What is GLP-1 and how does it work?
GLP-1 has a number of actions in the body that improve blood sugar levels that include the following:
* Lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. This process magnifies the release of insulin and is dependent on the blood sugar level. It is does occur if the blood glucose level is low and so GLP-1 medications do not tend to cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels.
* Reduces the amount of glucose that your liver is producing. Typically, the liver produces glucose, and it does this when you are in periods of starvation. So, the liver is a storage mechanism that can release sugar when your blood glucose levels are low and then store it when your blood glucose levels are high. In people with Type 2 diabetes, this process is completely impaired and the liver produces too much glucose.
* GLP-1 can cause you to feel full, so it increases early satiety. It does this by slowing gastric emptying, slowing the rate of food moving from your stomach into your small intestines. By doing this, the rate of absorption of nutrients into the blood stream is slowed, including glucose, which may reduce your food intake.
How is Semaglutide and Tirzepatide different from GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone found in all people. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide shares 95% of the same structure as human GLP-1 but is synthetically manufactured. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide has been modified structurally to prevent it from being broken down by an enzyme in the blood called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or DPP-4.
The formulation causes Semaglutide and Tirzepatide to have a long duration of action and it is an example of a once weekly GLP-1. If you are being treated for diabetes and currently take a DPP-4 inhibitor, you are not a candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
How is Tirzepatide different from Semaglutide?
The body does not rely on only one type of hormone to regulate itself. Like various other biological processes, hormones work in a complicated arrangement with each other. The GLP-1 hormones that help regulate digestion and appetite are no exception. Another class of hormones is called the ‘glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide’ or ‘GIP’ hormones. GIP hormones aid GLP-1 hormones in their digestive and metabolic action. GIP hormones help GLP-1 enhance its action of regulating the appetite. It helps GLP-1 tell the brain that it needs to stop eating. Thus, GIP enhances the ability of GLP-1 hormones to prevent overeating. Tirzepatide also mimics GIP hormones making it work slightly different than Semaglutide. Patients who struggle with over eating may find Tirzepatide a better choice for them.
What is the dose of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss?
At EA360 Wellness we make sure each patient gets the best dose for optimal results. We will continually adjust your dose based on tolerance and weight loss. If you are losing at a lower dose we keep you lower to avoid maxing out and having a stall. Working weekly with EA360 Wellness is the key to seeing success and losing your weight.
How do you administer Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both administered once a week as an injection under the skin.
To help remember what day to take your medication, it is useful to have a reminder in your phone each week. It does not matter what day of the week you administer, so it is best to choose a day that best fits a person's lifestyle.
What is the best area of the body to administer Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
The preferred site to administer the drug is the abdomen. Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are only to be administered subcutaneously into the upper arm, thigh, or your abdomen. When administering into the same body region, e.g. your abdomen, choose a different injection site each week. It is important to change the site with each injection to reduce your risk of getting pits in your skin or thickened skin and skin with lumps.
Here are some key points to remember when administering Semaglutide or Tirzepatide * Do not use the exact same spot for each injection
* Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps – this can cause the injection to not be effective
* Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
How is Semaglutide or Tirzepatide administered?
Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is administered once per week and ideally that is on the same day each week.
What do I do if I miss a dose of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
If you miss your dose, you can administer it as soon as possible within 3 days of the missed dose. After this, you can go back to your regular dosing schedule of once per week.
If there are less than 3 days until your next scheduled dose, don’t take your missed dose. Take your next scheduled weekly dose and return back to your regularly scheduled weekly dose!
What are the side effects of taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
Although Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are effective and safe medication, side effects are possible.
The most common side effects are:
* nausea
* diarrhea
* vomiting
* abdominal pain
* decreased appetite
These gastrointestinal side effects may be experienced by over 10% of people using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. The feeling is similar to the sensations felt if a person really over eats. These gastrointestinal side effects will subside in most people within 8-12 weeks and the medication is well tolerated in the long term.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may rarely also cause more serious side effects including:
* inflammation of the pancreas
* hypoglycemia
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Do I have to take Semaglutide or Tirzepatide with food?
You can administer with or without food.
Can I drink alcohol with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
You can drink alcohol. Although there are some people who find they enjoy drinking less when taking it. This is particularly with large volume gassy drinks like beer.
Do I have to change my diet if I use Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Yes, under our program you will be making lifestyle changes, for example exercising and eating a healthier lower carb diet, is very important.
Does Semaglutide or Tirzepatide need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide need to be stored in the fridge.
The butter compartment is usually the safest place. You shouldn’t store your Semaglutide or Tirzepatide in the coldest part of your fridge. If the injectable becomes too cold, then the medication will degrade, making it less effective.
Long term storage should be in a fridge between 2-8°C or 36-47°F.
How long does it take for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide to start working?
When using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss, results can be seen as early as one week.
How long does Semaglutide or Tirzepatide stay in your system?
If a person takes Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for a few months and then stops it then it will take about 5 weeks to completely clear the system.