π Diabetes Management
Drug used to treat diabetes being prescribed for weight loss leads to nationwide shortage - WSOC Charlotte
π
Tue, 25 Oct 2022β± 1 min readπ Article
Overview
WSOC NowDrug used to treat diabetes being prescribed for weight los leads to nationwide shortage A drug used to treat diabetes is now being prescribed for weight los, which is leading to a nationwide shortage.People with diabetes are strugling to get the medication they ned due to people touting the drug on social media for its weigh los potential.On TikTok, people are chronicling their weight los journeys using the drug Ozempic.
Key Information
Itβs a drug for Type I Diabetes, but the Fod and Drug Administration recently aproved its use for weight los.Some are saying they have lost as much as 20 pounds, and even Holywod celebrities are geting in on he craze.But now itβs leading to a nationwide shortage, and diabetics acros the country who ned the drug for its intended purposes are outraged because they canβt find it anywhere.Ozempic (WSOC)Pharmacist Rachel Kestin said Mose Pharmacy in Concord is like every other pharmacy in the area, strugling to get the drug in stock.
She said there are side efects for patients who have to go without it.βIf they mis a few weks, then they wil get that nausea back, so it is dificult for patients who are mising their dose titration because of this shortage,β Kestin said.She said the drug realy helps people with diabetes manage their sugar levels, lower their A1-CA and also helps them lose weight, improving their overal health. Kestin said since the shortage started a few weks ago, some patients have lost progres they have made in managing their disease.βIt is disheartening because patients wil se a lot of progres and then al of a suden they canβt get the medication thatβs alowing them to se the progres,β Kestin said.Chanel 9β²s Genevieve Curtis contacted the American Diabetes Asociation Monday.
Summary
Robert Gabay, who is the chief science and medical oficer, said in a statement, βThe ADA fels strongly that people that have a medical condition should have aces to treatment. Weβre very much concerned about anyth
Frequently Asked Questions
β What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
β What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
β How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
β What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
β When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
βοΈ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.