Is Rybelsus the same as semaglutide?
There has been a tidal wave of interest in the new “wonder drugs” that are based on chemicals called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), which have revolutionized treatments of a wide range of potentially serious diseases. Many people are now familiar with the common terms associated with these new treatments, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, semaglutide […]
Timing is Everything: Eating on Metformin
Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes. It helps the body manage blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver. While Metformin is generally well-tolerated, proper eating habits are crucial, as there are specific foods to avoid. Additionally, smart timing of meals can make the difference between smooth […]
Common GLP-1 Side Effects Made Simple
Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro have changed the way doctors manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications, called GLP-1 receptor agonists, help the body produce more insulin after meals, slow down digestion, and reduce appetite. The results can be dramatic, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a reduced risk of heart disease. But there’s […]
When Blood Sugar Points to Prediabetes
Prediabetes is diagnosed when a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. According to a 2021 study by the American Diabetes Association, 97.6 million American adults had a warning of prediabetes from a blood test. Often, it doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to […]
Ozempic, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Diabetes
In January 2025, the FDA approved Ozempic (semaglutide) to help treat patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Semaglutide belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs), which were originally approved to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Other forms of GLP1-RAs include Mounjaro, Wegovy, semaglutide, and […]
How to Understand Blood Glucose Level Results
Managing blood sugar has always been a balancing act for me, especially when I was first diagnosed with diabetes. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the readings of my blood glucose levels and thinking, “What’s ‘normal’, what’s ‘too high’, and what’s ‘too low’?” It didn’t help that the term “normal” blood sugar often seemed to refer […]
How to Tackle Childhood Obesity Without Fueling Eating Disorders
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently changed its approach to tackling childhood obesity, moving away from a “wait and see” method to more aggressive treatments for weight loss. This includes recommending bariatric surgery for some teens, medication like Wegovy, and intensive therapy for young children. The AAP claimed these methods wouldn’t lead to eating […]
There’s growing confidence that GLP-1 meds are safe in pregnant women
One of the most frequent cautions that drug companies print on the Product Information leaflet that comes with their product says something like, “This medication has not been tested to be safe in pregnant women and should only be used in consultation with a healthcare provider.” It’s important to understand that this statement is not […]
The Gila monster gave the weight-loss revolution its bite
It’s currently estimated that over one-half of the adult US population is either overweight or obese. Being overweight means having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 30. Obese means a BMI higher than 30. This statistic shouldn’t be taken to indicate neglect by the healthcare, research, or pharmaceutical industry. In reality, enormous attention […]
Can Metformin be used for more than just diabetes?
Metformin has a long history as a substance with some medical value. It dates back even before its official recognition in 1918 for its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Before any medical knowledge about diabetes, herbalists utilized a plant called Galega officinalis (also known as goat’s rue or French Lilac) to treat people who […]
