GLP-1 drugs: more than a shot 👉 a pathway to a healthier lifestyle
Winter is a difficult time for many people to keep up healthy exercise. Less sun, cold and lots of eating times make it difficult to maintain weight. Still, it is especially important now to pay close attention to lifestyle and blood sugar, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.
What are GLP-1 drugs?
Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy (active ingredient:semaglutide), and Saxenda and Victoza (active ingredient:liraglutide), belong to the group GLP-1 agonists. These drugs stimulate the GLP-1 receptor in the body. This causes more insulin to be produced, lowers blood sugar and makes you less likely to get hungry. The stomach also empties more slowly, so you eat less. This helps regulate blood sugar as well as weight loss.
A newer drug is Mounjaro (active ingredient:tirzepatide). This drug acts on two systems simultaneously: GLP-1 AND GIP. As a result, it often has a stronger effect on lowering blood sugar and losing weight than drugs that work on GLP-1 alone.
When do you qualify?
According to the NHG Standard Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (the guideline for general practitioners), GLP-1 drugs are used only when lifestyle measures and metformin do not help enough. They are intended for people who are overweight or at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
For use only to lose weight, without diabetes, this treatment is reimbursed in the Netherlands only under strict conditions.
Counseling and monitoring
Treatment with a GLP-1 drug always requires proper guidance from a physician, diabetes nurse and pharmacist. The dose is built up slowly to limit side effects such as nausea. We pay attention to possible interactions with other medications, such as insulin or blood pressure medications, and provide advice on safe use, refrigerator storage and proper injection technique.
Buy these drugs never over the Internet!
Buy GLP-1 drugs never online. There are increasing reports of poisonings from counterfeit or improperly used weight-loss drugs sold over the Internet. Use these medicines only through pharmacies and after consulting your doctor.
Read more about this in the reports by NOS and the AD:
Lifestyle remains the foundation
GLP-1 drugs are not a panacea, but they can help maintain healthy habits. Regular exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep remain the most important steps for stable blood sugar.
Do you want to know more about the treatment of diabetes and the role of GLP-1 drugs? Check NHG.org or Apotheek.nl for reliable information, or ask us for personal advice.
