Despite its popularity, it is still very rare to hear about the living experiences of people taking Ozempic.
Stevie Cook, a legal assistant in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has lived with diabetes for the past 23 years. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10, so in addition to insulin pump therapy, he has been using Ozempic for the past 15 months to manage his diabetes.
Cook sat down with us and shared their stories.
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug that is commonly prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood glucose (sugar) and A1C levels and to address insulin resistance.
Although approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has seen off-label use in type 1 diabetes cases to manage similar issues such as insulin resistance.
This unlabeled application has contributed to growing popularity among people across a wide range of diabetes, but such use has not been officially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How did you start getting Ozempic?
Cook was interested in exploring Ozempic to manage insulin resistance, a condition in which the body requires more insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels, and consulted with a pharmacist who believed it would be beneficial. Encouraged by this, the chef’s statement,
“So I approached the doctor and started an argument.”
Many people with type 1 diabetes develop levels of insulin resistance similar to those seen in type 2 diabetes, especially after managing their condition for many years.
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs mimic the effects of hormones that are naturally involved in hunger, bloating, insulin sensitivity, blood glucose levels, and stomach emptying. These hormones are usually lacking in people with both types of diabetes, which can complicate disease management.
Read more about this drug: Everything you need to know about Ozempic.
This flaw is why drugs like Ozempic are useful. It helps in treating insulin resistance and improving blood glucose and A1c levels (a measure of glucose control over the past 2-3 months).
Learn more about blood sugar and A1c. Blood glucose level: Targets for blood glucose level and A1C.
Why did your doctor want you to take Ozempic?
Overcoming doctors’ hesitancy is an important barrier to accessing drugs like Ozempic, especially those with type 1 diabetes. This hesitation stems from the fact that Ozempic is officially approved by the FDA only to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, the underlying mechanism of action of ozempic – the way in which insulin secretion and affects blood glucose levels are similar in both types of diabetes.
As a result, many doctors are considering prescribing drugs “off-label” prescriptions (without FDA approval). This is especially common in people with type 1 diabetes who are dealing with insulin resistance and persistent hyperglycemia levels.
Research is currently underway to assess the efficacy of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, in the hope that these studies will lead to FDA approval for this use. Such approvals will simplify access to these medications for all people with diabetes.
Cook will recount,
“My doctor was not very keen to prescribe it at first, but agreed to try it for insulin resistance.
Have you experienced any side effects? still?
Ozempic can cause a variety of negative effects, especially when you start the drug first. Cook experienced some of these effects, notable
“I had a lot of nausea and vomiting for the first three or four weeks, but that went away.”
When starting to take drugs, people often experience side effects first. These side effects of Ozempic can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Hypoglycemia (especially if you are taking insulin)
Usually, these side effects often sink on their own as the body adapts to the medication. However, it is important to be aware of rare but serious side effects, such as serious gastrointestinal problems, and to discuss persistent or worsening symptoms with your health care provider.
For more information about potential side effects, see below. Ozempic Side Effects: Things You Need to Know.
Has your diabetes management improved since taking Ozempic?
Ozempic is effective in not only lowering blood glucose and A1c levels, but also in suppressing blood glucose spikes.
Cook shares their experiences:
“I don’t experience bad hyperglycemia often right now. When I do, they are ‘low sticky’. They don’t stay high for a long time and the crashdown is not so serious. ”
Thanks to these improvements, they have been using Ozempic for over 15 months, demonstrating the long-term efficacy of the drug in improving both blood sugar levels and overall diabetes management.
Have you ever been surprised about taking Ozempic?
Cook had anticipated some unfavourable side effects from Ozempic, but they were surprised at how effective it was to manage blood sugar levels.
Despite a national shortage of US drug therapy, Cook reports that he has not had any difficulties in winning the Ozempic in Canada. They plan to take the medication in the near future.
Is the medicine affordable for you?
One of the more difficult aspects of managing diabetes with medications like Ozempic is its cost. Cook notes that without insurance, medicines are not affordable. For example, in the US, the list price is $935.77 per month.
They say,
“I have a big benefits plan through my employer, but at first my doctor provided memos, so they spoke directly to my insurance company and they approved it under my coverage.
Navigating complex pre-approval processes to ensure the medication you need can be frustrating. Fortunately, through sustained negotiations and clear communication, Cook successfully secured coverage of Ozempic prescriptions.
Any tips or advice for anyone who wants to take photos of Ozempic?
Cook offers important advice:
“If cost coverage is a problem for you, I recommend pushing it with your insurance company.
Match the injection. And don’t let anyone say you “just take it and lose weight.” People don’t want to hear that it could be beneficial, they just think we’re in vain. Self-advocacy may be challenging, but it was worth it for me! ”
Final Thoughts
Navigating the complexities of diabetes management is more than just following prescribed medical regimens.
Cook’s experience with Ozempic highlights the important role of self-addressing and personalized care in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Despite the hurdles, Cook’s persistence and insurance barriers in overcoming Cook’s doctor’s hesitations underscore the importance of defending yourself in the healthcare system.
Cook’s journey also highlights the evolving landscape of diabetes treatment. There is hope that more people will have access to this effective medication due to the exterior use of drugs in type 1 diabetes.
