It Finally Clicked...why we MUST excercise with metformin!

kwannabee · 11-24-2002, 02:33 PM

I just came back from my diabetes workshop at the hospital even though its been understood that i dont actually have it...yet...i've been on metformin(a diabetes medication originally) I have pcos and insulin resisttance and i actually asked one of the team doing the workshop why excercise was so important...its so clear to me now why i must...MUST excercise!

Metformin acts like a key for us. OUr cells require glucose (broken down from the food we eat) to provide energy so we can function(like for example...reproductive organs??!!)

With pcos the glucose can not enter the cells because the insulin(the key) cant open the door to let the cells recieve it...there fore the insulin wanders around our blood stream creating havoc(excessive hunger, lethargy, weight gain) and more gets produced by the pancreas in a neverending vicious circle.

Think of a brick wall keeping out the party guests. Then think of one of them having a key that doesnt fit. Thats us. Then think of a crazy reletive (metformin) who comes along and has the right key and let in all the yahoos...and its party time!!! Thats what Metformin does for us.

Then think of the party lover who opens up the back door and lets even more partiers get inside. Those extra partiers(glucose) are a bonus...they liven up the party even more. That partycrasher opening up the back door is 'excercise!)

For those of us on Metformin, the cell locks are now opened by the key, whereas before the cells were blocked by a brick wall. For those of us on met who excercise...there's a trap door that lets in even more glucose into the cells so that our bloodstram isnt over run with excess insulin, trying to run around opening all those locked doors and keeping us perpetually hungry and tired in the process.

I really hope this makes sense. I am a housewife and carreer woman but not a doctor...but when the nurse and pharmacist explained this to me it was like a big light bulb exploded between my ears. In all my years of dealing with this and all the doctors who told me to lose weight i always pooh pooh'd the excercise thing thinking they were just making excuses and trying to shush me up by giving me something to work on to get my mind off of not being able to have a baby.
BUT NOW I KNOW WHY EXCERCISE IS SOOOO IMPORTANT!!

Our 'magic pill' according to them(this was a hospital based workshop) was "20 minutes of moving thru space" every day. WALKING. You dont have to get sweaty all the time, but you have to balance it with good heart healthy excercise and healthy diet throughout the week.
My first miracle baby came thru losing 31lbs and fsh/lh injectible hormones. After 15 years of infertility(i've been dealing with these symptoms since i was 15) i acheived pregnancy in what seems like 2 weeks...my first cycle of injectons.
I'm trying again...but my endo says injections arent necesary this time...but excercise and weight loss are an absolute MUST!!!
Good luck to you all...and get on your sneakers!
KimR

annegia · 11-24-2002, 04:25 PM

kwannabee- thanks so much for the explanation...it's makes so much sense the way you explained it :) It actually makes me wanna get up and excercise!

Thanks again :)

-annegia

kwannabee · 11-24-2002, 04:35 PM

Hey Annegia...i know what you mean!
I am the couch potato of the universe...and absolutely the most stubborn one at that. Now i keep my running shoes with socks in them beside the couch...and sit on my excercise ball during prime time tv!
Consistancy is the trick...one that i'm still working on...
...we'll get there!!
KimR

Bertiebugg · 11-24-2002, 05:10 PM

I fully understand what you mean... I just wish it was easier said than done... I hate exercising alone.. but I also hate exercising with a large crowd... GO figure heehee..

I love exercising... and that is my next step... I know I dont always eat healthy... but I usually pick wise choices... so exercise is what I need.... now only if I had somebody to exercise with...
My DH is anti any movement... other than sex hehehe. He is lazy... but I love him anyways..

Eva34 · 11-24-2002, 06:24 PM

Hi

Thanks for explaining.

Eva

pecherpooh · 12-01-2002, 09:40 AM

That was some explanation! I mean, my RE explained it to me, but not as clearly, and it certainly didn't motivate me like your explaination did. Well, back to bellydancing and stair-stepping for me again! Thanks a bunch!

Take Care, Crina

Lynn Parker · 12-01-2002, 09:59 AM

Hi

Thanks for explaining that to us, it now all fits into place and it gives me the kick to get up and exercise .

Lynn

eternal · 12-01-2002, 10:35 PM

Just wanted to chime in and say THANKS kwannabee!

My endo has been telling me that the only way my symptoms would improve is by exercising. I kept telling myself, "I know, I know". But now your post has got me motivated to really get into walking (and other stuff) like I should.

Thanks again.