Does Ozempic (semaglutide) lower blood sugar?
Ozempic® lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin by the pancreas and is FDA-approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In a large, randomized-controlled study, patients taking the maximum approved dose of Ozempic - 2mg weekly - lowered their hemoglobin A1c, a measure of average blood sugar, by 2.1%. While Ozempic lowers blood sugar, it is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) because the medication stimulates the release of insulin when blood sugar is increased. A review article looking at the safety of semaglutide showed that the medication is associated with very few cases of hypoglycemia that would be considered dangerous. However, when Ozempic is taken with other medications for diabetes that lower blood sugar such as insulin or sulfonylureas (medications such as glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride), the risk of hypoglycemia is much higher. As a result, your healthcare provider may stop or reduce the doses of those medications if you are taking them when starting Ozempic.
Form Health
Form Health is a virtual obesity medicine clinic founded in 2019 that provides science-based obesity care to help patients achieve their weight loss and health goals. Patients have the opportunity to achieve sustainable weight loss by working closely with an American Board of Obesity Medicine physician and a Registered Dietitian who is a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management. Each Care Team develops a personalized treatment plan based on a comprehensive review of their medical history that includes behavioral support, nutrition, physical activity, and medication, if appropriate.
