PSA: NYT update on Ozempic

[kenny]

Supposedly this link allows non-subscribers to read this NYT article.

We Know Where New Weight Loss Drugs Came From, but Not Why They Work

The empty auditoriums, Gila monsters, resistant pharmaceutical executives and enigmas that led to Ozempic and other drugs that may change how society thinks about obesity.

www.nytimes.com

 

[kenny]

BTW, I've been injecting Ozempic weekly for 3 months now, and it is working extremely well.
My doctor and I are thrilled.
After only a month on Ozempic, my A1C has dropped from 10.1 to 7.1. (below 7.4 was my doctor's goal for me.)
And that is with no increase in exercise or change in diet.
My diet was already extremely healthy; I just don't want my former full portion size any more.



I don't bother monitoring to my actual weight.
My pants are less tight, and my face looks younger.
My DH says my weight loss is already obvious.

I read that weight mostly comes down after the dose rises to the maximum of 2 mil, which is around month 4 or 5.
I started at 0.25, then 0.5, and now I'm up to only 1ml.
A diabetes specialist MD called me several times to discuss tolerance and side effects, and she slowed down the speed of the dosage increases for me.
She also reduced my dosage of two diabetes drugs, Metformin, and Glipizide.

There's a long list of possible side effects, but I've only had:
-Nausea, very faint and not often.
- I now constantly have a cycle of 2 or 3 days of constipation, then diarrhea and needing to stay VERY close to a toilet for a few hours - annoying, but no pain.
I'm damaging earths ozone layer with my gas, but at least I don't drive an SUV.
Slight difficulty burping, only maybe once a week.

... But, hey, I'll take it!
It sure beats blindness, nerve damage, heart disease, amputated limbs and organ failure, oh, and death.

Also life-changing has been getting a Continuous Glucose Monitor.
After 2 years of me loudly begging fo it, my insurance company finally agreed to pay for it.

Now, instead of drawing and measuring my blood 7 times a day, I'm wearing a little disk with a tiny filament that goes under my skin.
It goes into a fat layer; it does not need to reach blood.

It automatically records my sugar every minute 24/7.
This provides blessed instant biofeedback telling me how things affect my sugar, foods, optimum time between meals and snacks, portion size, exercise, stress, etc.
This real-time data teaches me how to keep my sugar in the safe zone.

I tell everyone this is an answer to my prayers - AND I AM ATHEIST!

Since I despise "smart"phones, and refuse to download any apps, it comes with a reader that looks similar to an old-school pager.
I just hold the reader an inch from my patch thingie on my arm and displays my sugar level.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

BTW, I've been injecting Ozempic weekly for 3 months now, and it is working extremely well.
My doctor and I are thrilled.
After only a month on Ozempic, my A1C has dropped from 10.1 to 7.1. (below 7.4 was my doctor's goal for me.)
And that is with no increase in exercise or change in diet.
My diet was already extremely healthy; I just don't want my former full portion size any more.



I don't bother monitoring to my actual weight.
My pants are less tight, and my face looks younger.
My DH says my weight loss is already obvious.

I read that weight mostly comes down after the dose rises to the maximum of 2 mil, which is around month 4 or 5.
I started at 0.25, then 0.5, and now I'm up to only 1ml.
A diabetes specialist MD called me several times to discuss tolerance and side effects, and she slowed down the speed of the dosage increases for me.
She also reduced my dosage of two diabetes drugs, Metformin, and Glipizide.

There's a long list of possible side effects, but I've only had:
-Nausea, very faint and not often.
- I now constantly have a cycle of 2 or 3 days of constipation, then diarrhea and needing to stay VERY close to a toilet for a few hours - annoying, but no pain.
I'm damaging earths ozone layer with my gas, but at least I don't drive an SUV.
Slight difficulty burping, only maybe once a week.

... But, hey, I'll take it!
It sure beats blindness, nerve damage, heart disease, amputated limbs and organ failure, oh, and death.

Also life-changing has been getting a Continuous Glucose Monitor.
After 2 years of me loudly begging fo it, my insurance company finally agreed to pay for it.

Now, instead of drawing and measuring my blood 7 times a day, I'm wearing a little disk with a tiny filament that goes under my skin.
It goes into a fat layer; it does not need to reach blood.

It automatically records my sugar every minute 24/7.
This provides blessed instant biofeedback telling me how things affect my sugar, foods, optimum time between meals and snacks, portion size, exercise, stress, etc.
This real-time data teaches me how to keep my sugar in the safe zone.

I tell everyone this is an answer to my prayers - AND I AM ATHEIST!

Since I despise "smart"phones, and refuse to download any apps, it comes with a reader that looks similar to an old-school pager.
I just hold the reader an inch from my patch thingie on my arm and displays my sugar level.

I'm so happy to hear you are benefiting and I hope you don't end up not able to get it. The continuous glucose monitor is simply amazing, I'm glad you were able to get it covered.

 

[MissGotRocks]

It has clearly been a miracle for some folks and I am glad you are seeing the benefits of it. People have struggled and died of diabetes for so long and I am so glad to see something that finally works for them. The old diet, exercise and insulin advice just didn't work for everyone. Life can be hard; seeing something that can help so many is truly wonderful!

 

[empliau]

I lost my father to diabetes and heart disease fifteen years ago. The difference Ozempic could have made for him is heartbreaking to think about. I am so glad for those who will live healthier lives, and those who will have more and better years with their loved ones.

 

[kenny]

I just experienced an excellent example of how my new CGM, Continuous Glucose Meter, is helping me stay healthier ...

Tonight I made something I make often, lentils mixed with chicken and kale.
But this time I left out the usual brown rice.

Before dinner, my sugar measured 60.
That's quite low since my doctor has recommended a minimum of 80.
Eating a meal is supposed to raise sugar level.
30 minutes after eating my sugar didn't increase enough; it was only 67.
So I ate some brown rice and now it's up to the safe range again.

Without this new CGM (or psychic powers) I would not be learning how many carbs to include at every meal.
Of course the meter alone is not enough.
It's a 2-part thing ... the meter, and a patient who is thinking and motivated to learn and change.

Progress! Rah Rah Rah!

 

[missy]

Very pleased for you Kenny. That is, IMO, a miracle medication and so glad it is working well for you. Long may that continue

 

[kenny]

Thanks all.

 

[DAF]

Last Fall I tried one of the GLP-1 inhibitors in pill form (insurance wouldn't approve injection) and lost about 9 pounds in the first two months. After the fourth month and no more loss, my doctor doubled my dose (3 mg to 6 mg). I began to feel "off" in my stomach. I went to dinner and had filet medallions, broccoli and a scoop of mashed potatoes. On my way home, I suddenly became ill: my stomach bloated, it felt like all of my food was backed up as if there was a blockage from my stomach to small intestine, and then I vomited up my meal that I finished 20 minutes prior. I stopped taking the medication then.

The GLP-1 inhibitors work in part by slowing gastric emptying, leaving you fuller longer. It is also supposed to work by affecting the hunger sensors, making you feel satiated. I did not feel satiated for the duration of taking it.

I've been left with the gastroparesis part, despite not taking the medication in eight months. It's mild but, a full "regular" meal with result in terrible bloating and stomach discomfort for two to three days. The vomiting is a side effect of the slowed gastric emptying. There are published articles appearing now on this.

While my A1C is normal, I try to pay attention to posts on controlling blood sugar and blood sugar spikes. The order in which you eat your food has a great effect on blood sugar levels: I believe you should eat all of your protein, then your vegetables, then carbs to lessen the blood sugar spike. There is a gentleman (pre diabetic) who posts on TikTok who uses the Continuous Glucose Monitor to monitor his blood sugar after he tries different foods. It's been very educational for me. I learned food order and among other things, that day-old rice is better for you, as there will be less of a blood sugar spike from it. Attached is the link for this guy.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7130622415847116037