Ozempic is one of the drugs and prescription meds known to have the potential to overcome type 2 diabetes if the patient uses it in the right way. However, just taking the drug alone won’t do the trick for you. A treatment with Ozempic implies physical exercise as well. Also, the patient needs to follow a precise diet for the treatment to work, as he cannot eat everything he wants anymore.
In groundbreaking research, it has been discovered that high-dose oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) has been proven safe and effective in the case of both type 2 diabetes patients and individuals struggling with overweight or obesity. The full results of two clinical trials, PIONEER PLUS and OASIS 1, were presented during the ADA 2023 Scientific Sessions and published in The Lancet. The trials revealed that higher doses of Rybelsus, meaning 25 mg and 50 mg, led to significant reductions in A1C levels and weight.
The 50 mg dose resulted in an average A1C reduction of about 2 percentage points and an average weight loss of 10% in the case of patients struggling with type 2 diabetes. For those individuals without diabetes but who are overweight, taking 50 mg of Rybelsus daily and pairing it with the right diet and exercise led to weight loss exceeding 15%.
Ozempic vs. Rybelsus: what’s the difference?
Rybelsus and Ozempic are both medications developed by Novo Nordisk, but the administration method is different in each of the two drugs.
Rybelsus is an oral formulation of semaglutide, which means that the patient can take it in the form of a daily pill. The medicine is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and helps improve blood sugar control. This is possible by mimicking the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. Rybelsus is available in various strengths, such as 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets.
As for Ozempic, it is an injectable medication that also contains semaglutide. Those willing to benefit from the drug will have to get it administered once a week via subcutaneous injection. Ozempic, similar to Rybelsus, works by activating GLP-1 receptors to enhance insulin production, promote satiety, and reduce glucagon release.
Both Rybelsus and Ozempic share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which has proven to be efficient in improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss. In the end, Rybelsus offers the comfort of an oral formulation, while Ozempic requires the patient to go through the little pain of weekly injections.
Alternatives to Ozempic and Rybelsus
Perhaps we all know that the medical world keeps evolving, and luckily, there are some alternatives to the two drugs in question. Therefore, if you want to learn about other meds that are capable of fighting against type 2 diabetes, here you go:
- DPP-4 inhibitors: If you want oral meds, you can opt for drugs such as Onglyza (saxagliptin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), and Januvia (sitagliptin). These drugs belong to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors class. Inhibiting an enzyme that degrades GLP-1, thereby increasing its levels in the body to regulate blood sugar levels, represents the mechanism behind such meds.
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists: We can mention meds such as Byetta (exenatide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide), which are similar to Ozempic and Rybelsus. We’re talking about injectable medications that work by activating GLP-1 receptors to improve blood sugar control for the patient and even provide help for weight loss.
- SGLT-2 inhibitors: Medications such as Invokana (canagliflozin), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), and Jardiance (empagliflozin) also qualify as oral medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. These meds work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to lowering blood sugar levels and increased urinary glucose excretion.
- Insulin: For those who struggle with more advanced or uncontrolled diabetes, insulin is the key. There are various types of insulin available, so the offer is vast.
The patient can opt for rapid-acting, intermediate-acting, as well as long-acting insulins. We must keep in mind that choosing the right medication depends on personal factors such as the medical history of the patient, as well as the treatment goals. It’s always crucial to ask your doctor for advice and guidance.
