Anyone on Ozempic for Type II Diabetes?

[SyrNy1960]

Curious to know if anyone is on Ozempic and how is it working for you? I have Type II Diabetes. My AC1 has been 7 for the past few years. I've been on it for a week. Just took my second shot. My hope is that I can get my AC1 down to 5 something. Not sure at my age (65) if I will be able to get it down low enough to get of medication for good. Haven't eaten any bad foods, walk 4 miles a day, so I'm hoping for good results. Thanks!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by SyrNy1960

Curious to know if anyone is on Ozempic and how is it working for you? I have Type II Diabetes. My AC1 has been 7 for the past few years. Current weight when I started was 217. I've been on it for a week. Just took my second shot. My hope is that I can get my AC1 down to 5 something. Not sure at my age (65) if I will be able to get it down low enough to get of medication for good. Haven't eaten any bad foods, walk 4 miles a day, so I'm hoping for good results. Thanks!

Not on Ozempic but also a Type II and would love to hear your opinions on how it works for you in a couple months. Do you have a CGM to track your numbers?

Since I got off meds close to 2 years ago I have kept my A1c in the mid to upper 6s. I am 55 and happy with those numbers. I also eat an extremely strict diet and exercise daily.

[pawpawdiv9]

I been on Mounjaro for over a 1 1/2 now. It works for me!!!
My A1C (last checked) was 5.7 and had lost 65 lbs in a yr. (47yrs old)
However this year- due to a shortage, i was unable to get it from Jan-June, and had to go back on Metformin during that time. Now- July its back in supply and back on it.
I was at the 7.5 level last year and due to being off it, re-started back at 5mg.
I typically do 10K steps a day at work- not so much on weekends
But i also been having other medical issues, that keeps me less active. (been doing BCG immunotherapy treatments for bladder cancer)
(as noted in another thread- blood glucose monitor)
I tried those glucose monitors- Libre 3. did not do well for me as i constantly move my arm and it made the sensor go wrong and come loose.
Totally stopped SODAS!!! i usually drink 0sugar Gatorade. But being in the south, we love our sweet tea.
Good Luck.
I know theres some side effects- diahrea, vomiting etc. I did not get any of that with my stuff. Just nauasea and sulphur burps, but that has receeded to nothing now.
Some folks,like me take the steps slower. Some folks jump levels every month.-- not me. I do like every 3 months or until the cravings for sweets increases.
Let us know how you do.
BTW guys, i just started Blood Pressure medication- Verapilmil. Due to high readings in the 180-190 ranges when i visit the doctors. (white coat syndrome) they say.

[4815162342]

I have had type II for several years, and even with oral medication (glucophage, farxiga, etc) my A1C still steadily climbed. My doctor begged me to start Ozempic, and I refused until about 6 months ago. Since starting Ozempic in February, my A1C has dropped from 8.9 to 6.5. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

I have had type II for several years, and even with oral medication (glucophage, farxiga, etc) my A1C still steadily climbed. My doctor begged me to start Ozempic, and I refused until about 6 months ago. Since starting Ozempic in February, my A1C has dropped from 8.9 to 6.5. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Wow! That's great! Congrats! I've been on Metformin for the past 4 years. While taking it, I was eating like I know I shouldn't have. I'm Italian, so Italian foods and breads are my go to foods. Love pasta!

I was at the point where I knew I needed to get serious, hence Ozempic. On it one week. Was 217, now 210. Haven't cheated one time. No cravings. So that part of it is good.

Thanks for sharing your personal journey! Motivates me more!

Tony

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Not on Ozempic but also a Type II and would love to hear your opinions on how it works for you in a couple months. Do you have a CGM to track your numbers?

Since I got off meds close to 2 years ago I have kept my A1c in the mid to upper 6s. I am 55 and happy with those numbers. I also eat an extremely strict diet and exercise daily.

I will update as I go along. I don't have a CGM to track my numbers. Probably should get one. My doctor does blood work to check it.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

I been on Mounjaro for over a 1 1/2 now. It works for me!!!
My A1C (last checked) was 5.7 and had lost 65 lbs in a yr. (47yrs old)
However this year- due to a shortage, i was unable to get it from Jan-June, and had to go back on Metformin during that time. Now- July its back in supply and back on it.
I was at the 7.5 level last year and due to being off it, re-started back at 5mg.
I typically do 10K steps a day at work- not so much on weekends
But i also been having other medical issues, that keeps me less active. (been doing BCG immunotherapy treatments for bladder cancer)
(as noted in another thread- blood glucose monitor)
I tried those glucose monitors- Libre 3. did not do well for me as i constantly move my arm and it made the sensor go wrong and come loose.
Totally stopped SODAS!!! i usually drink 0sugar Gatorade. But being in the south, we love our sweet tea.
Good Luck.
I know theres some side effects- diahrea, vomiting etc. I did not get any of that with my stuff. Just nauasea and sulphur burps, but that has receeded to nothing now.
Some folks,like me take the steps slower. Some folks jump levels every month.-- not me. I do like every 3 months or until the cravings for sweets increases.
Let us know how you do.
BTW guys, i just started Blood Pressure medication- Verapilmil. Due to high readings in the 180-190 ranges when i visit the doctors. (white coat syndrome) they say.

Congrats on your journey and thanks for sharing! I quit drinking sodas in March this year. I've had no side effects at all from Ozempic. I'm also doing this for my Glucose (131), Cholesterol (235), Non-HDL Cholesterol (168), and LDL-Calculated (147).

Once I'm off Ozempic, I'll never go back to eating the way I was prior. Looking to get my weight down to 190-195, and never get back up over 200.

At 65, it's now a life change for sure.

Thanks, Tony

[SyrNy1960]

Here's my update:

15AUG24
Weight: 217
BMI: 29.4
Glucose: 131
Cholesterol: 235
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 168
LDL-Calculated: 147

02OCT24
Weight: 191
BMI: 26.2
Glucose: 102
Cholesterol: 116
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 60
LDL-Calculated: 50

A1c dropped from 7 to 6.2 (Taken off Metformin)

Goal weight is 175-180
Goal A1c from 6.2 to below 5.7 (No longer Type II Diabetic)

Ozempic has been a miracle drug for me. Will never go back to eating the way I did. At 65, it's all about living healthy and as long as possible.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by SyrNy1960

Here's my update:

15AUG24
Weight: 217
BMI: 29.4
Glucose: 131
Cholesterol: 235
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 168
LDL-Calculated: 147

02OCT24
Weight: 191
BMI: 26.2
Glucose: 102
Cholesterol: 116
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 60
LDL-Calculated: 50

A1c dropped from 7 to 6.2 (Taken off Metformin)

Goal weight is 175-180
Goal A1c from 6.2 to below 5.7 (No longer Type II Diabetic)

Ozempic has been a miracle drug for me. Will never go back to eating the way I did. At 65, it's all about living healthy and as long as possible.

That's a huge difference in a short time, congratulations.

I don't get the (No longer Type II Diabetic)part. How are you no longer a Type II? You are just controlling it with meds. If you quit the meds your BG would skyrocket back to what it was before or does Ozempic cure it and you no longer need meds? I know nothing about Ozempic.

[SyrNy1960]

I guess I should have worded it differently, but it can be reversed in some cases. My lifetime goal will be to keep all numbers well below the levels with strict diet and exercise, taking no medication. Below is a good article.

Although there's no cure for type 2 diabetes, studies show it's possible for some people to reverse it. Through diet changes and weight loss, you may be able to reach and hold normal blood sugar levels without medication.

This doesn't mean you're completely cured. Type 2 diabetes is an ongoing disease. Even if you're in remission, which means you aren't taking medication and your blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range, there's always a chance that symptoms will return. But it's possible for some people to go years without trouble controlling their glucose and the health concerns that come with diabetes.

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/can-y...ype-2-diabetes

[SyrNy1960]

I was taken off Metformin, but still on OZEMPIC right now. Once off OZEMPIC, my concern will be the cravings coming back. Now, I see bad food, but have no desire for it, making it easy to eat right. Many say once off OZEMPIC, they gain the weight back. My hope is that having months of finding better foods to eat, I’ll keep it up. I know it’s a struggle for many of us. My main motivation for doing this is to stay healthy for my wife. With her having Alzheimer’s, I need to be here for her.

[pawpawdiv9]

Anytime I feel hungry I grab a handful of walnuts I keep nearby
I got my A1C down to 5.7 last time —-will see Dr in a few weeks
For another blood work etc
The shots work for me . Maybe not some people
But I last checked I am down 80 lbs and need new clothes

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Anytime I feel hungry I grab a handful of walnuts I keep nearby
I got my A1C down to 5.7 last time —-will see Dr in a few weeks
For another blood work etc
The shots work for me . Maybe not some people
But I last checked I am down 80 lbs and need new clothes

That’s awesome! Congrats!!! Yeah, I eat almonds daily and enjoy them.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by SyrNy1960

I was taken off Metformin, but still on OZEMPIC right now. Once off OZEMPIC, my concern will be the cravings coming back. Now, I see bad food, but have no desire for it, making it easy to eat right. Many say once off OZEMPIC, they gain the weight back. My hope is that having months of finding better foods to eat, I’ll keep it up. I know it’s a struggle for many of us. My main motivation for doing this is to stay healthy for my wife. With her having Alzheimer’s, I need to be here for her.

Been a Type II for decades. I got off meds 22 months ago and was the best thing for me. On meds I really didn't take it seriously and my weight kept going up and my A1c bounced around like a rubber ball.

Now in the last 22 months I went from 278lbs to 234lbs and keep my A1c below 7. Staying below 7 for most is low enough that you are not damaging your organs. Food was hard but after around 6 months I no longer craved bad food and even when I do have some it now tastes horrible.

For me getting a Libre3 was the answer. I can now see exactly what each food does to my BG in real time. I know some people have all sort of reasons they wouldn't wear one or why they quit wearing one. Personally unless I just put it on I would have to feel the back of my arms just to tell you what arm it is on.

I wish you the best staying healthy for your wonderful wife.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Been a Type II for decades. I got off meds 22 months ago and was the best thing for me. On meds I really didn't take it seriously and my weight kept going up and my A1c bounced around like a rubber ball.

Now in the last 22 months I went from 278lbs to 234lbs and keep my A1c below 7. Staying below 7 for most is low enough that you are not damaging your organs. Food was hard but after around 6 months I no longer craved bad food and even when I do have some it now tastes horrible.

For me getting a Libre3 was the answer. I can now see exactly what each food does to my BG in real time. I know some people have all sort of reasons they wouldn't wear one or why they quit wearing one. Personally unless I just put it on I would have to feel the back of my arms just to tell you what arm it is on.

I wish you the best staying healthy for your wonderful wife.

Thank you for sharing and for the kind words! I wish the same to you and everyone else. When we’re young, we enjoy life and have no boundaries. When we get old, we pay the price.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Anytime I feel hungry I grab a handful of walnuts I keep nearby
I got my A1C down to 5.7 last time —-will see Dr in a few weeks
For another blood work etc
The shots work for me . Maybe not some people
But I last checked I am down 80 lbs and need new clothes

Nice, hopefully you reach your goals. Sadly other health problems keep me away from walnuts. For me I noticed small meals/snacks jack up my BG way more than a full meal so I have to avoid all snacks.

[pawpawdiv9]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Nice, hopefully you reach your goals. Sadly other health problems keep me away from walnuts. For me I noticed small meals/snacks jack up my BG way more than a full meal so I have to avoid all snacks.

Goals? Never had any- just glad it worked
Never in a 100 yrs I thought I lose 10 lbs
Never been to a Dr for a checkup or anything
I was just a fat guy moving along in this world
It’s when I found about my bladder cancer that woke me up
Now I think about sugars in food beforehand and what to avoid
There’s plenty of things to improve on- I ain’t perfect
As I don’t eat veggies and need more physical workouts

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Goals? Never had any- just glad it worked
Never in a 100 yrs I thought I lose 10 lbs
Never been to a Dr for a checkup or anything
I was just a fat guy moving along in this world
It’s when I found about my bladder cancer that woke me up
Now I think about sugars in food beforehand and what to avoid
There’s plenty of things to improve on- I ain’t perfect
As I don’t eat veggies and need more physical workouts

I think that describes most of us. My only real goal is to keep my A1c below 7. I would also like to get down to 220lbs and kinda take that serious. The rest is just suggestions I want to take seriously but sadly don't.

[charlesowen960]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Goals? Never had any- just glad it worked

Never in a 100 yrs I thought I lose 10 lbs

Never been to a Dr for a checkup or anything

I was just a fat guy moving along in this world

It’s when I found about my bladder cancer that woke me up

Now I think about sugars in food beforehand and what to avoid

There’s plenty of things to improve on- I ain’t perfect

As I don’t eat veggies and need more physical workouts

Yeah

[Aug06]

Have Type 2 for about 8 years now, Pills never really brought my A1C down. I was constant high 7's and at its worst in the 9's. About 5 years ago i was put on Ozempic, it changed everything. I lost about 65lbs and my A1C is now under 7 for the past few years.
When the Ozempic shortage started about a year ago i was placed on Mounjaro. Works the same, maintaining a healthy weight of about 155-160 and A1C is still down.
One thing that has changed is that since i was put on Mounjaro i do not get nauseous anymore. On Ozempic i would often get very nauseous in the mornings and dry heave. That went away since Mounjaro.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by Aug06

Have Type 2 for about 8 years now, Pills never really brought my A1C down. I was constant high 7's and at its worst in the 9's. About 5 years ago i was put on Ozempic, it changed everything. I lost about 65lbs and my A1C is now under 7 for the past few years.
When the Ozempic shortage started about a year ago i was placed on Mounjaro. Works the same, maintaining a healthy weight of about 155-160 and A1C is still down.
One thing that has changed is that since i was put on Mounjaro i do not get nauseous anymore. On Ozempic i would often get very nauseous in the mornings and dry heave. That went away since Mounjaro.

Mike,

Congrats! Glad to hear it was successful for you. Wish you continued success and a healthy life!

[JustinD]

I am on Ozempic and it’s been a bit of a miracle drug for me.

I’ve fought cancer twice, after a long chemotherapy treatment in my first battle in 2010 I was able to suppress the cancer. What I found out later is that chemo therapy can bring out latent genes and cause genetic issues to surface. Over the next year I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and asthma, both issues my mother has fought most her life. I have never had weight issues and was a pretty athletic kid. So I tend to be the skinniest diabetic new doctors have seen. They always think I have type 1 until I clear it up.

Anyways, it has been really difficult to control and jumps all over the place no matter what I tried. After having blood sugar jumps regularly into the high 300s or even 400 and an a1c over 11, the doctor put me on Ozempic. He has me on a high protein diet and other supplements because of my low body weight and that I shouldn’t be losing mass. I have still lost about 15 pounds, however my blood readings are consistently in the normal range and my a1c has dropped to 4.6 within only six months.

Ozempic may be the best thing I have ever tried and I couldn’t recommend it more.

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by JustinD

I am on Ozempic and it’s been a bit of a miracle drug for me.

I’ve fought cancer twice, after a long chemotherapy treatment in my first battle in 2010 I was able to suppress the cancer. What I found out later is that chemo therapy can bring out latent genes and cause genetic issues to surface. Over the next year I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and asthma, both issues my mother has fought most her life. I have never had weight issues and was a pretty athletic kid. So I tend to be the skinniest diabetic new doctors have seen. They always think I have type 1 until I clear it up.

Anyways, it has been really difficult to control and jumps all over the place no matter what I tried. After having blood sugar jumps regularly into the high 300s or even 400 and an a1c over 11, the doctor put me on Ozempic. He has me on a high protein diet and other supplements because of my low body weight and that I shouldn’t be losing mass. I have still lost about 15 pounds, however my blood readings are consistently in the normal range and my a1c has dropped to 4.6 within only six months.

Ozempic may be the best thing I have ever tried and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Justin,

Sorry to hear about your previous medical issues, but I'm glad to hear you're doing much better now. Amazing your A1c has dropped so low. Anything above 5.7 is considered high. How is your blood sugar levels now? Congrats on your improvement and I wish you continued success and a healthy life!

[pawpawdiv9]

Thanks for sharing
The cancer ride has been rough but I keep going
Hope you doing alright - which kind is yours?
I visit my next month and very nervous after my treatments

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Thanks for sharing
The cancer ride has been rough but I keep going
Hope you doing alright - which kind is yours?
I visit my next month and very nervous after my treatments

Chris,

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by SyrNy1960

Justin,

Sorry to hear about your previous medical issues, but I'm glad to hear you're doing much better now. Amazing your A1c has dropped so low. Anything above 5.7 is considered high. How is your blood sugar levels now? Congrats on your improvement and I wish you continued success and a healthy life!

Usually between 80-90, so pretty much 25% of what it was doing often

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Thanks for sharing
The cancer ride has been rough but I keep going
Hope you doing alright - which kind is yours?
I visit my next month and very nervous after my treatments

I have had more surgeries than I can count, but doing very well right now. 2010 was stage 3 colon cancer and was a removal of 80% of my large intestines. In 2020, it returned full force and was colorectal cancer. I was given an illeostomy and had basically the remainder of my colon, rectum, and all other parts to be polite removed. I have a rear like a gi Joe figure now, lol.

It was a hell of an experience and I had to relearn to walk due to the depth of the surgery. That said, I just have to use a cane occasionally now. And things are looking good that I will keep puttering along.

My survival has been a bit of luck and being stubborn as shit that I will attend my son’s wedding someday and see my future grandchildren. They have told me to get my affairs together and arrangements made about four times now. But I am still here and not giving up. Now I just have to go in every six months for a cat-scan and full testing, I actually just did that Wednesday. I also get MRIs at least yearly or if the specialists feel necessary. As long as they keep giving me the thumbs up, I put those worries to the back burner. You can be a sad sack and fear something that may or may not happen which I have fallen prey to at times. But now I do my best to hope for best instead of constantly thinking about the worst and my life is a ton better.

I would also recommend joining a local group of survivors and patients. I found one on the net and attend monthly. It really fights the woe is me depression when you are in a room of people that genuinely understand and can help you with your questions. My support group has been the best move I have made in the past few years and has given me some great friends.

[pawpawdiv9]

Awh crap bro. Thats horrible. Mine is nothing compared to what you went thru.
Tho i had 2 Turbt surgerys and numerous cystocopys and catheters.
Hopefully i continue my BCG treatments (immunotherapy) and not deal with another surgery or worse, removing the bladder.
I have a FaceBook group i discuss with others doing the same thing, it does help.

[Exhibitman]

I am one of the 'lucky' subgroup who cannot tolerate the side effects of semaglutides. I would take a shot on Sunday and basically not stop feeling like I was going to puke until Thursday. And that was at the lowest dose. I go to a concierge doc, so I get the care I need for as long as it takes. We really tackled this situation carefully, explored all the drugs, customized a diet, etc. Anyway, after the SG1 termination (it took 2 months to completely clear my system, BTW; random diarrhea would hit me with significant urgency), we went back to a low carb, high veggie diet. I started the SG1 at 267, went down into the mid-240s on it, went back to 262 off it, and now down to 252 after a few weeks weeks on low carbs. Once i can work out again (I broke my left foot and have been bootin' & scootin' for 7 weeks; out of the boot yesterday, but not cleared to fully work out yet), the weight loss should accelerate. I don't even care where it ends up, as long as the bloodwork improves.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Awh crap bro. Thats horrible. Mine is nothing compared to what you went thru.
Tho i had 2 Turbt surgerys and numerous cystocopys and catheters.
Hopefully i continue my BCG treatments (immunotherapy) and not deal with another surgery or worse, removing the bladder.
I have a FaceBook group i discuss with others doing the same thing, it does help.

Everything is different for everyone, it’s never a contest to see who has it worse. I know numerous people with urostomies and while they are are an adjustment, it’s not the end of everything…more of a new beginning. I hope the best, but even if they have to go extreme. You will still be able to live a normal but different life. The cancer is the battle and I wish you all the best buddy.

[pawpawdiv9]

Had blood work the other day
A1C down to 5.5
Glucose to 90
Also got my blood pressure down in 130/80 range now
Was hitting 190-200/upper 90s at the hospital
Supper happy

[SyrNy1960]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Had blood work the other day
A1C down to 5.5
Glucose to 90
Also got my blood pressure down in 130/80 range now
Was hitting 190-200/upper 90s at the hospital
Supper happy

Wow! Congrats 🎉 So happy for you!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Had blood work the other day
A1C down to 5.5
Glucose to 90
Also got my blood pressure down in 130/80 range now
Was hitting 190-200/upper 90s at the hospital
Supper happy

That is great!

[pawpawdiv9]

Thanks guys
Gotta still think positive next month
for my results after my bcg treatments I had
on my bladder