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Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug that is commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar (sugar) and A1c levels and to address insulin resistance.
Although Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, it is also used off-label in cases of type 1 diabetes to manage similar problems such as insulin resistance.
This off-label use has contributed to its growing popularity among a wide range of diabetic patients, even though it is not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is still very rare to hear about the real experiences of people taking this drug.
Stevie Cook, a legal assistant in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has lived with diabetes for the past 23 years. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when they were 10 years old, they have been using Ozempic for the past 15 months to manage their diabetes, in addition to insulin pump therapy.
Stevie spoke to us.
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What made you start drinking Ozempic?
Cook was interested in Ozempic’s work on managing insulin resistance, a condition in which the body requires more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels, and that it could be beneficial. I consulted a pharmacist who thought it was possible. Encouraged by this, Cook says, “So I talked to my doctor about starting a consultation.”
A lot of people type 1 diabetes develop levels of insulin resistance similar to that seen in type 2 diabetesEspecially after managing the condition for many years.
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs mimic the effects of hormones that are naturally involved in controlling hunger, satiety, insulin sensitivity, blood sugar levels, and gastric emptying. Patients with both types of diabetes are usually deficient in these hormones, which can complicate management of the disease.
See below for more information about this drug. Everything you need to know about Ozempic.
This deficiency is why drugs like Ozempic are helpful. These can help treat insulin resistance and improve blood sugar and A1c levels (a measure of blood sugar control over the past 2-3 months).
Learn more about blood sugar levels and A1c below. Blood Sugar Chart: Blood Sugar and A1c Target.
Why did your doctor want you to take Ozempic?
For people with diabetes, especially those with type 1 diabetes, overcoming physician hesitancy is a major barrier to accessing treatments like Ozempic. This hesitation stems from the following facts: Ozempic is officially approved by the FDA It is only used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
However, Ozempic’s underlying mechanism of action, how it affects insulin secretion and blood sugar levels, is similar in both types of diabetes.
As a result, many doctors are considering prescribing the drug “off-label” (without FDA approval). This is especially common in people with type 1 diabetes, who suffer from insulin resistance and persistently high blood sugar levels.
research is ongoing to evaluate Efficacy of GLP-1 drugs We hope these studies will lead to FDA approval for this use, similar to Ozempic in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Such approval would make these medicines easily available to all people with diabetes.
Mr Cook said: “My doctor was initially reluctant to prescribe this drug, but he agreed that I should try it to treat my insulin resistance, and by the time I started, he had prescribed it for three months. That was 15 months ago.”
Have you had any side effects? Have you yet?
Ozempic can cause various side effects, especially when you first start taking the drug. Cook experienced some of these effects, saying, “His first three or four weeks were a lot of nausea and vomiting, but then it went away.”
It is common to experience side effects for the first time when you start taking the medicine. Side effects of Ozempic include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- Hypoglycemia (especially if you are also taking insulin)
Usually, these side effects often go away on their own as your body gets used to the medicine. However, it is important to be aware of rare but serious side effects, such as severe gastrointestinal upset, and to contact your health care provider if your symptoms persist or worsen.
See below for more information about potential side effects. Ozempic side effects: what you need to know.
Has your diabetes management improved since taking Ozempic?
For Cook, Ozempic was effective not only in lowering blood sugar and A1c levels, but also in reducing blood sugar spikes.
Mr. Cook shares his experience. “Now I don’t experience severe hyperglycemia as often, and when I do, my blood sugar levels are less ‘sticky’. Hyperglycemia does not last long, and the drop in blood sugar levels is less severe. ”
Because of these improvements, they continued to use Ozempic for more than 15 months, demonstrating the drug’s long-term effectiveness in improving both blood sugar levels and overall diabetes control.
Have you experienced any surprises while taking Ozempic?
Although Cook expected some side effects from Ozempic, he was pleasantly surprised by how effective Ozempic was in managing blood sugar levels.
Despite a national shortage of the drug in the United States, Cook reports that Canada has had no difficulty obtaining Ozempic. They plan to take medication for the time being.
Is the drug affordable to you?
One of the more difficult aspects of managing diabetes with drugs like Ozempic is its cost. Cook points out that without insurance, it would be impossible to obtain the drug. For example, in the United States, List price It costs $935.77 per month.
they say: “I have a great benefits plan through my employer, but they didn’t initially cover Ozempic because I have type 1 diabetes. My doctor submitted a note, but they… I still denied it. I then spoke directly to the insurance company and explained the situation, and they approved my coverage.”
Navigating the complex pre-approval process to secure the medications you need can be stressful. Fortunately, through persistent negotiation and clear communication, Mr. Cook was able to secure coverage for the Ozempic prescription.
Do you have any tips or advice for people looking to take Ozempic?
Mr. Cook offers important advice.
“If cost coverage is an issue, we recommend proactively discussing it with your insurance company. If you have had type 1 diabetes for many years and are experiencing insulin resistance, Advocate for yourself: Tell your doctor that you think it’s worth a try, and thoroughly write down the side effects and benefits for your doctor’s review.
Make sure to administer injections consistently. And don’t let anyone tell you that you’re just drinking to lose weight. People don’t want to hear that it could be useful, they just think we’re wasting our time. Advocating for yourself can be difficult, but for me it was worth it. ”
final thoughts
Dealing with the complexities of diabetes management requires more than just following a prescribed medical plan.
Mr. Cook’s experience with Ozempic highlights the important role of self-advocacy and personalized care in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Despite hurdles, Cook’s persistence in overcoming physician hesitance and insurance barriers highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in the health care system.
Cook’s journey also highlights the evolving landscape of diabetes care. The off-label use of this drug in patients with type 1 diabetes is expected to make this effective drug available to more people.
