People with type 2 diabetes are prone to obesity, and Ozempic has been a game changer in accelerating weight loss while controlling blood sugar levels. The drug also reduces the risk of heart or blood vessel problems in adults with diabetes.
However, Ozempic is food sensitive, and there is much controversy about what should and should not be eaten while taking the drug. In this article, you’ll learn what Ozempic is all about, how it works, and what foods to avoid while taking Ozempic, among other important details to know before using the drug.
Foods to avoid while taking Ozempic
Although you don’t have to completely avoid certain foods while taking Ozempic, some foods can make it harder to control blood sugar levels and prevent obesity. These types of foods can also induce feelings of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are comparable to the side effects of Ozempic. Some examples include the following:
Fried, greasy foods
Foods that are fried contain elevated levels of trans fats, which have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing heart disease, obesity, and other complications related to diabetes. Interestingly, these are the very same complications that Ozempic aims to prevent!
Greasy and fatty foods can cause nausea, constipation, gas, and gas. Taking Ozempic with such foods can make these symptoms worse because the drug has similar side effects.
Sugary foods and drinks
Although sugary foods and drinks can be part of a healthy eating plan for people with type 2 diabetes, they should be consumed with caution, especially while taking Ozempic. Most sugary foods and soft drinks contain added sugars that can cause blood sugar levels to rise exponentially. This can make blood sugar management difficult, even if you take your medication regularly.
Too much soda, ice cream, candy, chocolates, and other desserts can also make it difficult to maintain or lose weight. So if you cannot avoid these completely, you must take them as directed by a nutritionist or health professional.
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Alcoho
Although there is no known interaction between alcohol and Ozempic, you should monitor your alcohol consumption while taking the drug. The reason is simple: both Ozempic and alcohol can each lower blood sugar levels. So, taking them together can lead to extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be dangerous for diabetics.
Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, crackers, white pasta, bagels, or breakfast cereal are some of the numerous foods that appear as healthy options. However, these foods have a high glycemic index, which means your body absorbs them quickly and converts them into glucose, which can cause your blood sugar levels to rise sharply. This can make glycemic control extremely difficult, even while taking Ozempic.
Refined carbohydrates are not usually the best diet for managing diabetes or maintaining a healthy weight.
High glycemic vegetables
As strange as it may sound, some vegetables are actually not healthy for diabetics. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, beets, and sweetcorn are tricky food options to improve blood sugar levels. This is because while these foods have real benefits, they are also high on the glycemic index and must be consumed as recommended by your doctor.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a prescription drug for type 2 diabetes treatment. It’s injected once a week and may be an option when first-line treatments like metformin and lifestyle changes can’t control high blood sugar.
Aside from helping diabetics manage their blood sugar levels, Ozempic is also an off-label anti-obesity drug weight management. It’s also approved for type 2 diabetes patients who are at higher risk for cardiovascular problems, such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack.