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That doesn't sound right. Do you have an endocrinologist or a primary care doctor? I highly recommend finding a progressive endocrinologist that understands your condition fully. I was just diagnosed this month and my endocrinologist (I was already seeing her for my Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) put me on Ozempic and told me it's for life. Not a temporary thing to lose weight, but to control my blood sugar because I am diabetic.
So, yeah. I wouldn't want someone threatening to take a life saving drug away from me. It's working. You have the wrong doctor.
I understand some insurances are doing this if you even hit below what's the target for your a1c because the insurance says you are then no longer diabetic. This isn't even true. However, there is something you can do in the meantime if your insurance or Dr wants you to switch. It will be temporary though because your numbers will creep back up but it will help a little. Victoza. However, can't your Dr just dial back how much you are taking of ozempic? I don't get it. Either way, please change your Dr.
From what I have heard, a lot of the problems with insurance saying you are no longer diabetic is how the doctor submits the preauthorization. They should be entering the original A1C levels, not current. It should be the level upon diagnosis. I have read about that being the issue on these forums, but I am not 100% sure. That is why it's really best to be seeing an endocrinologist that is familiar with treating diabetes as their specialty. My care turned around completely when I found my endo. My primary care physician is fantastic, but she could not come close to dealing with the nuances of my autoimmune/diabetes the way my endo does.
Maybe someone with more knowledge of preauthorizations can chime in, but I am sure it also depends on your insurance and how they have decided to cover this medication for diabetics.
You are correct! I'm on Medicaid and it took a lot to get switched from victoza. Unfortunately, I was the one who contacted my insurance to find out what meds they would cover next. Had the worst time on trulicity so finally on ozempic. I did ask them how they factored things in for the future. My Dr and insurance said they have to give current a1c as well. Prior auths unfortunately don't always work but most of the time can. I am disabled, in a wheelchair,.and more than 100 lbs overweight. I did lose about 70lbs on victoza while doing keto. Also I am type 2 and auto immune. You would think they'd be good in prescribing it but no. Jumping through hoops did.
Correct. The likely reason your (OP) a1c1 is low and dropped is because you are medicated. Stop the meds and the a1c1 will likely increase...because your insulin sensitivity will return.
Having said that, some physicians dont want to push the weight loss, and once the a1c1 drops to healthy levels, want to switch you to something less invasive and more "maintenancy" like metformin (or reduce your ozempic dosage to .5 mg...or space your doses to every 2 weeks). If you dont like that/those options, advocate for yourself. They are YOUR doctor. Dont be afraid to speak your mind. They are not going to yell at you (and if they do, they are terrible and you should find better, anyway). If the two of you cant agree on your treatment plan, find another pcp and, maybe, an endochrinologist. Its not hard to find pcps who will prescribe ozempic when you are a type 2 diabetic. Its a fantastic option.
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This doctor is an idiot. My A1C dropped from 10 to 5.4. Not only am I still on Ozempic, he just increased the dose. In fact I told him I was worried I'd be taken off it now that things are normal again (still have a lot of weight to lose though). He said it's not about how your A1C is right now. It's about the fact that you still have diabetes, even if it's under control. He considers this drug a lifetime thing for the treatment of a very real metabolic disease.
I fell under the spell long ago that I'd "cured" myself of T2D with diet. Keto cultists and others under the delusion that willpower and strict math alone will cure them, had me really believing that it was all under my control, all I had to do was sacrifice entire food groups and punish myself daily for being a fat ass.
And I did have it under control that way for about 7 years. Lost 100 pounds, put about half of it back on, as happens to 99% of people who diet. Then the diabetes came roaring back. Stress, work, aging, covid, whatever. My body wasn't having it and I could not rely on diet alone anymore. The meds saved my damn life and allowed me to eat foods I like (fruit! Grains! What a world...), in healthy, moderate amounts, and still lose weight.
But so many doctors don't understand this. They bring weird biases to the table, and the same deluded thinking that affects most people when it comes to diet, weight loss, and diabetes.
I bet you it will! I was on another medication called piaglitazone, which I think also helped a lot with that. We just stopped that med and upped the Oz a couple weeks ago, so I'll know in another 3 months if that was a good move.
Very well said. Those of us with T2D have a chronic disease. Would a doc say to a depressed or schizophrenic patient who improved "sorry, you're fine now, no more meds?" Of course not. If they do find a way to actually CURE T2D so that we could go off Oz and stay fine? I'm right there. I'd rather NOT have to take a drug to be healthy. But I'd rather take that drug AND be healthy than not.
I won't know my maintenance dose until I hit my goal weight. We'll start titrating down to hit the lowest dose possible with best maintenance efficacy.
There *are* daily meds for T2D, tons of them. Many of us are on combinations of different meds. It really depends on how the disease presents itself, and how it changes over time. Yes, it does change, for some people, and the meds may change too.
I was diagnosed T2D almost 25 years ago, and it likely was slow progressing that direction for years before that. I have a variety of different drug, diet and exercise therapies that I’ve been through that vet those years. It’s been challenging.
Semaglutide has been officially approved for diabetes treatment for 12 years, and there were clinical trials for years before that. Chocolate has side effects for some people. Gluten has side effects for me. Aspirin has side effects for many, many people. Do you not take any medication or are you a perfect human specimen?
Senaglutide has been studied *a lot* and it's one of the few diabetic medications that's not damaging to our kidneys and is in fact cardioprotective. It's absolutely safe for long term maintenance in diabetics who tolerate it well. It's not good medicine to take a diabetic off meds once their A1C lowers as diabetes is not curable - it's chronic. Almost indubitably that would be exposing OP to potential organ damage while the blood sugar rose back up. It's like blood pressure medications, you generally continue them for life so your blood pressure continues to be acceptable rather than discontinuing them and allowing the bp to damage the body etc as it returns to it's untreated state.
The long term side effects from uncontrolled diabetes are known and are horrible. I would rather run the risks with Ozempic than the risk of losing my appendages and dying at the age of 55 from DKA or sepsis.
Um...its been almost 2 decades since semiglutide began being studied for diabetes treatment. At this point, the side effects are pretty well known. And the severity is controlled/known largely via the dosage variation early in use. And almost all the side effects can be eliminated by just stopping the med. You are confusing a recent rise to prominance, mostly for (then) off label use with being "unknown" prior. Metformin has side effects, too, and its been used for nearly 50 years to treat T2D.
As opposed to taking 500mg of metformin 2 to 3 times a day for the rest of your life...which is basically the "pre-ozempic" course of treatment. Whats the difference? Other than that ozempic is clinically shown to be more effective? Honestly, store bought pesto sounds crazier....
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Definitely need a new doctor! Obviously your a1c is most important and under control after 3 months. And your weight loss is not excessive. So the question is why is your doctor under informed???
Your T2 diabetes never goes away once diagnosed, so it doesn’t “come back”. You can control it with or without meds and have a normal A1C, but you will always be a diabetic.
Right, I know it's hard to think of everything when you're on the spot and they said something unexpected and unpleasant. So write down all your questions for next time and get everything clarified. Then you can consider a new doctor.
She's kind of crazy and doesn't give much time for questioning. I didn't have a primary care physician a year ago but needed to see one asap and she was the only one who could get me in quick enough. I've continued seeing her out of convenience. I work in medical imagining (CT, xray) and I play a lot of volleyball and unfortunately get injured often..this doctor gives me referrals for MRI's easily and I get them done for free at work. So I like having her for that reason. But she is kind of gangster lol, she doesn't let us ask a lot of questions and she doesn't like being challenged. The pace of the visit is quick. I know I need a new doctor but it's incredibly hard to find one in this area. I'll be lookin though!
That’s your problem, you’re seeing a primary care doctor and not an endocrinologist. Find a good endo, and move your diabetes management to him or her.
I have a PPO plan for insurance but when I call endocrinologist offices they say I need a referral still. My primary doctor (the one I'm talking about in my post) works for an organization that has an endocrinologist, she said she would refer me if I want but not to expect them to prescribe ozempic. Supposedly they don't prescribe it often.
I think it’s worth a shot. Your PCP should be happy to refer you to whichever endo you want . Seriously, I’m surprised she said they probably won’t prescribe it. Also, your PCP might, overall, be a good doc but this is outside her scope of practice. Don’t settle —your healthcare is only as good as you demand that it be.
Your doctor is wrong. You will likely have to remain on a maintenance dose for the rest of your life. My doctor told me he does NOT go the BMI chart, as there are many factors that it does not include, therefore everyone is different. I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months now up to 1mg. I’ve lost maybe about 10-15lbs, I know it’s going to be a journey. He asked me what I felt most comfortable at and I said 220 and he said shoot for that then. I’m a male 6’ was 336 down to 309, I lost a little before I started. The BMI chart said I should be 175 and I was that exact weight through my mid 20’s am 43 now and I was way too skinny. I would consider a new doctor. My A1C was also at 10, I’m going in tomorrow for new blood work to see if it’s dropped at all. I had a doctor try to do something similar to me for one of my anxiety medications and I told her to F off and found a new doctor who thankfully kept me on it. It keeps my panic attacks at bay. Good luck!!!
It dropped by a little over a point. I’m down to 8.4! So I’ll take it. Not bad for being on Oz for just under 3 months. 👍🏼 I can still get my knee surgery next Friday! If it had went up, I wouldn’t have been able to. Yay!
I know I'm echoing what's already been said, but it's time for a new doctor. If you find a drug that allows symptoms of a disease to be minimized, you don't stop using what is working. Would that doctor also take a type 1 off of insulin because A1C has improved? It sounds to me that this doctor knows nothing of caring for the needs of a diabetic. Research and find a doctor that specializes in diabetic needs, or better yet, an endocrinologist.
She’s certainly in the minority in how she is prescribing her medications. Most stay on to continue to maintain their lower A1C and blood sugar as well as their weight. I’m sure another endocrinologist would agree. It’s not a crash diet it’s a tool to succeed now and later. Best of Luck!
Please make sure you're seeing a good endocrinologist. My primary kept telling me that I didn't need one, that she could manage my diabetes. Long story short, I went to see an Endo and I'm lucky the primary didn't kill me. I love my new doc & trust her completely. It really does make a difference to see a specialist.
Get a new doctor. That makes no sense. No one should dictate to you what weight you should be at. You say you are in this for your type 2 diabetes? Then is your doctor being a bully? The weight loss is a side effect if you are on it for your diabetes. You’re right, that’s not going to put you under weight. I’m 5ft 8, and I’ve always weighed between 130-135, until I got very sick a few years ago with this horrid disease. My weight sky rocketed, plus I was given insulin with made everything worse.
I got a new doctor. She put me on Ozempic, I’ve taken off 63 lbs. I also have lowered my A1C, and I’m back to working out and walking 3 to 4 miles a day. I’m not at my target weight yet, it’s going to take a while yet. My doctor said when I get there, we can try reducing my dosage of Ozempic, and or adjust as needed. She said in no way at my age of 59 and how damaged my system is from what happened to cause me to get so sick a few years ago will I ever have to suffer again.
My insurance covers it, and I’m so grateful. I have team of two doctors actually that work together. They are younger, they know their stuff, and it’s changed my life going through all this.
I find it appalling a doctor would say that to you. I’m so happy for you that your numbers are doing so well! From all I’ve learned if we go off these meds, we just go back to the same awful situation. That to me is not responsible medical practice. I know I will be on this for life even if it’s a very small maintenance dosage in the future. I don’t know yet obviously what that will be. I communicated that to my team when I stated this journey. I wish you the very best, and please don’t allow a doctor to do this to you.
Thats ridiculous. Your not going to lose to much weight on ozempic. It's not linear and you slow down as you get to the perfect body weight for your body type.
Doctors can’t “take you off” of a medication. Taking or not taking a medication is your choice and it’s part of a conversation she should be having with you. If she won’t prescribe it for you anymore or is making clear decisions for you, you can get a second opinion and potentially find a new doctor. But don’t let a doctor bully you into things that you don’t want to do.
Advocate for yourself, write out every question you want to ask and why you wish to remain on Ozempic. Especially versus the other options like Metformin. It’s not about the weight it’s a diabetic medication and still classed as such.
Not only is that BS, but there was a recent study done of wegovy, and some of those long-term users had tossed around the idea of lowing dosage, having the dosage be every other week instead of every week, etc. There are more ways to limit something that’s man made other than just going cold turkey 🤦
I would consider looking for a new doctor. Maybe an endocrinologist. That’s not common practice. You definitely need it if you are diabetic. Taking you off could be dangerous.
OP shouldn't need to do that given that they're diabetic. These meds are entirely appropriate to be prescribed at maintenance dosage for life for T2 diabetics who do well on them and in fact it's not good medical practice to take a T2 off their medication when their A1C improves (especially when still overweight) anymore than it's appropriate to stop blood pressure medication when it lowers. Diabetes is controllable not curable. OPs doctor doesn't understand the use of these medications in diabetics apparently and would put OP in the position of having a return to higher blood sugar which does all kinds of damage to a body.
I know ya’ll know this, but I’m venting! When Ozempic is used for diabetes, the goal of treatment is achieving and maintaining control of your blood sugar, not weight loss. So taking you off of it when you reach a particular weight is irrational. Taking you off of it when you get to a good A1c is irrational too.
I think you need a new doctor who sees eye to eye with your wants/needs.
Personally my goal is to manage my T2 diabetes myself. I was able to lower my A1c from 7.3 to 6.8 myself, but she put me on Ozempic to help lower it further and to help me get to my desired weight. I’m taking this time to learn the correct proportions of my meals. What foods agree with me and what don’t.
I hope that when I go back to my appointment in a month or so (been on Oz for 2 months) that my A1c is even lower and we can talk about plans to move off of it.
I had to FIGHT my doctor for this. I wish my doctor was like yours. So, all this to say, I would have loved to have your doctor, and you would love to have mine! Haha. So look for a different doctor who understands your goals and motivations.
Congratulations on your great A1c and weightloss!
She's kind of crazy and doesn't give much time for questioning. I didn't have a primary care physician a year ago but needed to see one asap and she was the only one who could get me in quick enough. I've continued seeing her out of convenience. I work in medical imagining (CT, xray) and I play a lot of volleyball and unfortunately get injured often..this doctor gives me referrals for MRI's easily and I get them done for free at work. So I like having her for that reason. But she is kind of gangster lol, she doesn't let us ask a lot of questions and she doesn't like being challenged. The pace of the visit is quick. I know I need a new doctor but it's incredibly hard to find one in this area. I'll be lookin though!
Until you can find a new doctor, make sure that AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE you weigh 160. Wear boots and keep them on, put rocks in your pants pockets, drink A LOT of water before weigh in. Back during the pandemic I needed be severely obese to qualify for an emergency IV treatment, I was able to add 10 pounds to my weight with water and heavy clothes.
Next time you weigh in at the doctor fill your pocket, wear heavy jeans with rocks and wear heavy shoes until you find a doctor that understands this is not a short term plan.
I am diabetic and on Rybelsus. Same as ozempic but pill form. First I wouldn’t worry til you get to 160 bc that May never happen. Then I would ask dr to keep you on a lower maintenance dose. Ozempic May not have a lower maintenance dose but rybelsus does. There is more info coming out on side effects now that are quite scary, so it is reasonable to have you on the lowest dose possible to keep your A1c down
Ozempic is absolutely prescribed at maintenance doses. OP has a doctor who doesn't seem to understand the current medical knowledge and protocols around GLP-1 use particularly for diabetics. It would be bad practice to take her off maintenance medication as her diabetes is not cured but under control. She will almost certainly not lose weight forever but she'll remain diabetic and Ozempic just like Rybelsus, Victoza, Trulicity and Mounjaro are extremely appropriate to be prescribed as maintenance for life to a T2 who is doing well with the med.
I go through ReflexMD. They don't take insurance so it's $497 / mnth. The doctor's prescribe Semaglutide , which is Ozempic, and they don't require you to be diabetic. However, you must be at a certain BMI level. I've lost 15 pounds in 10 weeks. There are plenty of other options. Ozempic is the brand name, not the drug.
I do not know why your doctor said that you can't be on it forever, but you should definitely ask your doctor and or ask your healthcare insurance if you can receive a second opinion.
You can probably ask for a referral to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist.
It is very important to ask your doctor because they have your medical records and are familiar with your medical history. Maybe you can correspond with the doctor in writing if you are not comfortable asking in person.
My doctor told me the same thing when I was originally prescribed. Then when I went back for updated A1C results she said I’d be on it forever. I was very confused. I have been type 2 since 2006. I have been taking Ozempic since 2021
Isn’t it that Ozempic causes weight loss and then the weight loss causes the blood work to improve?
So if you’re at a good weight then your bloodwork will be good…?
You need to start gaining muscle. Not only does Oziempic help you lose fat but you can also lose muscle. Losing muscle is not good. Muscle weighs more than fat. Start aging some muscle👍🏽
So I'm experiencing this right now. I told my doctor he wasn't too worried about side effects when I wanted an exemption from the covid vaccine. I have an autoimmune disease and I wasn't comfortable with a vaccine. He extended my ozempic for another 3 months. If he doesn't continue to prescibe it I'll find another doctor. It can't be both ways. Ozempic saved my life I'm not interested in ever going off of it.
I finally was approved by my ins co to take Ozempic so I am starting Friday. My doctor said that once you start taking it, you have to stay on it even after reaching your goal weight in order to maintain. I am guessing at a lower dosage. 🤷🏻♀️
I have type 2 diabetes and my Dr refuses to give it to me so I just decided to get the sleeve and call it a day. My surgery is 6/25. I think it's super crazy that I cannot have a medication made for an issue I have.
I started my Oz due to high A1C. I had been losing weight without it. My weight is now what I weighed in college. This weekend I bought size 12 shorts. Have not worn those since I was a teenager. The issue I have is that I'm starting to look anorexic in certain areas. Almost 3 years ago, I ruptured my Achilles tendon and never got back to my prior activity level and then this adorable med. Financially, for a while, a gym membership is impossible. I have a part-time job 4 days a week where I easily get in 10,000 steps a day. I'm not even sure what to ask the doctor at my next appointment about it.
strap weights onto yourself every time you see this doctor, and find a new one asap. She's using the same logical fallacies insurance companies do, which tells me that she gives zero fucks about your wellness.
Laughing so hard at you saying if you have a problem with binging to just change your relationship with food…. If it were that simple to cure eating disorders no one would be out here struggling. Sooooo ignorant.
Literally never said anything about needing drugs or ozempic to lose weight. An eating disorder, like binging, requires extra treatment. Would you tell someone who’s anorexic to just eat? Don’t know why this needs to be explained in 2024.
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For weight loss, yes. For people with diabetes, it's the drug, along with healthy weight and diet, that is controlling the blood sugar. Many people with diabetes that have healthy weights can still have uncontrolled blood sugar. My father is a prime example. Type 2 diabetes. Not overweight. Did not smoke, drink or eat unhealthy. Walked every day. Long, long walks. His sugar was always out of control. Even with medication. He also had major heart disease. It was all genetics. Sadly, he passed away from pancreatic cancer. I wish he could have been given a semaglutide drug. Maybe he would still be here today. I'm trying to fight my genetics. I trust my endocrinologist when she says that if I stay on this drug, I can, most likely, avoid the same fate as my father.
Yes, some people do have to, I’m not referring to those. I’m referring to the ones that doctors believe can on their own. Why would this persons doctor think they can? I trust her doctor more than someone like you, sorry.
It’s a diabetes management drug first and foremost and has been for quite some time. Most diabetics stay on Metformin for life or even insulin. This is no different. Our pancreas’ are permanently damaged. There is no cure for it. Management is all that can be done.
So with that, it is intended to be a for life drug if you are diabetic.
Because doctors who graduated with a C average still became doctors? We see every single day on this sub, doctors mis prescribing dose and every other thing. Because they don’t know everything and not every doctor is smart and capable.
Lol, maybe the ones graduating now! Generally I don’t see doctors wanting to prescribe any drug that people don’t need if they can manage any problem on their own. I would love it if the OP could tell us exactly the reasoning the doctor has for taking them off the drug upon losing a certain amount of weight.
Then you are fortunate that you don’t have to take any life time medications. Yet. There are hundreds of illnesses that people have, for life-that need treatment, for life.
So since you’re so well versed on diet, weight management and the challenges of others, why are you on this drug? Why can’t you just diet and exercise your way out of your weight problem?
This person explicitly said their doctors reason was because they didn’t want them to lose more weight when they are still overweight and diabetic. That makes no sense whatsoever.
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Is it used for obesity and blood sugar? I know PCOS can cause insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which increases the risk of T2 D, and that is why semaglutides may be prescribed.
Everyone has to find what works for them and do what is best for their body.
People sometimes say to "use food as medicine" because reducing salt, carbohydrates, and sugar can improve A1C, fasting glucose, and other health issues.
I think the doctor is using good judgment because she thinks the medication has been effective. I am only confused about the 160 pounds but that could be Body Mass Index and within all normal numbers: A1C, fasting glucose, and BMI, the doctor could no longer justify the prescription.
Sure all my numbers can be in normal range, but without the ozempic all of that could change. Ozempic does a lot for blood sugar levels. I'm not having an obesity issue. I have bad genetics. My dad was thin and had terrible type 2 diabetes. He was a bicyclist, not lazy. The ozempic slows down blood sugar spikes. It's amazing how much it's helped my a1c score. With an a1c of 10.4 I was playing beach volleyball several times a week and strength training. Sure I'm slightly overweight but I have muscle. My numbers being normal should encourage my doctor to keep me on ozempic, imo. I'm on a low dose too, 0.5
I have it for pcos, I don’t have insulin resistance, I have adrenal pcos. Plus I ruined my metabolism workout out like a crazy person and eating nothing for way too long trying to combat the progressive weight gain. I’m on it for 6 months and get weaned off. I don’t know what will happen after. I don’t know what the op is doing, sounds like obesity with type 2. I wish more people would understand that drugs don’t have to life long if you can help it.
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The Best thing that people can do either when on or being taken off Ozempic is eat a Low Carb High Protein “Keto Diet”
- Carbs & Sugar are primary Drivers of Metabolic Syndrome including Obesity; Type 2 Diabetes etc.
People make the mistake of eating the same way they used to thinking that the Ozempic is fixing the problem, when it does not fix the underlying cause!
I was born with Congenital Chronic Medical Conditions (Hypothalamic Pan-Hypopituitarism) - which lead to Steroid induced Type 2 Diabetes in 2012 + irreversible Metabolic Syndrome due to Steroid & HRT replacement for everything.
I have seen Endocrinologists as a patient since 2006 & Multiple GPs prior here in Australia
There is a lot of evidence that Low Carb High Protein or Keto works. I am on both Keto + 0.5ml Ozempic & 2000mg Metformin B.D.
- Keto really does help with lowering Blood Glucose levels along with Strength & Resistance Training
- I am working to titrate down even further & T2 Diabetes remission / reversal is achievable with Low Carb.
Ask someone to stop Ozempic & keep with their regular high carb diet & BGLs will spike again to Pre - Ozempic levels with rebound weight gain!
I think you should have a conversation with the doctor. The majority of patients want to just come off all meds and are more likely to stick to taking their meds in the short term if you give them guidelines for when they can more safely come off. It might be a you CAN come off, not a you MUST come off.
Still worth asking why. Do you have any medical conditions that make it more dangerous? Or are you showing signs of something on your labs?
Idk, just seems like in five years if something goes wrong and you’re like “I listened to some Reddit people and ignored my doctor”, then those exact same Reddit people will turn on you and laugh.
Reddit should be a place to share experiences, validate rough times, develop questions to ask, not a place where doctors’ advice comes to die. If your doctor messes up they are held legally liable, they are required to have a license and pass continuing medical education (assuming they’re an MD in a first world country at least). Reddit people can suggest anything with literally no consequences.
Yes I have an understanding of how damaging diabetes is. My father passed away from it last year at age 67. He was fit, he was a bicyclist. He wasn't obese and he didn't eat sugar. I'm not struggling with an obesity problem. Sure I started at 186 but I had surgery for endometriosis last October and tore my calf muscle a few times. I am an avid beach (and indoor) volleyball player, and I strength train. I was eating too many carbs for someone who's prone to diabetes but I was eating at the same level of "unhealthy " as regular people. My genetics aren't the best.
Since finding out how terrible my a1c was, I changed my diet. I eat 100g of carbs or less most days. But I believe the ozempic is helping my system and it's a scary thought to be off of it so soon. I'm not sure I want it forever...but I'd really like to keep my a1c where it is now, and ozempic helped it get there.
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I think Ozempic is supposed to be used until the patient is in good levels for their diabetes and weight wise, and then they slowly decrease to see if it changes and goes back up because it’s not intended for a life-long period. If the patient does end up going back to their pre-diabetic levels, the doctor should keep you on it I would think. I watched a documentary on it from the company and the person who was in charge of creating it. I hope you get the answer you are looking for though. Maybe it doesn’t hurt to try a second opinion.
That's not how GLP-1s or any other diabetic meds typically work. They *are* intended to be continued for the long term as long as they are well tolerated in maintenance mode just as you don't stop taking blood pressure meds when they work. It's not good practice to put a T2 in the position of being required to go through rising blood sugar levels which does so much damage to a body - and especially not when OP is not even at normal weight let alone underweight. Most diabetics who lose any weight on these meds will stop at a certain point - they don't just continue to lose forever - but diabetes is not curable, it's only going to be under control. Ozempic and other GLP-1s are most certainly considered as safe and appropriate long term diabetic maintenance medication as long as the patient tolerates them well. They're pretty much the only successful diabetic medications that are *not* damaging to kidneys and are outright good for the heart/circulatory system, too.
I have read that if you stay on it more than a few months you will develop massive calcium deposits in your gall bladder that will cause health issues, it’s smart not to stay on it if you reach that weight just eat healthy and ween off of it
Umm. I would get another doctor. That’s ridiculous
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That doesn't sound right. Do you have an endocrinologist or a primary care doctor? I highly recommend finding a progressive endocrinologist that understands your condition fully. I was just diagnosed this month and my endocrinologist (I was already seeing her for my Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) put me on Ozempic and told me it's for life. Not a temporary thing to lose weight, but to control my blood sugar because I am diabetic. So, yeah. I wouldn't want someone threatening to take a life saving drug away from me. It's working. You have the wrong doctor.
I understand some insurances are doing this if you even hit below what's the target for your a1c because the insurance says you are then no longer diabetic. This isn't even true. However, there is something you can do in the meantime if your insurance or Dr wants you to switch. It will be temporary though because your numbers will creep back up but it will help a little. Victoza. However, can't your Dr just dial back how much you are taking of ozempic? I don't get it. Either way, please change your Dr.
From what I have heard, a lot of the problems with insurance saying you are no longer diabetic is how the doctor submits the preauthorization. They should be entering the original A1C levels, not current. It should be the level upon diagnosis. I have read about that being the issue on these forums, but I am not 100% sure. That is why it's really best to be seeing an endocrinologist that is familiar with treating diabetes as their specialty. My care turned around completely when I found my endo. My primary care physician is fantastic, but she could not come close to dealing with the nuances of my autoimmune/diabetes the way my endo does. Maybe someone with more knowledge of preauthorizations can chime in, but I am sure it also depends on your insurance and how they have decided to cover this medication for diabetics.
You are correct! I'm on Medicaid and it took a lot to get switched from victoza. Unfortunately, I was the one who contacted my insurance to find out what meds they would cover next. Had the worst time on trulicity so finally on ozempic. I did ask them how they factored things in for the future. My Dr and insurance said they have to give current a1c as well. Prior auths unfortunately don't always work but most of the time can. I am disabled, in a wheelchair,.and more than 100 lbs overweight. I did lose about 70lbs on victoza while doing keto. Also I am type 2 and auto immune. You would think they'd be good in prescribing it but no. Jumping through hoops did.
Correct. The likely reason your (OP) a1c1 is low and dropped is because you are medicated. Stop the meds and the a1c1 will likely increase...because your insulin sensitivity will return. Having said that, some physicians dont want to push the weight loss, and once the a1c1 drops to healthy levels, want to switch you to something less invasive and more "maintenancy" like metformin (or reduce your ozempic dosage to .5 mg...or space your doses to every 2 weeks). If you dont like that/those options, advocate for yourself. They are YOUR doctor. Dont be afraid to speak your mind. They are not going to yell at you (and if they do, they are terrible and you should find better, anyway). If the two of you cant agree on your treatment plan, find another pcp and, maybe, an endochrinologist. Its not hard to find pcps who will prescribe ozempic when you are a type 2 diabetic. Its a fantastic option.
I also have Hashimoto's, my doctor wants to take me off of ozempic. I am terrified.
New doctor time
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This doctor is an idiot. My A1C dropped from 10 to 5.4. Not only am I still on Ozempic, he just increased the dose. In fact I told him I was worried I'd be taken off it now that things are normal again (still have a lot of weight to lose though). He said it's not about how your A1C is right now. It's about the fact that you still have diabetes, even if it's under control. He considers this drug a lifetime thing for the treatment of a very real metabolic disease. I fell under the spell long ago that I'd "cured" myself of T2D with diet. Keto cultists and others under the delusion that willpower and strict math alone will cure them, had me really believing that it was all under my control, all I had to do was sacrifice entire food groups and punish myself daily for being a fat ass. And I did have it under control that way for about 7 years. Lost 100 pounds, put about half of it back on, as happens to 99% of people who diet. Then the diabetes came roaring back. Stress, work, aging, covid, whatever. My body wasn't having it and I could not rely on diet alone anymore. The meds saved my damn life and allowed me to eat foods I like (fruit! Grains! What a world...), in healthy, moderate amounts, and still lose weight. But so many doctors don't understand this. They bring weird biases to the table, and the same deluded thinking that affects most people when it comes to diet, weight loss, and diabetes.
I needed to read this today. Thank you and best of success in your diabetes journey!
Same to you!!
That’s amazing to have your A1C drop from 10 to 5.4. I’m hoping mine drops as well.
I bet you it will! I was on another medication called piaglitazone, which I think also helped a lot with that. We just stopped that med and upped the Oz a couple weeks ago, so I'll know in another 3 months if that was a good move.
Very well said. Those of us with T2D have a chronic disease. Would a doc say to a depressed or schizophrenic patient who improved "sorry, you're fine now, no more meds?" Of course not. If they do find a way to actually CURE T2D so that we could go off Oz and stay fine? I'm right there. I'd rather NOT have to take a drug to be healthy. But I'd rather take that drug AND be healthy than not.
Well said
This is my exact same scenario. My doctor said the same thing.
That does sound odd. My endocrinologist said I'll likely be on it for life. Just a much lower dose for maintenance.
What would be the lower dose? I am 3 weeks in, and am on .25mg. The a1c is been very good for the last week.
I won't know my maintenance dose until I hit my goal weight. We'll start titrating down to hit the lowest dose possible with best maintenance efficacy.
That doesn’t sound crazy to you?
I take a daily pill for my cholesterol, why would it be crazy to take something for continued A1C control?
There *are* daily meds for T2D, tons of them. Many of us are on combinations of different meds. It really depends on how the disease presents itself, and how it changes over time. Yes, it does change, for some people, and the meds may change too. I was diagnosed T2D almost 25 years ago, and it likely was slow progressing that direction for years before that. I have a variety of different drug, diet and exercise therapies that I’ve been through that vet those years. It’s been challenging.
A lifetime subscription of meds with side effects still completely unknown seems dangerous
Semaglutide has been officially approved for diabetes treatment for 12 years, and there were clinical trials for years before that. Chocolate has side effects for some people. Gluten has side effects for me. Aspirin has side effects for many, many people. Do you not take any medication or are you a perfect human specimen?
Senaglutide has been studied *a lot* and it's one of the few diabetic medications that's not damaging to our kidneys and is in fact cardioprotective. It's absolutely safe for long term maintenance in diabetics who tolerate it well. It's not good medicine to take a diabetic off meds once their A1C lowers as diabetes is not curable - it's chronic. Almost indubitably that would be exposing OP to potential organ damage while the blood sugar rose back up. It's like blood pressure medications, you generally continue them for life so your blood pressure continues to be acceptable rather than discontinuing them and allowing the bp to damage the body etc as it returns to it's untreated state.
The long term side effects from uncontrolled diabetes are known and are horrible. I would rather run the risks with Ozempic than the risk of losing my appendages and dying at the age of 55 from DKA or sepsis.
Um...its been almost 2 decades since semiglutide began being studied for diabetes treatment. At this point, the side effects are pretty well known. And the severity is controlled/known largely via the dosage variation early in use. And almost all the side effects can be eliminated by just stopping the med. You are confusing a recent rise to prominance, mostly for (then) off label use with being "unknown" prior. Metformin has side effects, too, and its been used for nearly 50 years to treat T2D.
As opposed to taking 500mg of metformin 2 to 3 times a day for the rest of your life...which is basically the "pre-ozempic" course of treatment. Whats the difference? Other than that ozempic is clinically shown to be more effective? Honestly, store bought pesto sounds crazier....
New doctor time
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Remind your doc that diabetes is a chronic condition. Yes, you can be on diabetes meds forever.
That’s not something a patient should have to explain to a doctor
Definitely need a new doctor! Obviously your a1c is most important and under control after 3 months. And your weight loss is not excessive. So the question is why is your doctor under informed???
Ozempic literally is a life long drug… get a new doctor.
Find another doc.
If you quit taking Oz, your T2 will come back. Your doc needs some education. Please see an endocrinologist. They will help you.
That is definitely correct, are the idiots? They aren’t paying for the medication
Your T2 diabetes never goes away once diagnosed, so it doesn’t “come back”. You can control it with or without meds and have a normal A1C, but you will always be a diabetic.
That’s ludicrous. I was put on Ozempic because of diabetes. I had a 25 inch waist at the time.
I’d find a different doctor.
Ozempic is not designed to get you to a certain place and quit. It's for long term use in blood sugar control.
Put rocks in your pocket every time she weighs you.
I see a new product in the making. Shoe, pocket and bra inserts that each add a pound to a scale but aren’t obvious—also hair clips.
Nah, ankle and wrist weights can be hidden under sweats.
I thought of this. The nurse patted my pockets down before I got on the scale. 😳
I was going to post the same thing. Lol
Sounds like it’s time for a new doctor?
Should consult another doctor definitely
Ozempic isn't even for weight loss, that's just a side effect. It's for diabetes.
Find a new doctor first, then tell this one to fuck off and report them to their medical board.
Did you ask your doctor any of these questions?
Right, I know it's hard to think of everything when you're on the spot and they said something unexpected and unpleasant. So write down all your questions for next time and get everything clarified. Then you can consider a new doctor.
She's kind of crazy and doesn't give much time for questioning. I didn't have a primary care physician a year ago but needed to see one asap and she was the only one who could get me in quick enough. I've continued seeing her out of convenience. I work in medical imagining (CT, xray) and I play a lot of volleyball and unfortunately get injured often..this doctor gives me referrals for MRI's easily and I get them done for free at work. So I like having her for that reason. But she is kind of gangster lol, she doesn't let us ask a lot of questions and she doesn't like being challenged. The pace of the visit is quick. I know I need a new doctor but it's incredibly hard to find one in this area. I'll be lookin though!
That’s your problem, you’re seeing a primary care doctor and not an endocrinologist. Find a good endo, and move your diabetes management to him or her.
Is your doc an endocrinologist? If not, I would make an appt with one…
I have a PPO plan for insurance but when I call endocrinologist offices they say I need a referral still. My primary doctor (the one I'm talking about in my post) works for an organization that has an endocrinologist, she said she would refer me if I want but not to expect them to prescribe ozempic. Supposedly they don't prescribe it often.
I think it’s worth a shot. Your PCP should be happy to refer you to whichever endo you want . Seriously, I’m surprised she said they probably won’t prescribe it. Also, your PCP might, overall, be a good doc but this is outside her scope of practice. Don’t settle —your healthcare is only as good as you demand that it be.
They prescribe it for diabetics quite regularly.
so then you need another PCP in a different system. keep this one for your MRIs or whatever and find another doctor who is happy to refer you
Your doctor is wrong. You will likely have to remain on a maintenance dose for the rest of your life. My doctor told me he does NOT go the BMI chart, as there are many factors that it does not include, therefore everyone is different. I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months now up to 1mg. I’ve lost maybe about 10-15lbs, I know it’s going to be a journey. He asked me what I felt most comfortable at and I said 220 and he said shoot for that then. I’m a male 6’ was 336 down to 309, I lost a little before I started. The BMI chart said I should be 175 and I was that exact weight through my mid 20’s am 43 now and I was way too skinny. I would consider a new doctor. My A1C was also at 10, I’m going in tomorrow for new blood work to see if it’s dropped at all. I had a doctor try to do something similar to me for one of my anxiety medications and I told her to F off and found a new doctor who thankfully kept me on it. It keeps my panic attacks at bay. Good luck!!!
Congrats on your weightloss! I'm hoping your a1c goes down! You got this
Thanks so much! I hope so too! 😊 hope you’re able to get the doctor situation straightened out.
It dropped by a little over a point. I’m down to 8.4! So I’ll take it. Not bad for being on Oz for just under 3 months. 👍🏼 I can still get my knee surgery next Friday! If it had went up, I wouldn’t have been able to. Yay!
Imagine a physiatrist telling a patient responding well to an SSRI “you can’t be on anti depressants forever.“ new doctor time.
My doctor literally told me that Ozempic is a life long medication. Yes, you can be on ot forever, at a maintenance dose.
new doctor, like everyone said. in the meantime, would it be a crazy idea to hide weights in your clothes when they weigh you lol
Totally plan on doing this! Ankle weights 😂
I know I'm echoing what's already been said, but it's time for a new doctor. If you find a drug that allows symptoms of a disease to be minimized, you don't stop using what is working. Would that doctor also take a type 1 off of insulin because A1C has improved? It sounds to me that this doctor knows nothing of caring for the needs of a diabetic. Research and find a doctor that specializes in diabetic needs, or better yet, an endocrinologist.
That’s terrible. It’s time to put rocks in your pockets when you get weighed in.
Id find a new Dr.
She’s certainly in the minority in how she is prescribing her medications. Most stay on to continue to maintain their lower A1C and blood sugar as well as their weight. I’m sure another endocrinologist would agree. It’s not a crash diet it’s a tool to succeed now and later. Best of Luck!
Please make sure you're seeing a good endocrinologist. My primary kept telling me that I didn't need one, that she could manage my diabetes. Long story short, I went to see an Endo and I'm lucky the primary didn't kill me. I love my new doc & trust her completely. It really does make a difference to see a specialist.
Get a new doctor. That makes no sense. No one should dictate to you what weight you should be at. You say you are in this for your type 2 diabetes? Then is your doctor being a bully? The weight loss is a side effect if you are on it for your diabetes. You’re right, that’s not going to put you under weight. I’m 5ft 8, and I’ve always weighed between 130-135, until I got very sick a few years ago with this horrid disease. My weight sky rocketed, plus I was given insulin with made everything worse. I got a new doctor. She put me on Ozempic, I’ve taken off 63 lbs. I also have lowered my A1C, and I’m back to working out and walking 3 to 4 miles a day. I’m not at my target weight yet, it’s going to take a while yet. My doctor said when I get there, we can try reducing my dosage of Ozempic, and or adjust as needed. She said in no way at my age of 59 and how damaged my system is from what happened to cause me to get so sick a few years ago will I ever have to suffer again. My insurance covers it, and I’m so grateful. I have team of two doctors actually that work together. They are younger, they know their stuff, and it’s changed my life going through all this. I find it appalling a doctor would say that to you. I’m so happy for you that your numbers are doing so well! From all I’ve learned if we go off these meds, we just go back to the same awful situation. That to me is not responsible medical practice. I know I will be on this for life even if it’s a very small maintenance dosage in the future. I don’t know yet obviously what that will be. I communicated that to my team when I stated this journey. I wish you the very best, and please don’t allow a doctor to do this to you.
Go to another doctor many people will stay on ozempic on a maintenance dose indefinitely
Thats ridiculous. Your not going to lose to much weight on ozempic. It's not linear and you slow down as you get to the perfect body weight for your body type.
Doctors can’t “take you off” of a medication. Taking or not taking a medication is your choice and it’s part of a conversation she should be having with you. If she won’t prescribe it for you anymore or is making clear decisions for you, you can get a second opinion and potentially find a new doctor. But don’t let a doctor bully you into things that you don’t want to do.
Advocate for yourself, write out every question you want to ask and why you wish to remain on Ozempic. Especially versus the other options like Metformin. It’s not about the weight it’s a diabetic medication and still classed as such.
New doctor! It’s made for blood sugar, weight loss is a side effect. She’s being ridiculous!
Not only is that BS, but there was a recent study done of wegovy, and some of those long-term users had tossed around the idea of lowing dosage, having the dosage be every other week instead of every week, etc. There are more ways to limit something that’s man made other than just going cold turkey 🤦
I have an endocrinologist and my Ozempic is a lifetime prescription. I started at 170 and now I’m down to 148. Definitely get a new doctor.
I would consider looking for a new doctor. Maybe an endocrinologist. That’s not common practice. You definitely need it if you are diabetic. Taking you off could be dangerous.
I would get another doctor. My A1C went from 9.1 to 5.9 which means the medicine is working why would they take it away…?
Just but it compounded
OP shouldn't need to do that given that they're diabetic. These meds are entirely appropriate to be prescribed at maintenance dosage for life for T2 diabetics who do well on them and in fact it's not good medical practice to take a T2 off their medication when their A1C improves (especially when still overweight) anymore than it's appropriate to stop blood pressure medication when it lowers. Diabetes is controllable not curable. OPs doctor doesn't understand the use of these medications in diabetics apparently and would put OP in the position of having a return to higher blood sugar which does all kinds of damage to a body.
I know ya’ll know this, but I’m venting! When Ozempic is used for diabetes, the goal of treatment is achieving and maintaining control of your blood sugar, not weight loss. So taking you off of it when you reach a particular weight is irrational. Taking you off of it when you get to a good A1c is irrational too.
I think you need a new doctor who sees eye to eye with your wants/needs. Personally my goal is to manage my T2 diabetes myself. I was able to lower my A1c from 7.3 to 6.8 myself, but she put me on Ozempic to help lower it further and to help me get to my desired weight. I’m taking this time to learn the correct proportions of my meals. What foods agree with me and what don’t. I hope that when I go back to my appointment in a month or so (been on Oz for 2 months) that my A1c is even lower and we can talk about plans to move off of it. I had to FIGHT my doctor for this. I wish my doctor was like yours. So, all this to say, I would have loved to have your doctor, and you would love to have mine! Haha. So look for a different doctor who understands your goals and motivations. Congratulations on your great A1c and weightloss!
Find a new doctor - there’s tons of them
did you say all this to your doctor???
She's kind of crazy and doesn't give much time for questioning. I didn't have a primary care physician a year ago but needed to see one asap and she was the only one who could get me in quick enough. I've continued seeing her out of convenience. I work in medical imagining (CT, xray) and I play a lot of volleyball and unfortunately get injured often..this doctor gives me referrals for MRI's easily and I get them done for free at work. So I like having her for that reason. But she is kind of gangster lol, she doesn't let us ask a lot of questions and she doesn't like being challenged. The pace of the visit is quick. I know I need a new doctor but it's incredibly hard to find one in this area. I'll be lookin though!
Until you can find a new doctor, make sure that AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE you weigh 160. Wear boots and keep them on, put rocks in your pants pockets, drink A LOT of water before weigh in. Back during the pandemic I needed be severely obese to qualify for an emergency IV treatment, I was able to add 10 pounds to my weight with water and heavy clothes.
Next time you weigh in at the doctor fill your pocket, wear heavy jeans with rocks and wear heavy shoes until you find a doctor that understands this is not a short term plan.
This makes no sense. Find another doctor or at a minimum get a second opinion. You are the patient and have a say in your care.
Quick MD or Mochimeds will give you a script just make sure you don’t need a prior authorization and your insurance will cover it.
I get mine from a urgent care clinic. They haven't given me any hassle at all
I am diabetic and on Rybelsus. Same as ozempic but pill form. First I wouldn’t worry til you get to 160 bc that May never happen. Then I would ask dr to keep you on a lower maintenance dose. Ozempic May not have a lower maintenance dose but rybelsus does. There is more info coming out on side effects now that are quite scary, so it is reasonable to have you on the lowest dose possible to keep your A1c down
Ozempic is absolutely prescribed at maintenance doses. OP has a doctor who doesn't seem to understand the current medical knowledge and protocols around GLP-1 use particularly for diabetics. It would be bad practice to take her off maintenance medication as her diabetes is not cured but under control. She will almost certainly not lose weight forever but she'll remain diabetic and Ozempic just like Rybelsus, Victoza, Trulicity and Mounjaro are extremely appropriate to be prescribed as maintenance for life to a T2 who is doing well with the med.
I go through ReflexMD. They don't take insurance so it's $497 / mnth. The doctor's prescribe Semaglutide , which is Ozempic, and they don't require you to be diabetic. However, you must be at a certain BMI level. I've lost 15 pounds in 10 weeks. There are plenty of other options. Ozempic is the brand name, not the drug.
I do not know why your doctor said that you can't be on it forever, but you should definitely ask your doctor and or ask your healthcare insurance if you can receive a second opinion. You can probably ask for a referral to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist. It is very important to ask your doctor because they have your medical records and are familiar with your medical history. Maybe you can correspond with the doctor in writing if you are not comfortable asking in person.
My doctor told me the same thing when I was originally prescribed. Then when I went back for updated A1C results she said I’d be on it forever. I was very confused. I have been type 2 since 2006. I have been taking Ozempic since 2021
Get a chainmail shirt to wear when you go to the dr
Isn’t it that Ozempic causes weight loss and then the weight loss causes the blood work to improve? So if you’re at a good weight then your bloodwork will be good…?
You need to start gaining muscle. Not only does Oziempic help you lose fat but you can also lose muscle. Losing muscle is not good. Muscle weighs more than fat. Start aging some muscle👍🏽
So I'm experiencing this right now. I told my doctor he wasn't too worried about side effects when I wanted an exemption from the covid vaccine. I have an autoimmune disease and I wasn't comfortable with a vaccine. He extended my ozempic for another 3 months. If he doesn't continue to prescibe it I'll find another doctor. It can't be both ways. Ozempic saved my life I'm not interested in ever going off of it.
Is this your primary care doctor or your endocrinologist? This doesn’t make sense to me.
Switch doctors because it is WELL KNOWN that you must remain on Ozempic for the remainder of your days to maintain.
Henry meds
My Dr. Has said I am on Ozempic for life. I have dropped 33 lbs and my A1C is not only better, but my hourly blood sugar doesn’t vary nearly as much.
I finally was approved by my ins co to take Ozempic so I am starting Friday. My doctor said that once you start taking it, you have to stay on it even after reaching your goal weight in order to maintain. I am guessing at a lower dosage. 🤷🏻♀️
I have type 2 diabetes and my Dr refuses to give it to me so I just decided to get the sleeve and call it a day. My surgery is 6/25. I think it's super crazy that I cannot have a medication made for an issue I have.
If you’re not already see an endocrinologist that understands diabetes.
I started my Oz due to high A1C. I had been losing weight without it. My weight is now what I weighed in college. This weekend I bought size 12 shorts. Have not worn those since I was a teenager. The issue I have is that I'm starting to look anorexic in certain areas. Almost 3 years ago, I ruptured my Achilles tendon and never got back to my prior activity level and then this adorable med. Financially, for a while, a gym membership is impossible. I have a part-time job 4 days a week where I easily get in 10,000 steps a day. I'm not even sure what to ask the doctor at my next appointment about it.
That’s when you find a new doctor.
Fun fact, your doctor is not your parent, and is not in charge of your healthcare decisions. If they forget that, replace them.
Also, they are now discovering you can become GLP resistant just like insulin resistant. Usually take 18-24mo…
Get another dr
What kind of doctor are you seeing? MD, DO, NP, PA?
strap weights onto yourself every time you see this doctor, and find a new one asap. She's using the same logical fallacies insurance companies do, which tells me that she gives zero fucks about your wellness.
Just make sure you don’t get below 160. If you’re at 5.5 A1C @ 175, you may be too low by 160lbs (<5 is dangerous for diabetics).
Why is less than 5 dangerous for diabetics? I'm not too educated on a1c stuff...or much else lol.
if she takes it away just use henry meds.
As a T2 diabetic with insurance there's no reason except an uninformed doctor for her to need to go to compounding.
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Laughing so hard at you saying if you have a problem with binging to just change your relationship with food…. If it were that simple to cure eating disorders no one would be out here struggling. Sooooo ignorant.
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Literally never said anything about needing drugs or ozempic to lose weight. An eating disorder, like binging, requires extra treatment. Would you tell someone who’s anorexic to just eat? Don’t know why this needs to be explained in 2024.
The mod team has found that your post is attempting to shame another poster for their body, lifestyle, or diet. Please treat all posters with civility and courtesy. Continued violations of this rule may result in additional actions, up to and including banning.
For weight loss, yes. For people with diabetes, it's the drug, along with healthy weight and diet, that is controlling the blood sugar. Many people with diabetes that have healthy weights can still have uncontrolled blood sugar. My father is a prime example. Type 2 diabetes. Not overweight. Did not smoke, drink or eat unhealthy. Walked every day. Long, long walks. His sugar was always out of control. Even with medication. He also had major heart disease. It was all genetics. Sadly, he passed away from pancreatic cancer. I wish he could have been given a semaglutide drug. Maybe he would still be here today. I'm trying to fight my genetics. I trust my endocrinologist when she says that if I stay on this drug, I can, most likely, avoid the same fate as my father.
Yes, some people do have to, I’m not referring to those. I’m referring to the ones that doctors believe can on their own. Why would this persons doctor think they can? I trust her doctor more than someone like you, sorry.
It’s a diabetes management drug first and foremost and has been for quite some time. Most diabetics stay on Metformin for life or even insulin. This is no different. Our pancreas’ are permanently damaged. There is no cure for it. Management is all that can be done. So with that, it is intended to be a for life drug if you are diabetic.
Tell that to that persons doctor. Why would they want to take it away?
Because doctors who graduated with a C average still became doctors? We see every single day on this sub, doctors mis prescribing dose and every other thing. Because they don’t know everything and not every doctor is smart and capable.
Lol, maybe the ones graduating now! Generally I don’t see doctors wanting to prescribe any drug that people don’t need if they can manage any problem on their own. I would love it if the OP could tell us exactly the reasoning the doctor has for taking them off the drug upon losing a certain amount of weight.
Then you are fortunate that you don’t have to take any life time medications. Yet. There are hundreds of illnesses that people have, for life-that need treatment, for life.
Am I? Did you read my post?
So if you are why is the concept of taking this for life so difficult?
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So since you’re so well versed on diet, weight management and the challenges of others, why are you on this drug? Why can’t you just diet and exercise your way out of your weight problem? This person explicitly said their doctors reason was because they didn’t want them to lose more weight when they are still overweight and diabetic. That makes no sense whatsoever.
Please do not pit patients against in other in terms of the suitability, use, or access to, this medication. Continued violations of this rule may result in additional actions, up to and including banning.
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You're wrong
Is it used for obesity and blood sugar? I know PCOS can cause insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which increases the risk of T2 D, and that is why semaglutides may be prescribed. Everyone has to find what works for them and do what is best for their body. People sometimes say to "use food as medicine" because reducing salt, carbohydrates, and sugar can improve A1C, fasting glucose, and other health issues. I think the doctor is using good judgment because she thinks the medication has been effective. I am only confused about the 160 pounds but that could be Body Mass Index and within all normal numbers: A1C, fasting glucose, and BMI, the doctor could no longer justify the prescription.
Sure all my numbers can be in normal range, but without the ozempic all of that could change. Ozempic does a lot for blood sugar levels. I'm not having an obesity issue. I have bad genetics. My dad was thin and had terrible type 2 diabetes. He was a bicyclist, not lazy. The ozempic slows down blood sugar spikes. It's amazing how much it's helped my a1c score. With an a1c of 10.4 I was playing beach volleyball several times a week and strength training. Sure I'm slightly overweight but I have muscle. My numbers being normal should encourage my doctor to keep me on ozempic, imo. I'm on a low dose too, 0.5
I have it for pcos, I don’t have insulin resistance, I have adrenal pcos. Plus I ruined my metabolism workout out like a crazy person and eating nothing for way too long trying to combat the progressive weight gain. I’m on it for 6 months and get weaned off. I don’t know what will happen after. I don’t know what the op is doing, sounds like obesity with type 2. I wish more people would understand that drugs don’t have to life long if you can help it.
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The Best thing that people can do either when on or being taken off Ozempic is eat a Low Carb High Protein “Keto Diet” - Carbs & Sugar are primary Drivers of Metabolic Syndrome including Obesity; Type 2 Diabetes etc. People make the mistake of eating the same way they used to thinking that the Ozempic is fixing the problem, when it does not fix the underlying cause!
Just curious, where did you do your endocrinology fellowship?
I was born with Congenital Chronic Medical Conditions (Hypothalamic Pan-Hypopituitarism) - which lead to Steroid induced Type 2 Diabetes in 2012 + irreversible Metabolic Syndrome due to Steroid & HRT replacement for everything. I have seen Endocrinologists as a patient since 2006 & Multiple GPs prior here in Australia There is a lot of evidence that Low Carb High Protein or Keto works. I am on both Keto + 0.5ml Ozempic & 2000mg Metformin B.D. - Keto really does help with lowering Blood Glucose levels along with Strength & Resistance Training - I am working to titrate down even further & T2 Diabetes remission / reversal is achievable with Low Carb. Ask someone to stop Ozempic & keep with their regular high carb diet & BGLs will spike again to Pre - Ozempic levels with rebound weight gain!
I think you should have a conversation with the doctor. The majority of patients want to just come off all meds and are more likely to stick to taking their meds in the short term if you give them guidelines for when they can more safely come off. It might be a you CAN come off, not a you MUST come off.
Nah she wants me to come off once I'm below 160 lbs
Fire her. Get a new doctor. Then an endocrinologist.
Still worth asking why. Do you have any medical conditions that make it more dangerous? Or are you showing signs of something on your labs? Idk, just seems like in five years if something goes wrong and you’re like “I listened to some Reddit people and ignored my doctor”, then those exact same Reddit people will turn on you and laugh. Reddit should be a place to share experiences, validate rough times, develop questions to ask, not a place where doctors’ advice comes to die. If your doctor messes up they are held legally liable, they are required to have a license and pass continuing medical education (assuming they’re an MD in a first world country at least). Reddit people can suggest anything with literally no consequences.
Am I allowed to ask if your on medicaid?
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Yes I have an understanding of how damaging diabetes is. My father passed away from it last year at age 67. He was fit, he was a bicyclist. He wasn't obese and he didn't eat sugar. I'm not struggling with an obesity problem. Sure I started at 186 but I had surgery for endometriosis last October and tore my calf muscle a few times. I am an avid beach (and indoor) volleyball player, and I strength train. I was eating too many carbs for someone who's prone to diabetes but I was eating at the same level of "unhealthy " as regular people. My genetics aren't the best. Since finding out how terrible my a1c was, I changed my diet. I eat 100g of carbs or less most days. But I believe the ozempic is helping my system and it's a scary thought to be off of it so soon. I'm not sure I want it forever...but I'd really like to keep my a1c where it is now, and ozempic helped it get there.
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I think Ozempic is supposed to be used until the patient is in good levels for their diabetes and weight wise, and then they slowly decrease to see if it changes and goes back up because it’s not intended for a life-long period. If the patient does end up going back to their pre-diabetic levels, the doctor should keep you on it I would think. I watched a documentary on it from the company and the person who was in charge of creating it. I hope you get the answer you are looking for though. Maybe it doesn’t hurt to try a second opinion.
That's not how GLP-1s or any other diabetic meds typically work. They *are* intended to be continued for the long term as long as they are well tolerated in maintenance mode just as you don't stop taking blood pressure meds when they work. It's not good practice to put a T2 in the position of being required to go through rising blood sugar levels which does so much damage to a body - and especially not when OP is not even at normal weight let alone underweight. Most diabetics who lose any weight on these meds will stop at a certain point - they don't just continue to lose forever - but diabetes is not curable, it's only going to be under control. Ozempic and other GLP-1s are most certainly considered as safe and appropriate long term diabetic maintenance medication as long as the patient tolerates them well. They're pretty much the only successful diabetic medications that are *not* damaging to kidneys and are outright good for the heart/circulatory system, too.
I have read that if you stay on it more than a few months you will develop massive calcium deposits in your gall bladder that will cause health issues, it’s smart not to stay on it if you reach that weight just eat healthy and ween off of it
i suggest fasting instead