The drug that many patients give up during the holidays so they can “eat more freely”. What can happen when administration is resumed
In order to be able to enjoy the rich meals of the holidays, there are patients who choose to give up an important medicine in the treatment of the condition they suffer from and with the help of which they control their appetite. However, the gesture is not at all without risks, warns Dr. Anca Roman, diabetologist.
The pieces on the festive table must be eaten in moderation PHOTO: A. Mitran
The drug, which some patients choose to give up for a few days during the holidays, helps them keep their blood sugar under control, which is especially important in the case of diabetes, a condition that many patients suffer from.
“An important message for diabetic patients on oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) treatment. During the holidays I notice more and more risky behavior: temporarily stopping semaglutide “so I can eat more freely”. For a diabetic patient, this is not a safe solution”warns diabetologist Anca Roman.
This drug has the role of keeping both appetite and blood sugar under control, an aspect that some patients are not aware of, thinking that if they give it up for a few days, so that they don't feel sick if they eat more than usual, they won't have any problem. The risks do exist, says Dr. Roman, and the effects can become difficult to correct.
The first effect is the rapid increase in blood sugar, especially after a meal, with all the risks that arise from this. If the patient managed to control his appetite by taking the treatment, with this interruption there is a risk that he will not be able to recover as easily by simply resuming the administration, says the doctor.
Another risk is that after resuming the treatment, drug correction is needed (the previously established dose may no longer be sufficient to control blood sugar). As the visit to the doctor is currently scheduled at an interval of 3 months, the patient risks not reaching the specialist in time for the necessary adjustments.
“Treatment helps you have more control, not less joy”
“Semaglutide has a role not only in appetite control, but also in daily glycemic control,” warns the doctor, who also has some advice for patients so that they can also enjoy the goodies on the festive table and at the same time not unnecessarily expose themselves to a risk with effects that are more difficult to correct.
“Continue the correct daily intake, eat small portions, avoid combinations high in fat and sugar, eat slowly and stop when full. Monitor blood glucose more closely these days”advises the diabetologist.
If nausea or discomfort occurs, the treatment should not be stopped without the patient consulting the attending physician, says Dr. Anca Roman.
“Holidays don't have to mean high blood sugar or guilt. Treatment helps you have more control, not less joy”says the doctor.
Oral semaglutide should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, with a little water, breakfast can be taken 30 minutes after taking the medicine. To prevent the effects that patients fear (discomfort, nausea), which is why some decide to temporarily stop taking the medicine, the advice is to eat small portions, reserving more time for the meal and to stop when the feeling of satiety appears. Another tip, which helps not only diabetics, but all of us, is to avoid fats, fried foods and concentrated desserts. As for alcohol, it should be consumed sparingly and never on an empty stomach.
