Is Semaglutide Insulin?

Semaglutide is an injectable drug which was initially developed as an adjunct to glycemic control in the treatment of T2DM and has gained popularity due to its favourable profile for weight reduction. It is sold based on different trade names and therapeutic classes, including Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. However, as an existing medication in the public sphere and with features that have led to impressive clinical outcomes, semaglutide is still not clearly understood and often mistaken for insulin. Such confusion is quite reasonable especially in light of this fact that it comes as an injectable product and it does work by controlling blood glucose level. However, semaglutide, and insulin are two different medicines, and a patient needs to understand the differences between these two medicines before they plan to take any treatment for diabetes or weight loss.

In this article, you will learn more about semaglutide and insulin – what sets these two apart and how semaglutide helps to control blood sugar levels and when may it be used with insulin.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is copied after a hormone in the body known as glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is released in the[sic] the intestine as a potent incretin and is involved in the control of blood glucose homeostasis; insulin release; and gastric emptying and satiety. Semaglutide is intended to mimic GLP-1, but at a slower rate and a stronger form. This way, it assists in the lowering of blood sugar and in the case of Wegovy, for weight loss.

Semaglutide acts as follows: stimulates insulin secretion when concentrations of glucose is higher than normal, inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver, decreases the rate of gastric emptying. Such mechanisms are useful in controlling blood glucose concentrations in individuals with type 2 diabetes and facilitate maintenance of desirable body weight.

What is Insulin?

Insulin on the other hand is a chemical that is naturally manufactured in the pancreas gland of every human being. It acts a key in regulating blood sugar because it lets glucose into your cells to be used for energy or for storage. Type 1 diabetics and patients with a late-stage type 2 diabetes may have low insulin production, causing high blood glucose levels. In these cases, people need insulin in order to address this issue and keep the situation under control.

Insulin therapy is the delivery of synthetic insulin to the body in order to compliment or replenish the natural insulin the body either produces insufficiently or not at all. Insulin continues to be available in several categories such as the rapid, long and intermediate acting Insulin depending on the doctor’s prescription.

Some Of The Distinctions Between Semaglutide and Insulin

However, what distinguishes one from the other is how they work, why they are taken, and how they differ in treatment. Semaglutide is not insulin and should not be taken in concert with insulin therapy.

For the first way, semaglutide increases secretion of insulin, in response to high blood glucose levels while on the other hand, insulin therapy involves administering the hormone insulin for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin is more acute to use when one wants to bring down blood sugar levels while semaglutide is a mediated form that takes time to enhance blood sugar control.

Secondly, semaglutide is also beneficial in cases of weight reduction, which is not characteristic of insulin. In fact, insulin therapy aids in weight gain in some of the clients with type 2 diabetes. Specifically Wegovy, which acts upon the appetite regulation centres in the brain effectively to cause weight loss, which is often needed in patients with type 2 diabetes as well as obesity.

Another differentiation is that insulin is necessary for people with the type 1 diabetes because their body does not produce insulin. But semaglutide is largely recommended to type 2 diabetic patients, in which the body produces insulin, but do not properly utilize it. Concurrent to the above, semaglutide is added to insulin in the management of type 2 diabetes but it is not given as a replacement for insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes.

How Semaglutide Works for the Control of the Blood Sugar Level?

This semi-peptide acts on blood glucose in various ways in order to support its regulation. It causes the release of insulin from the pancreas whenever there is a high level of glucose in the blood making it easy to reduce the blood glucose level. In the meantime, it inhibits the release of glucagon—a hormone that tells the liver to produce glucose as far as it is concerned. Other actions that semaglutide produce includes lowering the levels of glucose that is released by the liver so that people do not get high levels of blood sugar even after a meal.

Semaglutide condemns insulin and glucagon release and slows the gastric emptying time, which result in protracted satiety. It can assist individuals in controlling their intakes of calories and so achieve an objective of losing weight. The medication has been shown to be effective in lowering HbA1c – a long term measure of blood sugar control – and can cause a small amount of weight loss.

 

In what cases is Semaglutide administered in conjunction with insulin?

While semaglutide is not actually an insulin replacement, it can sometimes be used with insulin, particularly for patients with type 2 diabetes who are not controlling their levels with insulin only. They found that semaglutide may work well with insulin as it helps in increasing the insulin sensitivity, lowering the blood glucose level and has weight reducing effects.

Insulin and semaglutide can be used together because semaglutide enhances the sensitivity of the body tissues to insulin produced or administered through injection. It is, however, worth mentioning that semaglutide cannot be used as insulin replacement in people with type 1 diabetes or persons with insulin resistance of the highest degree. In such cases, and they are common in people with type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is still required to regulate blood sugar levels.

Semaglutide and insulin should be combined cautiously and one should consult with their physician every time when deciding to use both drugs. The amount of insulin may need to be changed at the initiation of the semaglutide dose since the body may get more than it requires which will cause a low blood sugar level.

To whom Semaglutide is contraindicated?

It is to note that semaglutide is contraindicated in certain patients. Semaglutide as mentioned earlier should not be used by persons with type 1 diabetes as a substitute for insulin. Also, patients with history of thyroid cancer, or patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma or with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN 2), semaglutide ought not to be used due to concern with thyroid tumor. Semaglutide should also be avoided in patients with severe gastrointestinal diseases and pancreatitis, and a doctor’s advice should be sought before using this product.

Semaglutide works for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity assisting in controlling blood sugar and weight loss. Nevertheless, it is possible only in consultation with a physician and find out if semaglutide is suitable for this person and how it should be used together with other diabetes medications, including insulin.

Semaglutide: Effective Dosing and Guidance with HealifyNow

At HealifyNow, we provide expert insights and support to help you make the most of your semaglutide-based weight management journey. Semaglutide, a groundbreaking GLP-1 receptor agonist, is available in both subcutaneous injections and oral tablets, offering flexibility for individuals looking to combat obesity and related health concerns.

Conclusion

This advice does not make semaglutide insulin; however, both agents provide results in managing blood glucose levels. Of course, insulin is vital for most individuals with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes; however, semaglutide is an option that is stomach-friendly in a different way. It works like GLP-1 hormone that increases the secretion of insulin, reduces appetite and controls glucose levels in patients of type 2 diabetes. Though safe for use with insulin for a few patients with type 2 diabetes, it can be taken as a separate medication but not a substitute for insulin.

Semaglutide has the added advantage of bringing down both blood sugar levels and weight making it pivotal as treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, people with an interest in the drug should discuss with their healthcare provider to find out the most appropriate course of action for his or her condition.

Jessie Platt