Globally, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising quickly. The prevalence of diabetes among persons aged 20 to 79 in different nations is projected to increase from 285 million in 2010 (6.4%) to 439 million in 2030, according to recent research. The development of diabetes is mostly influenced by a person’s lifestyle and, in particular, nutrition. In addition, certain food groups and dietary components, such as monounsaturated fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, dietary fiber, fish, magnesium, and nuts, may protect against the development of diabetes, possibly via the amelioration of insulin sensitivity and its anti-inflammatory actions, whereas consumption of red and processed meats and saturated fat may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Types Of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). More than 133 million Americans are living with diabetes (37.3 million) or prediabetes (96 million) according to recent research.

Type 2 Diabetes

Worldwide, diabetes is a difficult disease to treat and manage. Its effects can significantly lower life expectancy to ten years. In most affluent nations, type 2 diabetes is the fourth or fifth leading cause of mortality, and there is mounting evidence that it has reached epidemic proportions in many developing nations. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the interplay of genetic predisposition, high-risk behaviors, and environmental risk factors. Multiple lifestyle factors influence the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. 

Risk Factors Of Having Diabetes

Obesity and weight growth greatly raise the risk, and physical inactivity increases the risk regardless of obesity even further. Cigarette smoking is related with a slight increase in diabetes risk, although moderate alcohol use is associated with a decrease. In addition, a low fiber diet with a high glycemic index has been related with an elevated risk of diabetes, and certain dietary fatty acids may alter insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes in a differentiated manner. It is also established that lifestyle factors, notably dietary practices, have a significant impact in the onset of diabetes.

Drug Used In The Treatment Of Diabetes

Semaglutide, sold under the trade name Ozempic, is an antidiabetic medicine developed by Novo Nordisk in 2012 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and as an anti-obesity prescription for long-term weight management.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it mimics the effect of the human incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by enhancing insulin secretion, blood sugar disposal, and glycemic management. Constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation are side effects.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved the injectable form Ozempic in December 2017, a variant that can be taken orally (Rybelsus) in September 2019, and a higher-dose injection offered under the brand name Wegovy in June 2021 for long-term weight management in adults (FDA).

Semaglutide was the 129th most often prescribed drug in the United States in 2020, with over 4 million prescriptions. Be sure to check Ozempic cost based on your dosage, in order to make proper plans in refilling so as not to miss any dose.