Ozempic for Insulin Resistance

For the past several years, Ozempic (semaglutide) has been growing in popularity. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the once-weekly injectable prescription medicine has gained a positive reputation not only for its FDA-approved purpose as a Type 2 Diabetes treatment but also for its off-label weight loss potential. In 2021, Ozempic’s sister drug, Wegovy (active ingredient also semaglutide), was approved specifically for weight loss and chronic weight management in overweight and obese populations.

Based on its success in lowering blood sugar levels and overall body weight, it’s hardly a surprise that semaglutide’s potential for treating other conditions beyond Type 2 Diabetes and obesity is also being explored. Conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as PCOS, fatty liver disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, are of particular interest.

Below, we’ve put together an overview of what is currently known about managing insulin resistance with Ozempic, including the potential benefits and drawbacks. We’ve also provided information about other medications that can be used to address insulin resistance.

Please keep in mind that the information provided in this article is not meant to constitute or replace medical advice. If you are interested in receiving an off-label Ozempic prescription for insulin resistance beyond the scope of Type 2 Diabetes, speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Current research is also exploring Ozempic’s potential in treating insulin resistance associated with other conditions such as fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and PCOS.
Because Ozempic is only prescribed on-label for Type 2 Diabetes, its dosage schedule for treating other conditions remains unestablished. Ozempic’s weekly dose ranges from a 0.25 mg starting dose up to 2 mg.
Ozempic may increase insulin sensitivity and also cause mild and/or severe side effects. It is also an expensive drug to purchase on an ongoing basis.
Alternatives to Ozempic include Metformin, TZDs, other GLP-1 agonists, and more.
Affordable, high-quality Ozempic is available through Bisonpharmacy.com.

Insulin Resistance Definition

Also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance is a condition characterized by body cells (specifically muscle cells, fat cells, and liver cells) that don’t respond properly to the hormone insulin.

In a typical body, the pancreas produces insulin when blood sugar levels increase. As foods are broken down into sugars during digestion and enter the bloodstream, insulin “unlocks” the body’s cells, allowing these sugars to enter and be either metabolized (turned into energy) or stored. In this way, blood sugar levels are kept under control and the body’s cells receive the fuel they require. This process is repeated every time food is consumed.

When insulin resistance occurs, the body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin and don’t take up glucose as efficiently as they should. This leads the pancreas to produce more insulin, known as hyperinsulinemia, which can place excessive stress on the organ. In addition, if cells stop responding to higher levels of insulin (leaving glucose in the bloodstream unable to be taken into body cells), chronic high blood sugar levels and other medical issues can result.

Insulin resistance is most frequently associated with Type 2 Diabetes, but can also be associated with other conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and PCOS.

What Clinical Studies Have Demonstrated Regarding Ozempic and Insulin Resistance

Semaglutide is not currently FDA-approved for the treatment of insulin resistance beyond the scope of Type 2 Diabetes. That being said, numerous studies and clinical trials have demonstrated potentially promising correlations between semaglutide injections and increased insulin sensitivity. Further research is ongoing.

Let’s take a closer look at what is known so far about semaglutide’s impact on insulin resistance related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Alzheimer’s, and PCOS:

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease involving inflammation and liver cell damage, affects up to 5% of Americans and is a severe condition that can permanently affect the liver’s health and function. Insulin resistance is known to play a significant role in the progression of the disease.

In a 72-week double-blind phase 2 trial involving 320 patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH, 59% of patients receiving 0.4 mg of semaglutide daily experienced NASH resolution as opposed to 17% in the placebo group. These outcomes point to a direct relationship between semaglutide injections and increased insulin sensitivity that has a positive impact on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Reductions in Insulin Resistance Via Weight Loss

Semaglutide is associated with weight loss and weight loss is associated with decreased insulin resistance. Analysis of semaglutide clinical trials concludes that improvements in insulin resistance are positively associated with the effects of semaglutide on overall body weight.

Alzheimer’s

Pre-clinical studies and real-world data have linked insulin resistance with an increased risk of dementia. Novo Nordisk is currently conducting two clinical trials (EVOKE and EVOKE+) which are further investigating the efficacy of oral semaglutide in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. If the results from these trials demonstrate a clear link between semaglutide, increased insulin sensitivity, and an improvement in dementia symptoms, semaglutide could become a new treatment option for Alzheimer’s.

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition affecting up to 12% of women of childbearing age in America. A recent study revealed that obese women with PCOS who were unresponsive to lifestyle changes benefited from a weekly 0.5 mg injection of semaglutide. Almost 80% of participants in the study lost 5% of their starting body weight or more and experienced improved insulin sensitivity.

How To Properly Dose and Use Ozempic for Insulin Resistance

Ozempic is not officially approved for treating insulin resistance associated with conditions beyond Type 2 Diabetes. Therefore, no specific dosing schedule has been established for this purpose.

That being said, Ozempic’s standard dosing progression is as follows:

4 weeks at a starting dose of 0.25 mg
4 weeks at a dose of 0.5 mg
Doses may continue to be increased at 4-week intervals (or longer) under the supervision of a doctor to a maximum of 2 mg.
Once an appropriate maintenance dose has been reached (as determined by a doctor), that dose will be taken weekly over the long term.

For specific questions about your Ozempic dosage, it is essential to contact your doctor or healthcare provider directly.

Ozempic’s Potential Benefits for Managing Insulin Resistance

Taking Ozempic can have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in the following ways:

Managing Weight and Insulin Sensitivity

Semaglutide, Ozempic’s active ingredient, is associated with weight loss. This is beneficial in addressing insulin resistance because lower body weight is directly correlated with higher insulin sensitivity. In other words, as you lose weight on Ozempic your body will be able to more effectively utilize insulin to lower blood glucose levels.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease and Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Ozempic is FDA-approved for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in people with Type 2 Diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. This is another potential benefit for people considering taking Ozempic off-label to manage insulin resistance.

Potential Drawbacks

Like any medication, Ozempic also comes with potential drawbacks and risks. Some of these include:

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, are the most common reactions associated with taking semaglutide. For the majority of patients, these effects resolve gradually over time as the body adjusts to the drug, but may be ongoing for some people.

Serious Side Effects

Ozempic is associated with some potentially serious side effects. Though rare, these can include:

Severe allergic reactions
Severe low blood sugar (usually in combination with other blood sugar medications)
Pancreas, gallbladder, or kidney issues
The formation of thyroid tumors

For a more complete list of Ozempic’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Cost of Ozempic

The cost of Ozempic can vary depending on a range of different factors including where it is purchased, whether or not it is covered by insurance, and if the patient is eligible for any specific discounts or not. Without insurance coverage, a one-month supply of Ozempic can range between approximately $900-$1300. This translates to a potential financial burden of $12,000 or more annually.

At Bisonpharmacy.com, we are pleased to be able to provide Americans with high-quality Ozempic at a fraction of the price they would pay at their local pharmacy. If you’re seeking to source Ozempic affordably, contact us for more information today!

Ozempic Vs. Alternatives

What other drugs can help decrease insulin resistance associated with Type 2 Diabetes and other conditions? Some Ozempic alternatives are outlined below:

TZDs

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells by activating nuclear transcription factors that create new proteins. While effective in decreasing insulin resistance, TZDs have also been linked to an increased risk of heart failure as well as other side effects such as edema and bladder cancer. Speak with your doctor to determine whether or not you may be a suitable candidate for TZD treatment.

Metformin

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance. It works by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle cells while also reducing sugar production in the liver.

Regular Physical Activity

A regular physical exercise routine is a key component of increasing insulin sensitivity and weight loss. Healthy lifestyle changes should be incorporated into your daily routine even if you are also taking medication to decrease insulin resistance, but can sometimes also be effective entirely on their own.

Other GLP-1 Agonists

Various prescription medications belong to Ozempic’s class of drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, and more). These drugs bind to receptor sites for the incretin hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1 and trigger responses in several body systems that work together to lower blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and increase insulin sensitivity.

The Pros and Cons

Should you consider an off-label Ozempic prescription to help address insulin resistance associated with conditions beyond Type 2 Diabetes? Only your doctor can help you determine the answer to this question. In preparation for a conversation with your healthcare provider, here are some potential pros and cons to keep in mind:

Pros

A growing body of research is demonstrating a positive link between semaglutide and increased insulin sensitivity.
Ozempic is frequently prescribed off-label and can be accessed affordably through Bisonpharmacy.com.

Cons

Ozempic is not officially approved for the treatment of conditions beyond Type 2 Diabetes.
The drug is associated with a range of potential side effects, some of them serious.

Where To Order Ozempic

At Bisonpharmacy.com, we ship high-quality Canadian Ozempic directly to the doors of many satisfied American patients. Ready to learn more about how we can help you access Ozempic and other medications you need? Contact us directly and our pharmacist or another dedicated team member will be happy to serve you and answer any questions you may have.

Call Bisonpharmacy.com today to get started!For the past several years, Ozempic (semaglutide) has been growing in popularity. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the once-weekly injectable prescription medicine has gained a positive reputation not only for its FDA-approved purpose as a Type 2 Diabetes treatment but also for its off-label weight loss potential. In 2021, Ozempic’s sister drug, Wegovy (active ingredient also semaglutide), was approved specifically for weight loss and chronic weight management in overweight and obese populations.