Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the cells of the pancreas produce little insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body's tissues cannot use it adequately (type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that utilizes glucose. In diabetes mellitus (as the name of the disease implies), the level of glucose in the blood rises; at high levels, it becomes like syrup.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus most often develops due to disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. In ordinary words, it is due to excess weight, obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. In type 2 diabetes, the muscles, liver and other insulin-dependent tissues lose sensitivity to insulin and glucose remains in the blood and urine.

In 2021, a new drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus, appeared on the pharmaceutical market.

Rybelsus is a hypoglycemic drug that controls blood glucose levels.

In addition, it also:

• reduces weight;
• reduces the mass of adipose tissue;
• reduces appetite;
• reduces cravings for fatty foods.

Thanks to these properties of the drug, some began to take Rybelsus for weight loss. Healthy people (not diabetics) should not do this. Rybelsus is not intended for weight loss. This is a drug that a doctor prescribes strictly according to indications, and is dispensed in pharmacies with a prescription. So, in what cases is Rybelsus indicated, why is it taken?

Rybelsus tablets are used in adult patients with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control, subject to diet and exercise. The drug is prescribed as monotherapy in patients who are contraindicated or intolerant to metformin. In more severe cases, Rybelsus is prescribed in combination with other hypoglycemic agents.

Semaglutide tablets, known as Rybelsus, can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines.

The tablets should be swallowed whole with 1 glass of water 30 minutes before taking other medications and the first meal.

The recommended starting dose is 1 tablet of 3 mg per day for 30 days. After the first month, the dose of the drug can be increased by the doctor to 1 tablet of 7 mg per day. If necessary, after 30 days, the doctor may prescribe oral administration of 1 tablet of 14 mg of medication per day.

Contraindications:

• type 1 diabetes mellitus;
• diabetic ketoacidosis (leads to changes in blood pH);
• history of thyroid cancer, including family history;
• multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 18 years of age;
• severe liver and kidney failure;
• severe chronic heart failure.

Side effects

Negative reactions when taking the drug, which were recorded in more than 10% of cases:

• hypoglycemia when used together with insulin or sulfonylurea derivatives;
• nausea, diarrhea.
• In extremely rare cases, the following occurred:
• hypoglycemia when used together with other hypoglycemic agents, loss of appetite;
• complication of diabetic retinopathy;
• vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia;
• pain, bloating, flatulence;
• gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• fatigue.

How Rybelsus helps you lose weight

Rybelsus is a drug with effects similar to GLP-1, a type of hormone that is produced by the intestines after eating and sends satiety signals to the brain, reducing hunger and promoting weight loss.

However, this drug is usually indicated for the treatment of weight loss in people who have at least one of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or cardiovascular disease.

In addition, to lose weight with the help of the drug, you must exercise regularly and maintain a healthy and balanced diet, prioritizing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes and healthy fats. Find out how to eat healthy to lose weight.