Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide mimics the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 that is released after meals. By acting like GLP-1, semaglutide slows digestion and prevents the liver from making too much sugar. It also helps the body produce more insulin when needed.
Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic and is made by Novo Nordisk. More recently, a higher dose of semaglutide was approved under the brand names Wegovy and Wegovy for weight management. Semaglutide helps people achieve better glucose control and significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we provide semaglutide injections to help patients struggling with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Our experienced medical staff can create customized treatment plans to help you take control of your health.
Semaglutide offers many benefits that can dramatically improve health and quality of life:
By stimulating the release of insulin, semaglutide is very effective at lowering blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Studies show it lowers A1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by 1-2% on average. This can translate to significantly better diabetes management.
Semaglutide is one of the most effective medications for weight loss available today. People taking semaglutide for obesity lose an average of 10-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes. This amount of weight loss can have profound positive impacts on health.
In addition to better blood sugar control and weight loss, semaglutide may provide important benefits for heart health. Early research shows it can reduce risk factors for heart disease like inflammation while also lowering blood pressure and "bad" LDL cholesterol.
Semaglutide only needs to be injected once weekly, making it very convenient compared to medications taken daily. The easy dosing helps improve adherence.
With all of these advantages, it's no wonder semaglutide is quickly becoming a preferred treatment option for many people with diabetes or struggling with excess weight.
Semaglutide injections can be a good option for adults with type 2 diabetes that is uncontrolled with diet, exercise, and other oral medications. It may be used alone or combined with other diabetes drugs. Semaglutide is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Ideally, candidates for semaglutide will have an initial A1c level of 7% or higher. They also need to be willing and able to administer weekly self-injections. People with certain medical conditions like diabetic retinopathy may need additional monitoring while on treatment.
For chronic weight management, semaglutide can be appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m^2 or higher (or a BMI 27 with an obesity-related condition like diabetes or hypertension). Individuals should have tried losing weight through diet and exercise alone without success.
Just as with diabetes, success requires following the dosing schedule and self-administering injections. Certain medical conditions may require adjustments to dosing or additional tests. For the best weight loss, nutrition and fitness counselling is also recommended.
Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar and body weight through several physiological mechanisms:
Together, these effects make it easier to control portions, lose excess fat, improve glycemic control, and support other positive lifestyle changes. Results can be quite significant with continued treatment.
Here is a 55-word interesting, unexpected and less known fact about semaglutide: Semaglutide was originally developed as a potential treatment for diabetes, but clinical trials found it also causes significant weight loss in obese patients without diabetes. This led to the FDA approving a high dose injection of semaglutide called Wegovy specifically for chronic weight management in 2021.
At Balance Hormone Clinic in Doral, starting semaglutide therapy is straightforward. We provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique health needs.
Make an appointment with one of our medical providers to determine if semaglutide treatment could be beneficial for you. We will:
If treatment is recommended, our staff can assist with the prior authorization process required by most insurance plans. We handle all aspects of this paperwork hassle for you.
Self-pay options are also available for patients without insurance coverage. Talk to us about flexible financing and discounted pricing.
Once approved, you will return to our office to be trained on proper injection technique and receive your initial 4 week semaglutide supply. Follow-up visits then occur monthly to monitor progress, adjust dosing as needed, and provide refills.
For best results, you'll work with our nutritionist and fitness experts to make impactful lifestyle changes. We are your partners in health every step of the way!
The typical dosing protocol when starting semaglutide is as follows:
Week 1-4 - 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly
Week 5-12 - 0.5 mg injected once weekly
Week 13 - 1 mg injected once weekly
Treatment is continued long-term for type 2 diabetes. For weight management, semaglutide can be taken for up to 2 years per FDA approval.
Some patients do experience temporary gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when first starting. These generally resolve within a month or two as the body adjusts. Taking the medication with food or slowing titration can help ease symptoms.
Beyond better blood glucose control and weight loss, emerging research shows semaglutide may provide other advantages:
Studies demonstrate significant reductions in LDL "bad" cholesterol along with increases in HDL "good" cholesterol. This leads to lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Semaglutide helps relax blood vessels while also supporting weight loss through reduced abdominal visceral fat. This abdominal fat is strongly associated with high blood pressure.
Chronic inflammation appears to be reduced with long-term semaglutide use by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and other markers. Less inflammation equals better health.
Up to 70% of obese individuals have a fatty liver which can progress to more harmful conditions. By facilitating weight (especially visceral fat) loss and improving insulin sensitivity, semaglutide helps resolve unhealthy fat accumulation in the liver.
With substantial improvements in glucose control, weight, cardiovascular markers, and liver health - semaglutide gives people their lives back! Patients report improved productivity, social engagement, self-confidence, mobility, sleep quality and more on treatment. What a difference feeling fit and healthy makes.
The downstream benefits of semaglutide extend far beyond hemoglobin A1c percentages and the number on the scale alone. Let us help you optimize all aspects of your health and wellbeing!
Here in Doral and the greater Miami area, Balance Hormone Clinic is a leading choice for semaglutide injections and related treatments. As a fully licensed and accredited outpatient medical spa, our experienced staff specialize in modern therapies for diabetes, weight loss, hormone balance, sexual health, and much more.
Our clinic offers same-day semaglutide consults and is open evenings and weekends by appointment for maximum convenience. Skip the long waits - start your journey toward better health now!
Each client receives customized care tailored to their unique metabolic and endocrine needs. We don't take a rigid "one-size-fits-all" approach. Semaglutide dosing, lifestyle guidance, additional meds, testing, and follow-up are precision matched to your body.
From advanced diagnostics to innovative treatments, Balance Hormone Clinic invests in the latest medical technologies proven to deliver results. We want clients to have access to the safest, most effective solutions available. Expect world-class care that leverages science to optimize outcomes.
Our beautiful, modern clinic offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can feel at ease. We treat every client with the utmost respect, compassion, and confidentiality they deserve. Your comfort comes first.
Semaglutide works best when combined with healthy lifestyle choices tailored to your needs. Here are some tips to make the most of treatment:
Work with our onsite dietitian to develop eating habits that stabilize blood sugar, control portions, and aid sustainable fat loss. We'll craft a meal plan around your preferences that balances nutrition with enjoyment. Local favorites like Latin cuisine and fresh seafood provide tasty options!
Use a fitness tracking watch or app to monitor daily movement goals. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like walking, swimming, tennis, salsa dancing and more. Doral offers spectacular parks, paths, recreation centers, and a perfect year-round climate to stay active outdoors.
Consider implementing a daily fasting period of 14-18 hours between your last evening meal and first morning meal. This allows insulin to fall and metabolic flexibility to increase. Fasting is a science-backed way to optimize many markers of health. Our nutritionist can advise you if appropriate.
Don't undermine progress by ignoring mental health. Set aside time each day to meditate, enjoy nature, connect with others, or do activities that relax both mind and body. Companies like Doral Fitness teach anti-stress practices like tai chi and yoga.
Aim for 7-9 hours per night of quality sleep to allow hormones, appetite signaling, and energy levels to normalize. Simple changes like limiting electronics before bed, blackout window treatments, and consistency help many people sleep better.
Succeeding with a comprehensive health optimization plan requires accessing great local resources. Here are some of our top recommendations in Doral:
For blood tests, imaging, and diagnostics - visit Doral Diagnostics. Their skilled phlebotomists, ultrasounds techs and interpretable report formats have patients raving.
GetFit Doral offers customized fitness guidance, body analysis, group classes and other tools to meet activity goals. Their trainers specialize in accountable coaching.
When life gets too busy, let Doral Fresh Meals provide nutritious chef-prepared dishes to your door. Choose from dozens of delicious dietitian-approved options every week.
Recharge your body and beauty at Glow MedSpa. Their cutting-edge tech for skin rejuvenation, injectables, massage, and body contouring enhances confidence.
The licensed therapists at Doral Wellness assist with anxiety, relationships, productivity, purpose and more. In-person or virtual sessions available.
Don't hesitate to ask us about local businesses if you need a recommendation! Doral offers exceptional establishments to support total health during treatment.
We hope this guide gave you a helpful overview about semaglutide and why it could be the game-changing solution you've been searching for. Our outstanding medical team is excited to meet with you, answer any remaining questions, and get you started on the path toward reclaiming your best physical and mental self.
Living vibrantly with diabetes or at your ideal weight is absolutely achievable. You no longer have to accept unsatisfactory health or constant frustration. Instead of just managing diseases, it's time to truly thrive again!
Contact Balance Hormone Clinic in Doral to schedule a convenient consultation about semaglutide injections or our other transformational services benefiting clients daily. The possibilities for positive change are endless - what matters most is taking that first step!
