ozempic has emerged as a widely discussed medication in this field. While it’s often associated with weight loss in media headlines, its primary role is to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively. This article takes a closer look at how Ozempic works, why it’s prescribed, and what makes it a significant option in diabetes care.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a prescription drug produced by Novo Nordisk. According to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Ozempic is a medication designed to enhance blood sugar management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) when combined with a proper diet and exercise.
“It is supplied as a liquid in a prefilled pen administered via injection once a week into the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It can be utilized alone or alongside other FDA-approved diabetes treatments. If patients are also taking insulin, Ozempic and insulin should be injected separately and not mixed,” said Dr Sharwari Sudhir Dabhade, Consultant Internal Medicine, Diabetology and Endocrinology, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi. The FDA granted approval for Ozempic based on data from seven clinical trials involving 4,087 patients with type 2 diabetes.
Also Read: Is Ozempic Face A Growing Cause Of Concern? Know What Is It
How Does Ozempic Work in the Body?
Ozempic addresses high blood sugar through three primary mechanisms:
1. Stimulates Insulin Secretion
When you consume a meal, your body requires insulin to lower blood sugar levels. In people with type 2 diabetes, this process is often sluggish or broken. Ozempic enhances insulin secretion, but only when your blood sugar is elevated. That means it works with your body’s natural rhythm, like a supportive coach rather than a bossy one. For example, the SUSTAIN clinical trials showed that semaglutide lowers HbA1c levels significantly and induces weight loss in type 2 diabetic patients.
2. Reduces Glucagon Release
Glucagon is another hormone, but it does the opposite of insulin: it raises your blood sugar. People with diabetes often have too much glucagon floating around. Ozempic decreases the amount of glucagon released after a meal, preventing excessive rises in blood sugar.
3. Slows Gastric Emptying
“In most people, food moves through at a consistent rate. But in diabetics, that movement can be too rapid, causing blood sugar to spike. Ozempic slows down the emptying of your stomach, which not only helps regulate blood sugar but also keeps you feeling full longer. That's one reason it's associated with weight loss,” added Dr Dabhade.
What Sets Ozempic Apart?
- Once-a-week dosing: Super convenient for people who don’t like popping pills daily.
- Dual benefit: It manages blood sugar and promotes weight loss, which is crucial for many people with type 2 diabetes.
- Low risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Since it works only when your blood sugar is high, it won't cause blood sugar levels to get too low, except when taken with insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Heart health bonus: Research has indicated that semaglutide can lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke in individuals with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
What About the Weight Loss Hype?
Yes, Ozempic has gained popularity for weight loss, even among people without diabetes—but that’s not its original purpose. In fact, semaglutide is also sold under a different name, Wegovy, specifically approved for chronic weight management.
Here’s the nuance: weight loss is a side benefit of how Ozempic regulates appetite and slows digestion. For people with type 2 diabetes, this can be a win-win, since obesity is a major risk factor and can make diabetes harder to control.
While the STEP trials were mainly aimed at weight control, they showed that semaglutide reduces body weight remarkably in overweight or obese adults with or without type 2 diabetes. This confirms its dual properties as an antidiabetic and a weight-reducing agent.
However, using it only for weight loss without medical necessity will result in supply shortages for those who need it to control their diabetes. That's a critical ethical and medical discussion ongoing right now.
Also Read: Ozempic And Mounjaro in India: Weight Loss Revolution Or Wellness Gamble?
Are There Any Side Effects?
Similar to any drug, Ozempic isn't free of side effects. The majority of people have no problems with it, but others suffer from:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
These side effects are generally most apparent upon initiation of medication or dose increase. The body tends to adjust after a while. Physicians often suggest beginning at a low dose and gradually rising to minimize these effects.
Rare but serious risks include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Thyroid C-cell tumours in animal studies (though not confirmed in humans)
- Gallbladder issues
Therefore, you need to take Ozempic under a health professional's observation, particularly if you have a pancreatitis history or thyroid.
Who Should and Shouldn't Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is designed for adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those who:
- Struggle with high blood sugar despite oral medications
- Want the added benefit of weight loss
- Have a history of cardiovascular disease
However, it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended for:
- People with type 1 diabetes
- People with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Children or pregnant/breastfeeding women
- Always have an honest chat with your doctor to see if Ozempic is the right fit for you.
Does It Replace Insulin?
“No, Ozempic does not take the place of insulin. It is different and usually taken in addition to other diabetes medications. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes will eventually require insulin as the disease advances, but Ozempic can postpone that for many,” shared Dr Dabhade.
Is Ozempic a Magic Fix?
Ozempic is an effective tool, but it's not magic. It is most effective as part of a larger lifestyle regimen, including:
- Eating a balanced, lower-carb diet
- Maintaining physical activity
- Regularly checking blood sugar
- Stress and sleep management
- Consider it a supporting player in your diabetes care, not the entire team.
Bottomline
Dr Dabhade concluded, “Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps your body regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and slow down digestion. For people with type 2 diabetes, it can be a game-changer, especially if they’re also struggling with weight or heart disease risks. But like any medication, it comes with pros, cons, and responsibilities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should you take Ozempic for diabetes?:
Ozempic (semaglutide) is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is not a cure, but a management tool that helps regulate blood sugar by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1. Most patients remain on Ozempic for months or even years, depending on how well it works for them and if there are no serious side effects. Your doctor will regularly review your progress and adjust the dose or treatment duration as needed.
2. Is Ozempic right for me?
Ozempic is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control. It may be suitable for you if:
- Oral medications are not enough to control your blood sugar.
- You are overweight or obese, as Ozempic also promotes weight loss.
- You have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (Ozempic has heart-protective benefits).
3. How fast can Ozempic lower blood sugar?
Some patients report lower blood sugar levels within a few days to a week of starting Ozempic. However, the medication is designed to be slow-acting and cumulative, meaning its full glucose-lowering effects typically take several weeks to reach maximum benefit. Clinical trials show significant A1c reduction after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. Also, since Ozempic is taken once weekly, it builds up steadily in your system, so patience is key.
4. What is the biggest side effect of Ozempic?
The most frequently reported side effect of Ozempic is gastrointestinal discomfort, especially nausea. This usually occurs during the initial weeks of use and may lessen as your body adjust. Other GI symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]