1. How can I minimize the side effects?
3. Will health insurance cover the cost?
4. What if I don’t want to give myself an injection?
5. How long will I have to take a GLP-1 agonist?
6. Will I lose weight on a GLP-1 agonist?
2. Should I take a compounded GLP-1 agonist?
FAQs About GLP-1 Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes
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7. Will I still need to diet and exercise?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To reduce these, “Eat smaller portions of food, avoid certain types of food — [namely] spicy or high-fat foods — and stop eating once you’re full,” Neumiller suggests.
Both the FDA and ADA advise against using compounded GLP-1 agonists because of concerns about their safety, quality, and effectiveness. Drug compounding is a process in which a pharmacist, doctor, or other facility prepares the ingredients of a medication, according to the FDA. Compounded GLP-1s haven’t been approved by the FDA, so it’s hard to know what you’re getting in the medication. It’s best to avoid them and instead talk to your doctor about the best and safest option for you.
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To reduce these side effects, “eat smaller portions of food, avoid certain types of food — [namely] spicy or high fat foods — and stop eating once you’re full,” suggests Neumiller.
Health insurance plans vary. “Some insurance plans don’t cover GLP-1s very well,” says Gutierrez. One plan may only cover certain brands within the drug class, while another may require prior authorization. Discuss your options with your doctor and insurance company.
If you already use insulin, you may be comfortable with needles. But if you’re concerned about giving yourself an injection, ask your doctor about prescribing a GLP-1 agonist that’s injected less frequently (weekly versus daily) or taken orally.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you will likely need to take a GLP-1 (or other medication) indefinitely to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Even though not all GLP-1 agonists are approved for weight loss, many people do lose weight once they start taking them. One study found that people who take semaglutide lose about 11 percent of their body weight over the first 6 months.
Yes. GLP-1 agonists can suppress your appetite, so it’s important to eat healthy to avoid malnutrition, according to some research, and stay hydrated, which can help ease side effects such as vomiting. Moreover, if you’re losing weight, you’ll also need to preserve muscle mass, which can mean prioritizing protein and making time to exercise.
