If you are someone dealing with type -2 diabetes or weight management issues, then semaglutide is the name you must have heard of. It is a glucagon-like peptide ( GLP- 1) receptor agonist, with the property to mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar levels. The dosage of semaglutide receives hype due to its effects on controlling food intake thus maintaining weight. Let’s see how this drug helps regulate the blood sugar level. We will take a closer look at the drop in blood sugar which is considered low, and known as hypoglycemia.
How Semaglutide Works?
As mentioned earlier, the dosage of semaglutide is given to type-2 diabetes patients to regulate blood sugar levels. These are the ways it works:
- Insulin Regulation: Whenever we take food, the hormone GLP-1 signals the pancreas to release insulin to regulate the blood sugar level. It helps to bring the level to the normal range. By mimicking this effect, the semaglutide also helps to regulate this for type -2 diabetes patients.
- Slowing Digestion: GLP-1 is known to slow down digestion to manage the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It will help to regulate blood sugar levels and proper absorption of carbohydrates.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar Level
As it regulates blood sugar levels, there can be chances of drooping of the level to a risky level, which is known as hypoglycemia. It happens especially when the medication is used in combination with other diabetic medications. However, it is important to note the symptoms before concluding you are having hypoglycemia. These include:
- Shakiness in the body
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Blurred Vision
Reasons for Lower Blood Sugar with Semaglutide
There could be varied reasons for lower blood sugar levels due to semaglutide medication, such as:
- Dosage: If the dosage of semaglutide is higher, then the chances of hypoglycemia are more.
- Combination of Other Medication: If you are taking medication for diabetics, it can cause low blood sugar levels.
- Diet and Exercise: Proper diet and exercise play a vital role in controlling blood sugar apart from the medication.
- Individual Body: The individual body responds differently to the dosage.
How to Prevent Lower Blood Sugar?
The chances of blood sugar level can be prevented by following some basic instructions, like:
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar level to keep track of it.
- Always follow the doctor’s prescribed dosage of semaglutide
- Eat healthy and proper food
- Be aware of the signs of low blood sugar to take the proper action on time.
Conclusion
While semaglutide is known as a medication given to type-2 diabetes patients, its benefits in weight loss are not hidden. As it regulates blood sugar, in some cases, it lowers the blood sugar to a risky level. It may cause sweating or shakiness in the body. When given proper attention on time, it can be prevented. Factors like dosage or individual body affect the blood sugar level while taking semaglutide as a medication. Consult your doctor if you have any symptoms of hypoglycemia to avoid further complications.
