Health Canada has approved Ozempic (semaglutide) to reduce kidney decline in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Clinical trial data (the international FLOW trial) showed that patients on Ozempic had a 24% lower risk of significant kidney deterioration or failure compared with placebo and were also less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

The drug, already approved for blood sugar control and weight loss (under the brand Wegovy at higher doses), is now the first GLP-1 therapy in Canada shown to protect both kidneys and the heart in Type 2 diabetes.

The trial involved 3,533 participants across 28 countries, followed for an average of 3.4 years, on top of standard treatments for blood pressure and blood sugar. Side effects are mostly gastrointestinal, with rare serious complications like pancreatitis.

Experts emphasize that early use of Ozempic in disease progression may help prevent severe kidney damage, dialysis, or transplant while also…

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The patients taking the drug were also less likely to die from cardiovascular disease — another condition that affects many patients with diabetes.

Living with diabetes is challenging enough without facing stigma. Yet, many people with diabetes, whether type 1, type 2, or other forms, experience judgment, misunderstanding, and stereotyping every day.

Stigma can take many forms:

• Blame and guilt: People often assume type 2 diabetes is solely the result of lifestyle choices, ignoring genetics, social determinants, and other factors.

• Stereotypes: There’s a misconception that people with diabetes are unhealthy, lazy, or lack self-control.

• Social isolation: Fear of judgment can make people hide their condition, avoid asking for support, or skip care.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a discussion about supplements that people sometimes use to help manage Type 2 diabetes. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming, so I thought it might be helpful to share what’s commonly known and what to watch out for.

I've written an article on this in our blog page, feel free to take a look and comment on your experience of supplements in T2D management.

www.t2dnetwork.ca

Explore supplements that may support Type 2 diabetes management. Learn what science says about berberine, magnesium, chromium, cinnamon, probiotics, and more for blood sugar, nerve, heart, and metabolic health.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a safety warning in October 2024 regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), including semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, and tirzepatide. These medications are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management.

Key points from the MHRA update:

• Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation may occur in roughly 1 in 10 patients. Severe dehydration is rare but may require medical attention.

• Hypoglycemia risk: Can occur, particularly when these medications are used outside of diabetes treatment.

• Serious but uncommon events: Gallstones, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions have been reported.

• Use and misuse: The MHRA highlighted risks from non-prescribed or counterfeit products, some of which may contain additional substances such as insulin. These should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Canada is facing a rapid rise in diabetes, with roughly 201,000 new cases each year and an estimated 12 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Experts from the McGill University Health Centre, led by Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, suggest that Canada could take a page from England’s successful National Health Service diabetes prevention program, which has shown measurable results in lowering diabetes incidence and cutting long-term healthcare costs. By developing evidence-based, community-focused prevention programs, starting in Quebec and potentially expanding nationwide, Canada could not only reduce the burden of diabetes but also improve quality of life for millions and create a cost-effective model for healthcare intervention.

This approach highlights how proven international models can be adapted locally to drive meaningful change.

https://muhc.ca/news-and-patient-stories/news/englands-successful-diabetes-prevention-program-blueprint-canada#:~:text=The%20plan%20is%20to%20develop,the%20burden%20on%20future%20generations.%E2%80%9D

Looking for fresh, healthy summer dinners that are diabetes-friendly? EatingWell’s roundup features 23 easy recipes, think vibrant bowls, sheet-pan meals, salads, and air-fried favorites, packed with lean proteins, fiber-rich veggies and whole grains, and low in saturated fat and sodium. These meals are perfect for warm weather and help support balanced blood sugar without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

www.eatingwell.com

These easy diabetes-friendly dinners include bright ingredients like cilantro and avocado that are perfect for summer. Our recipes are filled with fiber-packed complex carbs to seamlessly fit into a diabetes-friendly eating pattern.

New GLP-1 drugs and combos are promising, but GI side effects are real. Lifestyle changes are still key.

• New combo drugs are even more effective for weight loss than older meds (like semaglutide alone). CagriSema (semaglutide + cagrilintide) showed up to 20% weight loss in trials.

• Other combos (like mazdutide and semaglutide + bimagrumab) can help with blood sugar, weight loss, and even help maintain muscle as people lose fat.

• There’s a new once-daily GLP-1 pill (orforglipron) – easier to take, decent results, but not quite as powerful as injectables.

• Once-a-month GLP-1s (like MariTide) work for weight loss, but GI side effects (nausea, vomiting) are very common – up to 90% of people!

• GI side effects are the main issue with all these meds. Slow dose increases (“microdosing”) help.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are increasingly popular for weight loss and blood sugar control, but understanding how to use them safely with proper diet, hydration, and exercise is key to maximizing benefits and managing side effects, let’s discuss what patients should know when taking these medications.

If you’re on GLP-1 meds (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) for weight loss:

• Eat enough protein to keep muscle (20–30g per meal).

• Smaller meals, healthy snacks, lots of water.

• Choose slow carbs (oats, sweet potatoes), healthy fats (olive oil, avocado).