d-chiro-inositol (DCI) questions

sinnie · 08-19-2008, 09:16 PM

My husband of all people has researched this some for me because I am constantly sick off of metformin anymore. I changed pharmacies back when Target nearly killed me from giving me the wrong pills. Now I'm taking a different "name brand" from Kroger which doesn't seem to agree with me either. I am constantly dizzy, having low sugar spells and sick to my stomach. I remember being this way on my "old" metformin back when I originally started taking it. I eventually learned how to eat and felt great. However I've not changed my diet, and I'm constantly sick and GAINING weight again on this new so called name brand of metformin.

I found this website that is selling something called d-Pinotol which is supposed to be much cheaper then DCI and have the same benefits. Has anyone tried it?
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/pinitol.html

They also have something called Inositol 5
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/inositol.html

I am NOT looking to get pregnant right now. I am just looking into other medications to help with insulin resistance that won't make me so sick and miserable. I have been on metformin 2000mg since 2006 and have not had huge issues with it until I had to switch pharmacies. But I'm afraid to try Target again. For those who do not know, they gave me extended release metformin, and did not tell me. Whatever makes it extended release, we found out I was allergic to it. I had a seizure at work and spent the night in the hospital and busted my face open. So after that I'm really scared to take anything new.

I also quit taking prenatal vitamins a few months ago. I started taking them to help my hair loss, which it DID help. However they made me horribly constipated. I have regulated myself by quitting them, but again my hair is coming out in clumps. I am so depressed I don't know what to do anymore

I am wondering if I quit taking metformin if by diet and exercise I could loose the rest of my weight, but so far it is just gaining. I've gained back 30lbs since June and no matter what I do it just keeps coming back on.

molly99 · 08-27-2008, 04:30 PM

*bump*

HarleyGirl93 · 08-28-2008, 10:31 PM

Sinnie - I've never tried the DCI or Pinitol, but I'm taking Cinnamon (3g total - 2 500mg tabs 3x a day) and it has helped regulate my blood sugar levels. I've also read some good reviews on Apple Cider Vinegar (or any vinegar for that matter) - I think there is a sticky on it in this forum. Just 2 TBs before eating can help with IR. For the hair loss, I am not sure. Perhaps Saw Palmetto? If it's like male pattern baldness, I think that's caused by excess DHT, which SP is supposed to regulate. You'd have to do some research (start at http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/saw-palmetto.html for a quick overview) to be sure. Cheers, Dianna

sinnie · 08-28-2008, 10:55 PM

Thanks for the info! I don't think I'm having sugar problems. I have tried cinnamon before in the past, it didn't help me at all (back when I was having sugar issues.)
I'm taking apple cider vinegar now and it's helped with cravings. I'll look into the saw palmetto. I don't think it's male pattern baldness, I just shed a lot, no bald spots yet.