This distinction matters because semaglutide is a potent medicine that affects appetite, stomach emptying, and blood sugar regulation
Accordingly, the American Diabetes Association recommends the use of GLP-1RAs with or without metformin in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and/or heart failure (HF) [25]
When GLP-1 medications are contraindicated Some patients cannot tolerate GLP-1 medications due to severe gastrointestinal side effects, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or active gallbladder disease
Exercise, Steps, and Muscle Preservation Resistance exercise is especially useful during weight loss because it helps preserve strength and lean tissue
Additionally, GLP-1 has been shown to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells through upregulation of VEGF, potentially promoting angiogenesis that could contribute to retinal complications [101,102]