LIVING WITH DIABETES: OUR EXPERIENCE WITH GLP-1 MEDICATIONS

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is intended for educational purposes only and reflects our family's personal experiences along with general medical information. Our experiences may not be the same as yours. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Never start, stop, or change a medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

If you've watched television lately or spent any time online, you've probably heard about medications like Mounjaro®, Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound®, or Rybelsus®. Some people describe them as life-changing, while others share stories of difficult side effects.

Like many families living with diabetes, Michael and I wanted to learn more. About a year and a half ago, we found ourselves asking the same questions many of you may be asking today.

Could one of these medications help?

Would the benefits outweigh the risks?

Would either of us even tolerate it?

Before I share our story, let me briefly explain what these medications are.

What Is a GLP-1 Medication?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally releases after you eat. It helps your body lower blood sugar by increasing insulin when it's needed, decreasing the amount of sugar released by the liver, slowing the rate at which food leaves your stomach, and helping you feel full longer.

The first GLP-1 medication became available in 2005, so while these medications seem "new" because of all the recent advertisements, this class of medications has actually been helping people with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years.

Some of the more common GLP-1 medications include:

• Mounjaro®*

• Ozempic®

• Wegovy®

• Rybelsus®

• Trulicity®

• Victoza®

Mounjaro is actually a dual GIP/GLP-1 medication, meaning it works on two hormone pathways rather than one.

Some of the Benefits

Many people have experienced excellent results with these medications, including:

• Better blood sugar control and lower A1C levels

• Weight loss

• Reduced appetite and fewer food cravings

• Heart health benefits with certain medications

• Kidney protection for some people with diabetes

• A lower risk of low blood sugar than some older diabetes medications when used appropriately

Possible Side Effects

Like every medication, GLP-1 medications also have potential disadvantages. Not everyone experiences these side effects, but some people may have:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Feeling overly full

• Fatigue or decreased energy

• Gallbladder problems

• Rare cases of pancreatitis

• Loss of muscle mass if weight is lost too quickly without enough protein and physical activity

Then there are people like Michael and me.

Our experiences were very different from one another.

Michael started Mounjaro shortly before having both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy. A day or two later, he developed severe hiccups.

These weren't ordinary hiccups.

They came and went for nearly eight weeks.

Some days they were so persistent that they made it difficult to eat, sleep, hold a conversation, or simply relax. We eventually went to the emergency room hoping someone could make them stop. Unfortunately, there isn't a simple cure for persistent hiccups. We left discouraged, knowing that relief wasn't as easy as taking another medication.

Because Michael had started Mounjaro only days before his procedures, we honestly couldn't say with certainty what caused the hiccups. We only knew that they continued while he was taking Mounjaro.

Eventually, under the guidance of his healthcare provider, he changed to Ozempic. Over time, the hiccups resolved. About a year later, he and his healthcare provider decided to try Mounjaro again. To our surprise, the hiccups never returned.

That experience reminded us that medicine isn't always black and white. Sometimes our bodies respond differently at different times, and we don't always get a clear answer as to why.

My experience was much shorter.

Like many people, I hoped one of these medications might help me lose weight. I took one injection.

That was enough for me.

The nausea was more than I wanted to deal with. I simply didn't feel like myself. I felt tired, unmotivated, and just generally unwell. After one injection, I decided it wasn't the right choice for me.

Does that mean these medications are bad?

Not at all.

I know people who have had wonderful results. Their blood sugars improved, they lost weight, and they feel better than they have in years.

It simply means that, like every medication, one person's experience isn't everyone's experience.

If you and your healthcare provider decide that a GLP-1 medication is right for you, and you tolerate it well, I truly hope it helps you gain better control of your diabetes and improve your health.

Just remember...

A medication is only one tool in the toolbox.

Whether you choose to use a GLP-1 medication or not, remember that it is only one part of the journey. Enjoy eating wholesome foods that nourish your body. Be a role model for your children and grandchildren by showing them that healthy eating can be delicious and enjoyable.

Find ways to move that bring you joy—take a walk, dance in the kitchen, work in the garden, play tag with your grandkids, toss a ball with your children, or simply spend time outdoors together.

Get the rest your body needs, learn healthy ways to manage stress, take your medications as prescribed, and keep your medical appointments.

Living well with diabetes isn't about chasing perfection. It's about making small, faithful choices each day that add up over time. Celebrate every healthy step you take, because those steps don't just improve your blood sugar—they help you build a fuller, healthier life with the people you love.

As Christians, we are called to give our best in whatever we do—including caring for the bodies God has entrusted to us.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

— Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV)

No matter where you are on your diabetes journey, remember that you don't have to be perfect. You simply need to keep taking one faithful step at a time.