Podcast Summary
Ozempic and vision loss: Study suggests an 8.9% increased risk of vision loss with Ozempic use, but experts argue that the patients in the study had compromised vascular health, and the vision loss may be due to the medication's residual effects on their damaged vascular system, particularly in the retina. Optimizing overall health and hydration is encouraged to support the body's natural ability to process medication.
The latest study linking vision loss to the use of the medication Ozempic (a type 2 diabetes drug) has sparked controversy and misinformation. The study, titled "The Risk of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, and Patience Prescribes Symacletide," suggests an 8.9% increased risk of vision loss in patients using Ozempic. However, Dr. Tina Moore and her guest, naturopathic cardiologist Dr. Lauren Latonza, believe the study is missing some crucial context. They explain that the patients in the study already had compromised vascular health due to years of poor metabolic health and hyperinsulinemia. When these patients use Ozempic and experience a drop in blood sugar, the medication's residual effects on their compromised vascular system, particularly in the retina, can lead to vision loss. The experts emphasize that this is not a large population at risk and the physiology behind it is not surprising. They encourage listeners to focus on optimizing their overall health and hydration, including electrolyte intake, to support their body's natural ability to digest food and assimilate nutrients.
Endothelial damage in diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the endothelial lining of blood vessels, leading to thickening, decreased responsiveness, and potential optic nerve damage. GLP1 agonists can cause a shock to the blood vessels and nerves due to sudden change in environment, but can also help lower insulin and blood sugar levels, reducing damage.
The endothelial lining of blood vessels, which interacts with blood flow and produces nitric oxide for expansion or contraction, can be compromised in individuals with high blood sugar levels. This damage can lead to thickening of the vascular walls and decreased responsiveness. In the context of the retina, this microvascular damage can result in inadequate blood flow and nutrient levels, leading to a shrinking of vessels and potential optic nerve damage. The use of GLP1 agonists, which help lower insulin and blood sugar levels, can cause a shock to the blood vessels and surrounding nerves due to the sudden change in environment. This is not surprising, given the chronic damage caused by high blood sugars. The endothelial lining is a crucial barrier system for the vascular system and is very sensitive to changes in the environment. This damage can contribute to coronary artery and peripheral artery disease. In the context of the study discussed, diabetic patients had an 8.9% incidence of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, likely due to this microvascular damage.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and diabetic retinopathy: GLP-1 receptor agonists can worsen diabetic retinopathy by causing relative hypoglycemia and inhibiting nitric oxide production, leading to vascular spasms and tissue damage
GLP-1 receptor agonists, while effective in managing blood sugar levels, can cause a relative hypoglycemia that may lead to vascular spasms in diabetic patients with pre-existing damage. This can potentially worsen diabetic retinopathy. The body becomes accustomed to high levels of blood sugar and insulin, and when these levels are suddenly reduced, the tissues respond by constricting blood vessels, starving the end tissue and causing further damage. This is due to the inhibition of nitric oxide production, which allows blood vessels to expand and dilate. The risk is higher for those with long-standing diabetes and severe damage. While more research is needed, it's important for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely for any signs of worsening diabetic retinopathy when starting GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 levels and eye strokes: Rapid increase in GLP-1 levels from too high or too fast dosing can lead to adverse physiologic responses, potentially causing eye strokes. These responses include endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and platelet activation, which can put additional stress on compromised blood vessels and lead to ischemia.
The rapid increase in GLP-1 levels, brought about by too high or too fast dosing, can lead to adverse physiologic responses, potentially resulting in eye strokes. This association was observed in a recent study, where the earliest onset of this condition was linked to the initial stages of GLP-1 treatment. However, more data is needed to confirm the causative relationship. This phenomenon can be explained by the sudden drop in blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and platelet activation. These responses can put additional stress on already compromised blood vessels, potentially leading to ischemia - a condition where blood flow is cut off, depriving the affected tissue of nutrients and oxygen, leading to tissue damage. The lack of a specific ICD-10 code for this condition further highlights the need for more research in this area.
Insulin and blood sugar fluctuations: Rapid insulin and blood sugar changes can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoconstriction, increasing risk for small strokes and complications. Gradual management is key to prevent shocking the system and addressing insulin resistance for optimal cardiovascular health.
Rapid changes in blood sugar and insulin levels, especially in individuals with a history of uncontrolled diabetes or obesity, can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoconstriction in the body. This can worsen existing vascular issues and increase the risk of small strokes or other complications. Gradual management of insulin and blood sugar levels is recommended to avoid shocking the system and potentially causing further harm. Additionally, individuals who are obese but not yet diagnosed with diabetes may still have significant vascular inflammation and insulin resistance, putting them at risk for complications similar to those with diabetes. Addressing insulin resistance and maintaining a healthy insulin level is crucial for optimal cardiovascular health.
GLP1 agonists and vascular health: GLP1 agonists have protective properties beyond weight loss, including reducing various types of obesity-driven cancers, fewer infections, less pancreatitis, and less kidney failure, independent of significant weight loss.
The nature of fat and its impact on the body varies from person to person, and rapid weight loss, particularly through GLP1 agonists, can lead to a release of toxins and oxidative stress that can negatively affect the vascular system. The SELECT trial, a study on semaglutide, showed independent cardiovascular benefits and a reduction in various types of obesity-driven cancers, suggesting that GLP1 agonists may have protective properties beyond weight loss. Additionally, the study showed fewer infections, less pancreatitis, and less kidney failure in the semaglutide group compared to placebo. It's important to note that these benefits were observed even without significant weight loss, indicating that the peptide's effects are not solely dependent on weight loss. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of considering the complex interplay between weight loss, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular health when evaluating the effects of GLP1 agonists.
GLP1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes management: Approach GLP1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes management with a holistic perspective, combining proper diet, lifestyle changes, and gradual medication increases for optimal results and improved patient outcomes
When it comes to using GLP1 drugs like somacletide or tricepatide for weight loss and diabetes management, it's important to approach the process with a holistic perspective. This means starting with proper diet and lifestyle changes, and gradually increasing the dose of the medication in tandem. The benefits of this approach include better results, improved patient outcomes, and a reduced likelihood of side effects. It's also crucial to remember that every person is unique, and the appropriate approach will depend on individual circumstances. The study mentioned in the discussion only established an association between GLP1 drugs and NAION cases, and more research is needed to confirm any causation. Overall, the goal is to optimize health through a combination of medication, lifestyle, and diet, rather than relying solely on the drug.
Individualized care: Working with healthcare professionals who provide individualized care is crucial for addressing health concerns, focusing on each person's unique needs and not just prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution.
When it comes to addressing health concerns, especially those related to weight loss and chronic conditions, it's crucial to work with healthcare professionals who provide individualized care. This means addressing each person's unique needs and not just prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution. Naturopathic doctors, like Dr. Latonza, emphasize this holistic approach, focusing on cellular changes and addressing the root cause of the issue. It's a slow process, but the benefits are more sustainable and specific to each person. Dr. Latonza, who specializes in cardiac health, also stresses the importance of regular lab tests and clinical discussions before prescribing any treatments, including GOP ones. Remember, everyone's health journey is unique, and finding the right healthcare provider who understands and addresses your individual needs is essential. For more information on Dr. Latonza and her work, check out her social media channels and website.