Skinny Shots - Semaglutide - GLP-1 Make Be A Risk to Your Vision
Seeking Weight Loss (“Skinny Pills”) and / Or Diabetic Care: Medical Alert from Hopewell Lambertville Eye and the FDA:
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that prompts the body to produce more insulin as well as reduce appetite and initiate a feeling of fullness (leading to weight loss). See Benefits of GLP-1 below.
Since their initial approval, semaglutide has been found to worsen existing diabetic retinopathy by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT): Results of Feasibility Study in diabetic patients following a drop in their blood glucose. While this has been noted as being manageable for the majority of diabetic patients—providing they receive regular eye exams—new research sought to dive deeper into these associations. Results of the Ozempic studies show semaglutide can significantly help people control their blood sugar, but the studies also showed it can cause vision changes, including blurred vision, worsening of diabetic retinopathy and macular complications. So, do the benefits outweigh the risks?
from: Diabetes Patients Also Struggle to Access GLP-1 Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone that plays a role in maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in patients uncontrolled on metformin. As well as effectively lowering HbA1c, GLP-1 RAs have the potential to address multiple risk factors in your type 2 diabetes patients. Function of GLP-1
In healthy individuals, GLP-1 plays a role in stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin when blood glucose rises. People living with type 2 diabetes have inadequate GLP-1 response when blood glucose rises, which contributes to insufficient insulin secretion by beta cells in the pancreas and impaired suppression of glucagon.
Adapted adapted from Nauck M & Meier J.13 Mechanism of GLP-1 and Glucagon
These drugs, even when distributed from the original manufacturer (FDA approved and considered safe) can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy and can lead to a sight threatening concern retinal vascular disease known as (a sight threatening concern) Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide (JAMA 07-03-2024) It is important to have a dilated eye exam prior to and during the use of Semaglutide treatment at Hopewell Lambertville Eye
FDA Warning: Compounded Semaglutide (used for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss programs) may have adverse effects. Purchasing medicine online from unregulated, unlicensed sources can expose patients to potentially unsafe products that have not undergone appropriate evaluation or approval, or do not meet quality standards. If you choose to use an online pharmacy, FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign resources and tools can assist in making safer, more informed decisions when purchasing prescription medicine online.
Semaglutide (used for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss programs) belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood glucose (sugar). GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.
The prescribing labels for Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic state that each “delays gastric emptying" and warn of the risk of severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions. The prescribing labels for both drugs state that the most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The Ozempic label does not mention gastroparesis, and the Mounjaro label states that the drug has not been studied in people with the condition and is therefore not recommended for people who have it.
The Benefits of GLP-1
direct from: GLP-1 RAs
GLP-1 RAs are glucose-lowering drugs that mimic naturally occurring GLP-1 and boost signaling at GLP-1 receptors in multiple organs.
Help patients control their blood sugar level
Help patients lose weight by slowing gastric emptying and increasing satiety
GLP-1 RAs slow food absorption by slowing emptying of food from the stomach, preventing blood sugar from spiking after a meal.
GLP-1 RAs also act on the central nervous system to reduce patients’ appetite and make them feel full sooner, so that they eat less.
Help protect patients’ heart and blood vessels34
GLP-1 RAs can reduce patients’ blood pressure and blood triglyceride levels, so that there is less burden on the heart and blood vessels.* These effects can also help protect the kidneys.
In summary, there are benefits in the use of GLP-1 RA drugs - but caution should be taken.
Access the medications through your pharmacist avoid online sources which may not be supplying approved formulations.
Seek your physicians advise prior to starting a GLP-1 program.
Do not forget that weight loss medications must be complemented by behavior and diet modifications (i.e the use of the Mediterranean Diet) Diet and Nutrition – Eye Health: Prevention of Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Retinopathy
Use proper supplements Nutritional Supplements For Eye and Whole Body – Safety – Disease Prevention,
And most importantly, have a formal eye health examine prior to and during the use of GLP-1 medications at Hopewell Lambertville Eye
Read more: https://www.seelife.net/skinny-shots-semaglutide-glp-1-make-be-a-risk-to-your-vision/
Call Hopewell Lambertville Eye
Hopewell Eye 609-466-0055
Lambertville: 609-397-7020
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