Semaglutide is an injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and assisting with weight loss. It mimics the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 helps the body produce more insulin when needed and reduces appetite.
Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stimulating the release of insulin and decreasing glucagon secretion. It also slows digestion to help control blood sugar spikes after meals. Additionally, semaglutide curbs appetite to promote weight loss.
At Vitality Renewal Clinic in Prescott Valley, we offer customized semaglutide treatment plans to help patients manage their diabetes and lose excess weight when appropriate. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover key topics related to semaglutide therapy:
Some key benefits of semaglutide include:
Clinical studies show that semaglutide is very effective at lowering A1C and promoting weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. It offers a valuable treatment option for many patients with type 2 diabetes who struggle to reach their target glucose and weight goals.
Compared to other GLP-1 drugs like liraglutide, semaglutide stays active in the body longer so shots only need to be taken once weekly. This makes it more convenient to use long-term.
The key factors we evaluate when determining if a patient may benefit from semaglutide include:
Patients who meet these criteria are often excellent candidates for a semaglutide treatment protocol.
Some symptoms that may indicate a hormone deficiency that could benefit from treatment like semaglutide include:
If you experience any combination of these deficiency signs, get your hormone levels tested to see if treatment could help resolve the symptoms.
When it comes to semaglutide therapy, the knowledgeable healthcare providers at Vitality Renewal Clinic offer key advantages including:
We partner with each patient to provide customized care backed by the latest medical research into semaglutide therapy.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that regulates blood sugar. When injected, it mimics the effects of GLP-1 leading to increased insulin release, suppressed glucagon secretion, slowed stomach emptying, and reduced appetite. This novel mechanism makes it an effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes.
The semaglutide injection process is quick and straightforward for most patients to learn. Here is an overview of the standard protocol:
Most patients will inject semaglutide into the abdomen, alternating sides each week. Thighs can also be used.
When starting treatment, a provider will demonstrate proper technique. We also offer follow-up injection training sessions to ensure confidence with self-administering shots at home.
Prior to starting shots, baseline kidney function and bloodwork will be checked for safety along with a full health history and physical exam.
Treatment plans are highly customized but most patients begin with 0.25 mg weekly injections for 4 weeks before increasing to the 1 mg maintenance dosage if well tolerated. This slow ramp up helps minimize temporary side effects.
In addition to lowering A1C, one of the most beneficial effects of semaglutide treatment is substantial weight loss for overweight T2D patients.
Clinical trials found average losses of 10-15% body weight when combined with nutrition guidance and exercise. Benefits increased up to 2 years indicating excellent durability.
Appetite and calorie reduction promotes easier, more sustainable fat burning long-term. We provide nutritional counseling and fitness support tailored to each patient's needs and preferences to enhance weight management on semaglutide therapy.
Below we cover more details on key areas related to semaglutide treatment:
We partner with high-quality local businesses to support your treatment journey including:
Recognizing symptoms of hormone deficiency early and seeking timely treatment leads to better outcomes. We strive to make testing and customized treatment plans conveniently accessible to Prescott Valley residents.
Our exceptional patient care focuses both on resolving current symptoms AND optimizing long-term health. We partner with patients for the full duration of treatment.
Prescott Valley enjoys a mild 4-season climate perfect for an active lifestyle all year long. The area offers limitless hiking trails to enjoy. For semaglutide patients focused on ramping up their activity, we recommend starting slow by adding leisurely daily walks during treatment.
As energy and stamina improves, take advantage of the incredible hiking and biking trails near Watson Lake or the Peavine Trail. Kayaking and paddle boarding on the lakes provides another way to be active outdoors.
For those who prefer indoor options, we suggest booking a personal trainer at Balance Fitness to develop a custom workout plan based on your current fitness level and health goals. Their trainers can adapt activities as you gain strength and lose weight during treatment.
In addition to physical health, caring for mental wellbeing is also essential during treatment. We understand the challenges associated with living with diabetes and struggling with weight management. Our goal is to provide whole-person support. We have relationships with mental health counselors we can connect patients to if desired.
Prescott Valley and neighboring Prescott offer many relaxing getaway destinations to reduce stress including:
Being vigilant about carving out time for restorative self-care activities enhances resiliency during treatment and sets positive patterns that serve you well long after reaching health goals.
We hope this overview has provided helpful information about semaglutide therapy and the first-class treatment experience available at Vitality Renewal Clinic. Our staff looks forward to partnering with you on your path to better health. We encourage prospective patients to (mailto:appointments@) to discuss your treatment options in more detail.