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A blood glucose testing record, stethoscope, and bowl of fruits and vegetables shaped as a heart: Does Wegovy help with insulin resistance?
Drug Info

Does Wegovy help with insulin resistance?

There are more affordable ways to manage insulin resistance, but Wegovy could help
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Oct. 4, 2024

Key takeaways

  • Wegovy is not approved for insulin resistance but may help improve blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

  • Wegovy is used to promote weight loss, which may help improve insulin sensitivity.

  • Wegovy requires weekly self-injections and may lead to weight regain if discontinued.

  • Consult a healthcare provider to determine whether Wegovy is the right option, considering its cost and potential side effects.

In this article:

Many people struggle with managing blood sugar levels and dealing with excess weight. If you’re in this situation, you might feel frustrated and worried about developing Type 2 diabetes. This double burden isn’t just exhausting; it may also be harmful to your health. 

A healthcare provider might suggest a medication like Wegovy (semaglutide) to manage these problems. Wegovy is known for promoting weight loss, which can also improve insulin resistance and overall metabolic health. Therefore, it may be an attractive option for those looking to lose weight and reduce the risk of diabetes. 

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. This hormone helps cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood to use for energy. When cells resist insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

GLP-1 receptors are also involved in the body’s response to insulin. They help increase insulin secretion from the pancreas and decrease glucose production in the liver.

Risk factors for insulin resistance include obesity and a family history of diabetes. Excess body weight, particularly around the stomach area, may contribute to insulin resistance by increasing inflammation in the body. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle can worsen these effects. 

This condition can result in Type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. Before reaching the diabetes stage, people may experience prediabetes, in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Insulin resistance can also lead to other health issues, including heart disease and high blood pressure.

RELATED: Can you take Ozempic for prediabetes?

Benefits of Wegovy for managing insulin resistance

Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It’s a GLP-1 agonist, which mimics the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone. It works by reducing appetite, thus leading to weight loss, which may help improve insulin sensitivity.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wegovy for weight loss in adults and children 12 and older with obesity. It is also approved for adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Since the FDA has not approved Wegovy specifically for insulin resistance, using it for this purpose would be considered off-label.

Improved insulin sensitivity

By promoting weight loss, Wegovy helps the body’s cells respond better to insulin, which can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively. This improved sensitivity means that less insulin is needed to keep blood sugar levels stable, making it easier for individuals to maintain healthy glucose levels.

Reduced risk of heart disease

Losing weight may decrease cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and heart disease. Additionally, weight loss may help lower blood pressure, another important factor in heart health.

Appetite control

As a GLP-1 agonist, Wegovy helps control food cravings, making it easier for individuals to stick to healthy eating habits. This control over appetite can lead to healthier food choices and better portion sizes, further supporting weight loss efforts.

The extent to which Wegovy may help with weight loss can vary from person to person. However, research indicates that those using Wegovy can experience an average weight loss of about 15% after a year of treatment.

Keep in mind that Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, is found under a different brand name, Ozempic. It is given at a slightly lower dosage than Wegovy and is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes in adults. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack and stroke, for people with diabetes and heart disease.

RELATED: Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Decreased blood sugar levels

Regular use of Wegovy can result in steadier and lower blood sugar levels, which is key for those with Type 2 diabetes. Consistent blood sugar levels help prevent the complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve damage and kidney problems.

Dosage and usage of Wegovy for insulin resistance

Wegovy is taken as a weekly injection, which can be done at home after receiving training from a healthcare professional. It comes in a prefilled pen that makes it easy to use. The injection is typically given in the stomach area, thigh, or upper arm.

RELATED: Taking Wegovy for the first time

There is no dosage specifically for insulin resistance, as it’s approved as a weight-loss drug. A healthcare provider will need to determine the most appropriate dosage for insulin resistance.

For chronic weight management, this medication is typically started at a lower dose and gradually increased to a standard dose over several weeks. For example, treatment typically begins with a dose of 0.25 mg once a week for the first four weeks, then increases to 0.5 mg for the next four weeks. Dosages may be increased until the standard dosage of 2.4 mg once a week is reached. 

RELATED: How quickly does Wegovy work?

Other usage instructions:

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Wegovy, it’s important to take it as soon as possible, within five days. If it has been more than five days from the last dose, you can skip it and take the next dose as scheduled.
  • Storage: Wegovy should be kept in the refrigerator. However, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days if needed. It should be kept away from light when not in use. 
  • Regular follow-ups: Dosages may be adjusted based on how well the drug is working and whether it’s causing any side effects, such as severe constipation or low blood sugar. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule provided by your healthcare provider, as they can help track the progress of the treatment plan.

Clinical studies on Wegovy’s effectiveness for insulin resistance

Clinical studies often use HOMA-B and HOMA-IR measures to understand how the body manages insulin and blood sugar. HOMA-B looks at how well the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are working, while HOMA-IR shows how resistant the body is to insulin. A low HOMA-IR score means the body uses insulin effectively, which is good for blood sugar control. In contrast, a high HOMA-B score suggests that insulin-producing cells are working well.

Several clinical trials have explored Wegovy’s effectiveness in improving insulin resistance. One study looked at 594 patients with Type 2 diabetes who received a weekly injection of semaglutide over 12 months. After six months of treatment, the function of insulin-producing beta cells improved significantly, with an increase in HOMA-B from 40% to 58%. These findings suggest that semaglutide may help reduce insulin resistance.

The SUSTAIN trials looked at how well semaglutide works for people with Type 2 diabetes. These studies showed that semaglutide not only lowered blood sugar levels but also improved how the body uses insulin. In the trials that measured insulin resistance, researchers found that HOMA-B increased while HOMA-IR decreased, showing that the body was becoming more sensitive to insulin. 

Another study involved 3,375 adults with obesity or who were overweight who participated in three trials that tested the effects of semaglutide over 68 weeks. Results showed that significantly more people with prediabetes achieved normal blood sugar levels with semaglutide than with a placebo (84% versus 48%). In addition, fewer people remained prediabetic after treatment, suggesting the medication’s effectiveness in improving insulin resistance.

Multiple clinical trials and research studies consistently support the effectiveness of Wegovy in improving insulin resistance.

Who shouldn’t use Wegovy?

Wegovy may not be right for everyone. Before starting this medication, it’s important to consider other health conditions and consult a healthcare provider.

People who should avoid using Wegovy may include the following:

  • Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
  • Anyone with a known hypersensitivity or past allergic reaction to semaglutide or any ingredients in Wegovy

Some individuals may need to use extra caution before using Wegovy, including the following:

  • People with a history of pancreatitis 
  • People with Type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy 
  • People with a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges
  • Pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant, as Wegovy could harm the unborn baby 
  • People who are breastfeeding, as it’s unknown whether Wegovy passes into breast milk.

Consult a healthcare provider to ensure Wegovy is safe and effective before using it. In addition, as Wegovy can delay gastric emptying, it may interact with oral medications. Understand the potential interactions with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements before taking Wegovy. 

Drawbacks of Wegovy for insulin resistance

Wegovy may have drawbacks and isn’t always the most suitable drug for everyone. It’s important to consider these potential problems before starting treatment.

Weight regain after discontinuation

Many people regain about two-thirds of the weight they originally lost within one year after stopping Wegovy. This rebound can be frustrating and may lead to a cycle of weight loss and regain, making it difficult for some people to maintain their progress.

Cost and insurance coverage limitations

Wegovy may be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover it, making it difficult for some individuals to afford. This financial barrier can limit access to the medication for those who could benefit from it the most.

RELATED: How much is Wegovy without insurance? │How to get Wegovy covered by insurance

Self-injection

Administering Wegovy involves self-injections, which may be intimidating or uncomfortable for some people. For those who are hesitant about needles or injections, this aspect of treatment may cause additional stress in their treatment journey.

Risk of developing food aversions

Some people who take Wegovy develop aversions to certain foods, affecting their overall eating habits and nutrition. These aversions can lead to a limited diet, which may not provide all the necessary nutrients for a balanced lifestyle.

May not address underlying psychological issues

While Wegovy can assist with weight loss, it may not tackle underlying psychological factors that contribute to overeating or insulin resistance. Some people might find it challenging to make lasting lifestyle changes without addressing these issues.

Not a permanent solution for weight loss

Wegovy needs to be used continuously to maintain its effects, and it’s not a permanent solution for managing weight and insulin resistance. This ongoing requirement means that individuals must stay committed to using the medication alongside a balanced diet and exercise plan. 

For many people, the benefits of using Wegovy outweigh the potential disadvantages. However, you may want to consider both sides before trying Wegovy.

Wegovy vs. other treatment options

No medication is approved specifically for insulin resistance. However, other treatment options may help treat Type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. Metformin is one of the first-line therapies for Type 2 diabetes, as it helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver.

Other treatment options include:

  1. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists: Other medications in the same drug class as Wegovy are available. They work similarly by improving insulin secretion and reducing appetite.
  2. Insulin: Insulin therapy is sometimes necessary for patients whose blood sugar levels can’t be managed with other medications. It directly lowers blood glucose by increasing cellular glucose uptake.
  3. SGLT2 inhibitors: SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove sugar through urine. This class of drugs is useful for patients who may also have problems like high blood pressure.
  4. DPP-4 inhibitors: DPP-4 inhibitors increase incretin levels, which block glucagon release and increase insulin secretion. They are another option for managing blood glucose levels.
  5. Thiazolidinediones: These medications improve insulin sensitivity in fat and muscle tissues and may be considered when other treatments are not effective.

When compared to other options, Wegovy stands out due to its dual benefits of improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss. However, diabetes and weight-loss medications have their own benefits and side effects, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for the best choice.

RELATED: Wegovy alternatives

Weighing the pros and cons of Wegovy for insulin resistance

Wegovy offers various benefits for people trying to manage excess weight and insulin resistance. The medication promotes weight loss, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels and overall health. However, there are potential drawbacks, such as the potential for weight regain after discontinuation, high costs, and the need for self-injections. Therefore, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consult a healthcare provider to determine if Wegovy is the right choice.