Diabetes can be hard to live with, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few different medications that a person who lives with type 2 diabetes can take. Many people, also, don’t know the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Here, we will briefly go over the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes before looking into two different medications used for type 2 diabetes: Ozempic vs. Trulicity. Keep reading to learn more as this information could help you or a loved one in the future!
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Although they are both considered diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes. What ties them together is the body’s lack of ability to create or handle insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin because of the immune system mistaking healthy cells for foreign cells. With this happening in the body, it means that the immune system is killing insulin-producing cells we find in the pancreas so the body cannot produce its own insulin. Type 1 diabetes has ongoing studies, as researchers believe that it may have to do with genetic factors and environmental factors (being exposed to viruses at young ages). People who have type 1 diabetes are most likely born with this disorder.
Types 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes differs from type 1 in the sense that the body has a resistance to insulin. So, the body can still create insulin, but in the end, it can’t use it how the immune system needs to. This type of diabetes develops over time; most researchers attribute it to a poor diet, not getting enough exercise, and carrying a lot of excess weight.
Of course, there is also the thought that both genetic and environmental factors could play a role in a person developing type 2 diabetes. Since the person’s body has insulin resistance, the pancreas will then try to compensate by producing more insulin than it needs. Now, since the person’s body can’t use the insulin properly, they will then have glucose accumulate in their bloodstream.
Along with coming on usually later in life, type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes.
Ozempic vs. Trulicity
In type 1 diabetes, the doctor will give you insulin to take as your body can’t create its own. However, with type 2 diabetes, you have different medications that you can take to help control your insulin levels. Two of the most popular medications given to help with type diabetes are Ozempic and Trulicity.
So, Trulicity vs. Ozempic: what is the difference? Although these medications are both prescribed for type 2 diabetes, and come from the same class of drug, the active ingredient is different in each. Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide while Trulicity’s active ingredient is dulaglutide.
Along with taking Trulicity and Ozempic, you need to keep up with a good diet and increased exercise. Trulicity is prescribed to patients who either have a known cardiovascular disease or over one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, along with type 2 diabetes. They give Ozempic only when there is a known cardiovascular disease in the person.
How about Ozempic vs. Trulicity side effects? Both medications actually have very similar side effects of:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- constipation
Which Is Best For You?
In the end, choosing the right medication for your diabetes is incredibly important, and a choice you should make with your doctor as they will know which is better for your situation: Ozempic vs. Trulicity. Trulicity may be the better option for you if along with your type 2 diabetes you have some risk factors for heart disease without having a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Since you can use Trulicity when you only have risk factors for heart disease, it can help prevent these risk factors from forming into cardiovascular disease.
If you are looking to read more articles about your health, and how to keep up a healthy lifestyle, then check out the rest of our blog!
