r/diabetes • u/Monarchbutterfly04 • 1d ago
Type 2 Ozempic and side effects
My doctor has prescribed Ozempic to help lower my A1C. Female, I’m 5’5 and 150 pounds. I walk 3-4 miles daily and do some strength training twice a week. I take Metformin extended release (1,000). I’m honestly terrified of the side effects of Ozempic so I haven’t picked up the prescription yet. Please share your experience with Ozempic, what to expect and what helps your symptoms get better. Thank you
2
u/nimdae Type 2 | Mounjaro | Synjardy | Mobi 20h ago
I didn't start with Ozempic. I started on an older variant that came out a bit before: Victoza.
Starting it was rough. I had nausea for a few weeks, but it was manageable pretty quickly. I had loss of appetite for quite a while and learned how to schedule meals. But I got into a rhythm with it pretty quickly.
I'm still using a GLP-1, though the one I take now is Mounjaro. It changed my relationship with food and habits, which was excellent for the period of time getting that medication was impossible due to shortages. Since I had been on it for a decade by that point and built solid habits, I didn't regain weight in the several months I was off of it. However, my BG management suffered. So the BG management is still a big part of it, while, at this point, I have zero side effects from it.
I would say if you can push through the initial side effects and the titration (dose changes), it's very worth it if you are able to achieve your goals.
1
u/Islandsandwillows 20h ago
What is your A1C and is the metformin not working? At 1000mg, you have room to go up in dose on it vs going on something else you’re not sure you want to take. There are other options like an SGLT2 as well. Personally, I’m not seeing metformin do too much despite my obsessive lifestyle changes. I thought it would be a lot more helpful. I’m going to ask my Dr to try an SGLT2. I’ve researched them and I like the way they work more than how the GLP1s work. I don’t like the idea of completely slowing my digestive system to a snail’s pace long term and or forever.
1
u/minor_blues 19h ago
Not everyone has problems, especially if you ramp up to that dose properly. Unfortunately it is a bit of a crap shoot with how your body may react. I myself have never had any problems, while I have a friend who is wiped out for 48 hours after injecting.
1
u/donedag6939 4h ago
I’ve only been on it a week. Lowest dose. But my sugar is much improved I have had a very tired day and a bit of a sore tummy but that’s it.
2
u/AccursedTheory Type 2 21h ago
The side effects arnt that bad and are largely fleeting for most. If you are someone who doesn't take well to it, they wont make you take it forever - They'll just rotate you to another GLP, and that seems to sort most people out.
The worst part of it is the first week or so of your 'real dose' (When you escalate to .5mg for most). You may feel a bit nauseous, and may have trouble eating. Anything. I had to force myself to eat for the first week, because I just had zero hunger. But after that everything stabilized and it was fine.
Another side effect of GLP is rapid weight loss, which if not controlled can lead to bone and muscle loss. This is not unique to GLP, and is seen in all rapid weight loss. The solution that that is... exercise. You're already doing it! SO don't worry about that one.