Should I take Ozempic as doc recommends

That is a tough decision to make. I looked up benefits to the heart and was surprised at them. It cuts inflammation which is good. Did he explain why he thinks it is a good choice for you?

I have only heard of it as used for weight loss which can have problems in the long run - usually because people do not change their eating habits .

I am going to suggest something different and please confirm with doctor.

I took Jardiance for type 2 diabetes, which also helps with protecting the heart, but its a very expensive drugs. Doctor suggested, stopping Jardiance and switching to Ozempic first. Didn’t work so I asked for Mounjaro. It also has protects the heart.

Since you are pre-diabetic and have heart issues, Jardiance is the better med, not Ozempic or Mounjaro, but its expensive.

You may find after a year and new tests that Ozempic is safe, works well for you, and that you tolerate it with no obvious and objectionable side-effects. That would be good....no? So, maybe agree to trial it. If it's a bust, try something else. Pretty much everyone has to learn the hard way if what the doctors prescribe is useful and can be tolerated. We're all different, so a trial is what it must be. Bad experience, stop.

My endocrinologist has suggested that I take a small dose of a GLP-1 med. Well, she said to consider it. She suggested not to lower my blood sugar, but because of what else it does. I am thinking about it. Here’s why. I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 25 years. Though it’s been managed pretty well for most of those years, it still takes a toll on your body. I believe I am very healthy now with some issues. So, I have regular labs, eat tight diet, take statin, exercise, maintain good weight, etc. STILL, due to my diabetes I conduct myself as if I have heart disease. My dad had heart attack at age 63 with subsequent quadruple bypass. So, family history too.

My endo says GLP-1 meds offer benefits in multiple areas. It’s good for multiple reason. It can substantially lower blood sugar so I have to be very careful since I take insulin via pump. But, I hope it will work out since it’ll be a small dose.

My endo has been my MD for many years and is a respected professor at a large teaching hospital in my state of NC. I trust her opinion. I will decide in a couple of months. Please post what you decide.

@celia16 why are you waiting a couple of months to decide whether to take the drug? Since as you say you’ve had Type One for many years and most likely your smaller vessels have been damaged already you have more to gain at this point. Since you’re going to be working with a small dose the sooner the better.

Educate yourself as to side effects so you know what to look for. If you are one that will see any negative as a side effect, educate less. I like to totally educate myself on the drugs - what they do and side effects. I have always been that way. Long before internet I would go to the library, get the PDR and look up the drug prescribed for me or my family before I would take/give. I still do.

Makes sense charlotteeb. Yes need to know everything about the drug. This post is a part of my exercise to know more. Thanks

@jenatsky , multiple reasons. Include I’m resuming another med that I want to get acclimated to first, I am prone to constipation, I have excessive hair shedding……I’ll discuss it with my Endo next visit though. And, I’ve also had quite a few blood sugar lows, lately…..even with my pump/cgm. It’s weird.

Hi @charlotteeb
Yes he did. He told me a few months ago that he considers this as a heart drug. That there are proven benefits for heart beyond weight loss.
As I am prediabetic and taking Metformin, he suggested I start Ozempic and stop Metformin.

@malebreastcancer47
Thanks Arvind. Good suggestion. I'll bring this up with the cardiologist when see him next.
Why did Ozempic not work for you? Severe side effects? Did not have enough effect on H1bA1C?