How does Ozempic work for diabetes? In this article, we will cover what Ozempic is and how it may or may not be appropriate for people with prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
*This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services. The article and the links contained in it provide general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Do not use it in place of the advice of your physician or registered dietitian. *
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is what we call a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In your body, GLP-1 (the hormone) helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Ozempic is a brand name. The generic name is semaglutide. Recently though, Ozempic has started to be prescribed to people without diabetes to aid in weight loss.
What do GLP-1 medications do?
GLP-1 medications can help improve blood sugar levels, and may also reduce the risk of heart disease and other heart and vascular-related issues in people with type 2 diabetes. And, as you’ve likely read or heard, they may also contribute to weight loss.
Since 2021, we have started to see and hear reports of many famous people and celebrities losing large amounts of weight thanks to these medications. This has led to a rise in popularity and demand and unintentionally has led to supply issues that have prevented people with type 2 diabetes who truly needed these medications from having access to them.
Other Common GLP-1 Medications
Other GLP-1 medications include:
- Trulicity
- Byetta
- Victoza
- Rybelsus
- Wegovy
Ozempic is given as a once/week injection. As with any medication, it’s important to use Ozempic as directed by your doctor.
What does Ozempic do for diabetes?
As mentioned, Ozempic may provide the following benefits for people with type 2 diabetes:
- Improved blood glucose control
- Reduced risk of heart disease complications and events
- Improved GI health
- Weight loss
- Improved kidney health
Why did Ozempic become so popular for weight loss?
Since FDA approval in 2017, physicians have been prescribing Ozempic for type 2 diabetes treatment. But, more and more physicians also started to prescribe Ozempic “off-label” (this means a medication gets prescribed for something other that what it is FDA-approved to treat) for weight loss in people who do not have type 2 diabetes.
In 2021, Wegovy was FDA-approved for weight loss with research showing a potential 15% reduction in body weight. Wegovy contains the same medication as Ozempic, just a higher dose.
Remember: Even though these medications may aid in weight loss, they should only be used under the supervision of your doctor.
Now let’s take a closer look at Ozempic and how it may or may not apply to someone with prediabetes, Type 1 diabetes, and Type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic and prediabetes
Is Ozempic for prediabetes? Technically, no. Most people with prediabetes will not require a medication like Ozempic to manage their prediabetes if their blood sugar numbers are stable. Some physicians may prescribe Ozempic off-label though, for people they feel are at a greater risk of progressing on to have type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic approved for prediabetes?
No, Ozempic is technically not FDA-approved to treat prediabetes. But, if someone with prediabetes has a medical need for weight loss, their physician may prescribe Wegovy instead.
How does Ozempic work for prediabetes?
Ozempic could still work for people with prediabetes the same way it does for people with type 2 diabetes by helping to manage blood sugar levels and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Will insurance cover Ozempic for prediabetes?
This will vary from insurance to insurance company, especially since prediabetes is considered an off-label use of Ozempic.
Ozempic and type 1 diabetes
Is Ozempic for type 1 diabetes? No, Ozempic is not intended for people with type 1 diabetes. There are rare occasions though where Ozempic may be prescribed off-label alongside the necessary insulin therapy.
Is Ozempic approved for type 1 diabetes?
No, Ozempic is not FDA-approved to treat type 1 diabetes.
How does Ozempic work for type 1 diabetes?
Some physicians may choose to prescribe Ozempic for people with type 1 diabetes to help promote weight loss and/or decrease insulin resistance.
Can people with type 1 diabetes take Ozempic for weight loss?
Technically, yes. Though, it’s more likely that a physician would prescribe Wegovy which is FDA-approved for weight loss.
Will insurance cover Ozempic for type 1 diabetes?
I’ve spoken with a handful of people who have type 1 diabetes and have taken Ozempic to help with insulin resistance, under the supervision of their doctor. Some were able to get coverage from insurance and some were not. Much like with prediabetes, this is likely going to depend on the insurance company and what they are willing to cover.
Ozempic for type 2 diabetes
Is Ozempic for type 2 diabetes? Yes, Ozempic is intended for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic approved for type 2 diabetes?
Yes, Ozempic was FDA-approved in 2017 for use in adults (ages 18 and over) living with type 2 diabetes.
How does Ozempic work for type 2 diabetes?
As mentioned above, Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it mimics a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 (the hormone) helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic help improve blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease and other heart and vascular-related issues in people with type 2 diabetes.
Will insurance cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes?
All insurance companies have different protocols they use to determine if they are going to cover certain medications. But, since Ozempic is intended to treat type 2 diabetes, and there is currently no generic version on the market, most insurance companies should cover it for people with type 2 diabetes.
Typical Ozempic dosage for diabetes
Ozempic comes as a liquid medication in pre-filled pens. It is intended to be given as an injection one time per week on the same day and time each week. Usually, doctors start patients at a low dose for several weeks to allow time to adjust and see how the medication works for that particular patient.
Then, they’ll decide if the dose needs to be increased or can remain the same based on how blood sugar levels are doing. The dose given per injection can range from 0.25mg to 2mg.
Take Home Points: How does Ozempic work for diabetes?
- Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and helps control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Ozempic is intended for people with type 2 diabetes. It may be prescribed “off-label” for people with prediabetes or type 1 diabetes.
- Ozempic is sometimes used off-label for weight loss.
- Wegovy is the same medication as Ozempic, but is given at higher doses, and is FDA-approved for weight loss.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not Ozempic, or another GLP-1 medication, is appropriate for you and your diabetes management.
