+1 to HPLC_Greg. Especially the point about "This is incredibly helpful..." — I have seen the same in my own experience with Pancreatitis risk.
Bookmarked 📌 The Pancreatitis risk info in this thread is essential. Coming back to this for sure.
Clinical perspective on Pancreatitis risk assessment anyone:
I have managed roughly 300 patients on GLP-1 therapy and this topic comes up frequently. What the data shows — and what I see in practice — is that the medication works best as part of a comprehensive approach.
For this specific question, I would recommend: getting comprehensive baseline labs first.
Want to share my personal experience related to Pancreatitis risk assessment since I think it might help others in a similar situation.
I started my GLP-1 journey in October 2024 at 245 lbs with prediabetes and hypertension. My endocrinologist prescribed semaglutide 0.25mg to start.
Now, 8 months later: I am down 80 lbs, my labs have normalized, and I am off 2 of my 3 medications. The Pancreatitis risk aspect specifically was something that made a big difference in my journey.
This community helped me every step of the way.
Just wanted to say — for anyone reading this Pancreatitis risk thread who is feeling discouraged: it gets better. The first few weeks are the hardest. Hang in there. 💪