Often labeled as the ‘miracle drug’, Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA for Diabetes Type II treatment back in 2017. Ozempic is a once-a-week injected medication that helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels greatly enhancing the quality of life for patients diagnosed with Diabetes Type II. However, how does Ozempic actually work for Diabetes Type II? Well, Ozempic’s action can be divided into four distinct sections which are as follows,
Table OF Content
1. Stimulating the pancreas to release insulin after a meal
Insulin is perhaps one of the most important hormones within the human body crucial for long-term health and survival. Think about insulin as the key that unlocks our cells so glucose can be utilized or stored. In patients suffering from Diabetes Type II, insulin production is disrupted leading to an imbalance in blood sugar levels. In most cases, this disruption in insulin production is because of the pancreas which is not releasing the necessary amount of insulin.
Once Ozempic is injected, it stimulates the pancreas to generate more insulin after a meal balancing the blood sugar levels. Contrary to widely available diabetic medications, Ozempic has a very low of developing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level).
2. Slowing down the rate at which the food leaves your stomach
The process of food leaving your stomach after the necessary digestion is called gastric emptying. Ozempic is known to lower gastric emptying which results in the food staying within your stomach for longer than usual and keeping you full even hours after a meal. As food stays within your stomach for longer, the absorption of carbohydrates is also enhanced which helps in regulating the blood sugar levels as well.
However, it’s important to note that the slowing down of gastric smptying is not long-term. As your body adapts to the food being in your digestive system for longer than usual, it adapts to the treatment hence resulting in nausea, which is a common temporary side effect of using Ozempic.
3. Lowering the average amount of glucose generated by the liver
Insulin isn’t the only hormone produced by the pancreas. Apart from that, the pancreas is responsible for producing glucagon as well. The major role of glucagon is to signal the liver to produce more glucose if the body is facing a glucose shortage. In people suffering from Diabetes Type II, the glucagon hormone is the major reason behind high blood glucose levels as there is little to no insulin available to counter its effects.
In addition to stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, Ozempic also lowers glucagon production which directly lowers glucose production. This is backed up by more glucose absorption as a result of more insulin production at the same time.
4. Influencing the brain regions responsible for regulating appetite and fullness
A number of people using Ozempic have reported changes in their appetite and cravings patterns. According to experts, this is because of the fact that Ozempic does influence certain brain regions that are responsible for the feeling of fullness and appetite. Patients have also confirmed that their cravings to eating fatty and energy-dense food have also lowered after taking Ozempic.
As a result, the average calories intake is lowered which results in weight loss. For a patient suffering from Diabetes Type II, any level of weight loss is beneficial for managing the blood glucose levels for the long-term.
Final Note
Based on how Ozempic works in favour of Diabetes Type II patients, the drug has earned the ‘miracle drug’ name. However, make sure to use Ozmepic under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner and report any long-term or svere side effects you have noticed.
Related Topics.
Does semaglutide cause fatigue?