Updated March 8, 2026. Written on June 26, 2023 by Sendra Yang, PharmD, MBA. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
Everlywell works with preferred partners. If you click on links or make a purchase through this page, we may earn a commission.
Table of contents
- More About Diabetes
- What is Ozempic®?
- Dosing and Administration of Ozempic®
- How Ozempic® Works for Type 2 Diabetes
- Safety Concerns with Ozempic®
- Exploring Treatment Options
- Related Content
Diabetes has a long history, first documented by ancient Egyptian physicians around 1500 BCE.[1] The Greek physician Aretaeus later used the term “diabetes mellitus” to describe the condition, referencing the sweet taste of urine observed in people with the disease. It was not until the early 19th century that diabetes began to be understood as a clinical condition.
Since then, research has led to significant advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. One more recent development in the management of type 2 diabetes is Ozempic®, a medication that has helped improve blood sugar control for many patients.[2]
More About Diabetes
Diabetes affects millions of people. Approximately 37 million individuals in the United States—about 11.3% of the population—were living with diabetes as of 2019.[3]
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. The most common form is type 2 diabetes, which accounts for roughly 90% to 95% of all cases. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can increase the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
What is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.[2] Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, it helps improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.[2]
The generic name for Ozempic® is semaglutide.[2,4] Other semaglutide-based medications are also available in the United States. Rybelsus® is an oral tablet form used to improve blood sugar control, while Wegovy® is a higher-dose injectable version approved specifically for weight management.[4]
Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy® are all prescription medications that must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.[4]
Dosing and Administration of Ozempic®
The typical starting dose of Ozempic® is 0.25 milligrams once weekly. After four weeks, the dose is generally increased to 0.5 milligrams once weekly.[2] If additional glucose control is needed, the dose may be increased to 1 milligram per week and, in some cases, up to 2 milligrams weekly.
Ozempic® is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Each dose is taken once per week and can be administered at any time of day, with or without food. If a dose is missed, it should be taken within five days of the missed dose.[2]
How Ozempic® Works for Type 2 Diabetes
Ozempic® belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.[2]
These medications mimic the action of naturally occurring GLP-1 hormones in the body. When GLP-1 receptors are activated, they stimulate insulin secretion and reduce glucagon levels. Because glucagon raises blood glucose levels, lowering glucagon can help improve blood sugar control.[5]
Ozempic® also slows gastric emptying after meals. This delay can help individuals feel full sooner and may reduce appetite.[2]
Safety Concerns with Ozempic®
Ozempic® carries a boxed warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.[2] Although tumors were observed in animal studies, it is not yet known whether the same risk applies to humans.
Ozempic® should not be used by individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. The medication is also contraindicated for people who have experienced serious hypersensitivity reactions to semaglutide or its components.
Additional warnings and precautions include pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy complications, hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, gallbladder disease, and allergic reactions.[2]
The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Exploring Treatment Options
Managing type 2 diabetes often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, monitoring, and prescription medications. Because every person’s health profile and treatment goals are different, working with a healthcare provider can help determine which therapies may be most appropriate.
Many people now explore treatment options through telehealth consultations, where licensed providers review medical history, evaluate eligibility for medications, and discuss personalized care plans.
Related Content
Rybelsus® vs. Ozempic®: What's the Difference?
Which Diabetic Drug Causes the Most Weight Loss?
Type 2 Diabetes Medication for Weight Loss: Key Points to Know
References
- Polonsky KS. The past 200 years in diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(14):1332-40. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1110560
- DailyMed - OZEMPIC®- semaglutide injection, solution. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79.
- What is diabetes? - niddk. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Medications containing semaglutide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss.
- Glucagon: What it is, Function & Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22283-glucagon.
Spotlight on
Featured content
Explore Everlywell
