#semaglutide #nursing #weightloss

Semaglutide is gaining popularity rapidly as a new, effective medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity med for long-term weight loss. In this video, we’ll discuss why this medication is so popular, how it works, and its mechanism of action.

Developed by Novo Nordisk in 2012, its creation was an attempt to create a longer-acting alternative to liraglutide. Semaglutide is currently sold under the brand names of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

What makes semaglutide so effective in controlling blood sugar in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes is its unique mechanism of action. Known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist it increases the production of insulin in the body by mimicking an amino acid long peptide hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 is normally made in the intestinal tract and when secreted performs two actions, it stimulates insulin release, and it inhibits glucagon release.

To understand the significance of this effect, we need a brief, simple review of insulin, glucose, glycogen and glucagon’s action in our body in regards to balancing our blood sugar. Glucose is sugar, and is used in the essential cellular process of energy consumption. Put simply, without glucose, our cells could not function without an energy source. However, excess sugar can be damaging to our blood vessels and tissues over time, so our body regulates sugar using a negative feedback loop. When our blood sugar, or blood glucose is high, the hormone insulin is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin targets the liver to convert glucose to glycogen, a safely stored glucose chain. It also encourages our cells to absorb glucose and use it. When our blood glucose is low, the pancreas will release the hormone, glucagon, which targets the liver to turn that stored glycogen back to glucose for use.

In type 2 diabetes the body either does not release enough insulin, or is resistant to insulin effects. This results in high blood sugar levels. Semagluitde, by mimicking GLP-1, can increase the release of insulin assisting the body in bringing blood sugar levels back down to normal.

Another effect of semaglutide that has interested many is its weight loss effects. First off, understand that when someone who struggles with high blood sugar is able to control it well, this can lead to loss of excess weight and a healthier body. However, another weight loss benefit is semaglutide’s ability to decrease hunger. Since GLP-1 receptor agonists slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, patients will feel full faster after eating, and that feeling will last longer. Curbing appetite will usually lead to less eating, which results in weight loss.

If you think that you or your patient may be interested in using semaglutide for either diabetic control or weight loss for obesity, here is some information that you’ll want to ensure you understand.

Due to semaglutide's effect on blood sugar and its ability to suppress appetite, a good faith exam should be performed by a qualified physician or licensed provider prior to a treatment plan. This can often be done remotely depending on your state laws. This will provide medical personnel to ensure you or your patient's unique history and medical situation is taken into account before starting treatment and will allow them to review risks, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications of use.

Finally, an approved, compliant SOP should be followed in regard to treatment. This ensures safe administration and proper pre and post-treatment education is conducted.