A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that combining semaglutide (Ozempic) with a very low-calorie diet may be a more effective way to treat type 2 diabetes than using either approach in isolation. The combination treatment was found to improve the functioning of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. However, it is important to note that these results are preliminary and require further replication and research.
The study reveals that a very low-calorie diet resulted in greater short-term weight loss compared to semaglutide alone, but adding a very low-calorie diet to the treatment with semaglutide produced even greater weight loss. The combined treatment did not produce significantly greater weight loss than a very low-calorie diet alone. However, the combination did lead to improved pancreatic beta cell function, indicating better diabetes control.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is a growing concern globally, with obesity playing a significant role in its development. Obesity is linked to insulin resistance and reduced functioning of beta cells, leading to less effective insulin production. Weight loss is crucial in managing diabetes, and semaglutide has been shown to be effective in treating the condition by increasing insulin production and suppressing glucagon.
Although studies show that very low-calorie diets can produce significant weight loss and improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, they are challenging to maintain long-term. The new study compared the effectiveness of a very low-calorie diet, semaglutide, and a combination of both in managing type 2 diabetes. The combination approach showed the most promising results in terms of weight loss and improvements in beta cell function.
The study involved 30 participants with type 2 diabetes who were divided into three groups: semaglutide, very low-calorie diet, and a combination of both. Results showed that the combined approach led to greater reductions in body weight, fat mass, and improvements in insulin sensitivity compared to using semaglutide alone or following a very low-calorie diet. The combination also resulted in a more pronounced increase in the first phase insulin response.
While the study suggests that combining a very low-calorie diet with semaglutide may be an effective strategy for managing type 2 diabetes, more research is needed to validate these findings. Long-term studies are essential to understand the sustainability and effectiveness of this approach in the management of diabetes. Experts caution that short-term interventions like very low-calorie diets may not be sustainable in the long term, and other factors like stress and sleep can impact diet success. The potential benefits of combining semaglutide and calorie restriction for diabetes management are promising, but further investigation is necessary to fully understand its potential impact.
