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Can Semaglutide Cause Diabetes?

Professor Franklin Joseph
Professor Joseph, an expert in diabetes and obesity management, leads clinical trials, chairs the Western Cheshire Diabetes Network, and priorities person-centered care for optimal outcomes.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the widely used medications Wegovy and Ozempic to support weight loss and manage type 2 diabetes.

But can semaglutide cause diabetes? Can it contribute to insulin resistance? Let’s find out. Read on to learn all about diabetes and semaglutide, and whether semaglutide can actually lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. 

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) - a medication that mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. This helps to regulate blood sugar by:

  • Stimulating insulin release after meals
  • Slowing down digestion
  • Reducing appetite

This makes semaglutide an effective choice for people with type 2 diabetes and people looking to achieve significant weight loss. However, you might wonder how it affects your blood sugar over time if you don’t have diabetes. 

Can It Cause Diabetes?

In short, no – semaglutide does not cause diabetes. In fact, it does the opposite. Semaglutide actually lowers and helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you are obese or have prediabetes. 

However, there is a risk of weight regain and increased insulin resistance if you suddenly stop taking semaglutide, as your appetite may return quickly. This could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes if you stop taking semaglutide and don’t maintain your positive lifestyle changes. 

Semaglutide may also mask some symptoms of insulin resistance or prediabetes by temporarily improving your blood sugar, but when you stop taking it, your original risk may return. 

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Semaglutide and Blood Sugar

Effect What It Does
Increases insulin secretion Helps lower blood glucose after eating
Slows gastric emptying Reduces post-meal spikes
Suppresses glucagon Prevents excess sugar release from the liver

Semaglutide can actually help to prevent the development of diabetes rather than cause it. 

Can Semaglutide Cause Low Blood Sugar?

Semaglutide doesn’t usually cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) on its own, especially if you don’t have diabetes. 

However, if you take it alongside other diabetes medications (like insulin or sulfonylureas, like gliclazide), the risk of low blood sugar increases. Always tell your doctor if you are taking other medications alongside semaglutide. 

Some symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:

  • Feeling shaky or dizzy
  • Sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Confusion

Skipping meals, excessive exercise, and drinking alcohol may also increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you are taking other medications too.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Semaglutide?

If you take semaglutide for weight loss and then stop, you may experience: 

  1. Rapid weight gain
  2. Return of food cravings
  3. Rising blood sugar levels

To clarify, this is not because semaglutide has caused diabetes. These effects may occur when you stop taking semaglutide because it was helping regulate these systems. If you stop taking semaglutide and don’t maintain your healthy lifestyle changes, then your risk factors for diabetes may return. 

Who Is at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Without Semaglutide?

Being overweight or obese – Excess visceral or internal body fat around the abdomen makes your body more resistant to insulin, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance. 

Family history of diabetes – If you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, your risk is significantly higher due to shared genetics and lifestyle factors.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, which can raise the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Age over 40 – Ageing is associated with reduced muscle mass and increased insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes. 

High blood pressure or cholesterol – Having high blood pressure, high LDL (bad) cholesterol, or low HDL (good) cholesterol can increase diabetes risk due to metabolic complications.

Semaglutide can help reduce the impact of some of these risk factors, and is most effective when combined with long-term lifestyle changes.

Can Semaglutide Reverse Diabetes? 

If it doesn’t cure it, can semaglutide reverse diabetes? Semaglutide doesn’t cure diabetes, but it can help bring blood sugar levels under control and improve insulin sensitivity.

Some people with type 2 diabetes who use semaglutide alongside diet and exercise can reach remission, which means their blood sugar remains in the normal range without medication.

Looking to get started on semaglutide? You’re in the right place. Begin your Wegovy journey at Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic today, with prices starting at just £110 per month. 

It all begins with a simple assessment.

Continue Your Weight Loss Discovery

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Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months

“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”

Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months

“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”

Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months

“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”

Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months

“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”

Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months

“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”

Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months

“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”

Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months

“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”

Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months

“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”

Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months

“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”

Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months

“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”