Insulin Resistance, and Why Met Helps - Page 4

Barefootie · 03-07-2005, 01:38 AM

I would try and get refered to a endocrynologist. Gyno's can only do so much.....and ALOT of them DON'T understand metabolism and IR.

Think about it.....without this site....who would have thought that OBGYN's had to prescribe met or gluc for women's female trouble!

Senecababe · 03-07-2005, 01:39 PM

I just wanted to say I was pleasantly surprised with Metformin! I was a bit scared about taking it, especially with the warnings plastered all over the bottle!

I kept the prescription untouched for a few weeks, what inspired me to begin it was my hair line beginning to recede.

In any case, losing weight is becoming much easier.

EMSAmanda83 · 03-13-2005, 01:56 AM

Hey guys,
I'm starting on Glucophage tomorrow. I found out last week that I am IR. I was diagnosed at 16 in '98 w/ PCOS, but I've changed practitioners and there was some question as to a positive with it. Now we seem to have the answer. As to the side effects I was told by my NP to start with one pill with the biggest meal for a week or two. Then increase to two for a few weeks until the target dose is met. Also she said to back down a few if the S/E get too bad and wait a few more weeks and work back up again.
And a question.....did anyone get referred to a diabetic clinic for help with their IR and diet??

wubby1963 · 03-13-2005, 10:08 AM

Actually I saw an endo for my IR, but I bought the insulin resistant diet book. I really think that diet is very good for IR.
I to asked about a dietician and my gyno and endo said dont waste my time just exercise and eat low carb, thats why I liked the insulin resistant diet it matches protein with carbs, I have lost over 20 pounds since December its been kinda slow for me but better then going off so fast and coming right back on. Good luck!

KateN · 03-13-2005, 12:33 PM

I have been on the IR diet for a while, and have lost weight. But I have hit a plateau the last couple of months -- any ideas? My exercise is good - I think it is the eating.

EMSAmanda83 · 03-13-2005, 02:39 PM

I just got my Met...holy cow those pills are big.....i'm actually suposed to swallow those? Hey it says no alcohol....do any of you guys know why...i still like to have a drink now and then esp when i haven't o'd. Also not to whine or anything but i think that this is stupid. my husband just got new insurance. United Healthcare. Is it just me but aren't you suposed to take prenatal vits when you're ttc and when you're pg? Well my insurance only covers ONE MONTH!!!! That pisses me off! sorry for ranting.

grr!

oreosmama · 03-13-2005, 05:16 PM

Amanda: how are you doing so far on your Met? Don't get discouraged at the size of the pills. After a while they are just like candy. Take it from me. I take 1500mg of met each day, I even take 2 pills at one time most of the time. Best of luck on them. Hopefully and prayerfully they will do the trick for you and you will conceive soon.

Oreosmama

EMSAmanda83 · 03-13-2005, 08:52 PM

actually i convinced myself that i needed to take it, and i just swallowed easy. it went down fine. but i'm really scared of the side effects....i'm such a baby!! I'm worried about work and having these GI s/e. i work on an ambulance and i can't just stop everything and poop!!!! grrrr
can't believe i'm going to have to take 3 eventually....

KateN · 03-13-2005, 09:07 PM

Amanda,

Not everyone has side effects. I started out with 1500mg per day right off the bat and had no GI side effects at all. The only slight difference I noticed was some mild lightheadedness when I turned my head quickly, and this only lasted a week or two. My metformin pills are not that big - maybe you can switch to generic or another manufacturer if you are still concerned about the size. I also thought it was ironic that the pills control blood sugar and they smell and taste kind of sweet!

oreosmama · 03-13-2005, 10:14 PM

Amanda,

I took mine in 250mg sections. I started with 250 and increased by 250 every 10 days - two weeks. Also, try taking the meds with milk and at night with your evening meal. This really helped me. Another thing...for the POOP problem. I took Pepto caplets every morning for the first two weeks and I didn't have any problems.

Best of luck!!!

Monica

Barefootie · 03-14-2005, 12:46 AM

has anyone tried the extended release gluc? That is what my doc has decided to put me on. I'm kind of nervous about that.

Also, about the s/e's.....can you take along some pepto pills or imodium pills....and just take one...not two.....just to keep yourself in check at work? I've been worried about that happening to me too after I start this stuff.

EMSAmanda83 · 03-14-2005, 01:23 AM

yah mine are the extended release....that's what scared me i couldn't cut them up i had to swallow them whole, but i guess it's not as bad as i thought...i'll let you know if i get the poopies!

sunmoon · 04-19-2005, 11:14 PM

I am confused about this low carb thing? I thought that 50 carbs a day was a high amount? I'm on south beach and staying on phase I for now. I'm terrified of bread and all the other stuff that had me feeling so terrible.

I want to lose weight (like now) - so I'm trying to be good and keep the carbs at the lowest possible. What do you think???

jnalowd · 04-19-2005, 11:38 PM

I have severe insulin resistance and my Dr. has me on a low-carb diet. He recommends between 30-100 carbs a day, depending on how bad your condition is. I'm trying to stay below 50 a day (although some days I end up closer to 70 or 80). It's hard because there are carbs in everything! Watch out that you don't limit your carbs too much. I am on the South Beach diet, and it says that you shouldn't stay on phase 1 too long. Your body needs some carbs. I've read that you should never go below 20 carbs a day. Don't deprive yourself of everything you love! Play around with the diet, get a food count book and see what works for you and your body! It's not a diet, but a lifestyle change...one that you have to be ok with for the rest of your life! Good luck with it!

Barefootie · 04-20-2005, 04:25 AM

I did the Atkins thing for almost a year, and I believe it depends on the person, but I am one of those who cannot cut out all my carbs, as it made me really sick....my hair started falling out..got pin point fractures in the beds of my nails, my hair was fried, constipation, extremely dry skin...

I came to the conclusion that I needed to limit my carbs but not cut them out. Eat healthy....eat whole grains when eatting bread...it won't make you sick like white bread...it takes longer for the body to break it down...whole grain cereals, if you're going to eat it...(your body has got to have fiber)..
eat some fruit every day, just be sparing about it...and not over due it, cause your body needs what's in these fruits and veggies....and then of course exercise.

Trying to decide on what diet to follow is alot more complicated that just trying to eat healthy. I started Met a month ago, and am using the 'eatting healthy' approach and I've lost 11 lbs. Might not sound like much, but it is for me, who hasn't lost but gained consistantly for the last couple of years.

03-07-2005, 01:38 AM	#46 (permalink)
Barefootie Doing ok Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 113 Points: 1,222.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,222.00 Donate	I would try and get refered to a endocrynologist. Gyno's can only do so much.....and ALOT of them DON'T understand metabolism and IR. Think about it.....without this site....who would have thought that OBGYN's had to prescribe met or gluc for women's female trouble! __________________ PCOS Diagnosed in Feb 2005 after 20 yrs of symptoms. Endometrial Cancer stage 1A. Metformin ER 500mg Provera 20mg - 18 day treatment til Surgery Have chosen not to take Spiro til after surgery Uterine Biopsy done June 15th-results are in Hysterectomy in August. Everything is going to be ok. DH-Dave, 41 ME-Dee, 34 Togather 5 yrs, Married 17 mos Stepson-Buddy, 21 Stepson-Matt, 18 1 Kitty-Coco 18yrs

03-07-2005, 01:39 PM	#47 (permalink)
Senecababe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lewiston, NY Posts: 189 Points: 7,111.18 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 7,111.18 Donate	I just wanted to say I was pleasantly surprised with Metformin! I was a bit scared about taking it, especially with the warnings plastered all over the bottle! I kept the prescription untouched for a few weeks, what inspired me to begin it was my hair line beginning to recede. In any case, losing weight is becoming much easier. __________________ Me, 27 Dh, 35 TTC #1 since 10/04 Dx 10/04 HSG 11/04- all clear 3 busted femara cycles 2 busted gonal-f, ovidrel and IUI cycles BFP 3/25/06- natural cycle U/S 4/26/06 no heartbeat D&C 5/3/06 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-13-2005, 01:56 AM	#48 (permalink)
EMSAmanda83 TTC #1, Auntie 2 Mikey Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ledyard,CT Posts: 18 Points: 48.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 48.00 Donate	Hey guys, I'm starting on Glucophage tomorrow. I found out last week that I am IR. I was diagnosed at 16 in '98 w/ PCOS, but I've changed practitioners and there was some question as to a positive with it. Now we seem to have the answer. As to the side effects I was told by my NP to start with one pill with the biggest meal for a week or two. Then increase to two for a few weeks until the target dose is met. Also she said to back down a few if the S/E get too bad and wait a few more weeks and work back up again. And a question.....did anyone get referred to a diabetic clinic for help with their IR and diet?? __________________ In memory of my 3 angelbabies Amanda-21 DH-25 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-13-2005, 02:39 PM	#51 (permalink)
EMSAmanda83 TTC #1, Auntie 2 Mikey Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ledyard,CT Posts: 18 Points: 48.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 48.00 Donate	I just got my Met...holy cow those pills are big.....i'm actually suposed to swallow those? Hey it says no alcohol....do any of you guys know why...i still like to have a drink now and then esp when i haven't o'd. Also not to whine or anything but i think that this is stupid. my husband just got new insurance. United Healthcare. Is it just me but aren't you suposed to take prenatal vits when you're ttc and when you're pg? Well my insurance only covers ONE MONTH!!!! That pisses me off! sorry for ranting. grr! __________________ In memory of my 3 angelbabies Amanda-21 DH-25 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-13-2005, 05:16 PM	#52 (permalink)
oreosmama Christian Cyster Join Date: May 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 40 Points: 200.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 200.00 Donate	Amanda: how are you doing so far on your Met? Don't get discouraged at the size of the pills. After a while they are just like candy. Take it from me. I take 1500mg of met each day, I even take 2 pills at one time most of the time. Best of luck on them. Hopefully and prayerfully they will do the trick for you and you will conceive soon. Oreosmama __________________ Monica DX PCOS 1998 DX IR 1999 1500 mg Metformin Synthroid 160**155150G145*140**OAL

03-13-2005, 10:08 AM	#49 (permalink)
wubby1963 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 24 Points: 624.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 624.00 Donate	Actually I saw an endo for my IR, but I bought the insulin resistant diet book. I really think that diet is very good for IR. I to asked about a dietician and my gyno and endo said dont waste my time just exercise and eat low carb, thats why I liked the insulin resistant diet it matches protein with carbs, I have lost over 20 pounds since December its been kinda slow for me but better then going off so fast and coming right back on. Good luck!

03-13-2005, 12:33 PM	#50 (permalink)
KateN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 18 Points: 349.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 349.00 Donate	I have been on the IR diet for a while, and have lost weight. But I have hit a plateau the last couple of months -- any ideas? My exercise is good - I think it is the eating.

03-13-2005, 08:52 PM	#53 (permalink)
EMSAmanda83 TTC #1, Auntie 2 Mikey Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ledyard,CT Posts: 18 Points: 48.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 48.00 Donate	actually i convinced myself that i needed to take it, and i just swallowed easy. it went down fine. but i'm really scared of the side effects....i'm such a baby!! I'm worried about work and having these GI s/e. i work on an ambulance and i can't just stop everything and poop!!!! grrrr can't believe i'm going to have to take 3 eventually.... __________________ In memory of my 3 angelbabies Amanda-21 DH-25 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-13-2005, 09:07 PM	#54 (permalink)
KateN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 18 Points: 349.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 349.00 Donate	Amanda, Not everyone has side effects. I started out with 1500mg per day right off the bat and had no GI side effects at all. The only slight difference I noticed was some mild lightheadedness when I turned my head quickly, and this only lasted a week or two. My metformin pills are not that big - maybe you can switch to generic or another manufacturer if you are still concerned about the size. I also thought it was ironic that the pills control blood sugar and they smell and taste kind of sweet!

03-13-2005, 10:14 PM	#55 (permalink)
oreosmama Christian Cyster Join Date: May 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 40 Points: 200.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 200.00 Donate	Amanda, I took mine in 250mg sections. I started with 250 and increased by 250 every 10 days - two weeks. Also, try taking the meds with milk and at night with your evening meal. This really helped me. Another thing...for the POOP problem. I took Pepto caplets every morning for the first two weeks and I didn't have any problems. Best of luck!!! Monica __________________ Monica DX PCOS 1998 DX IR 1999 1500 mg Metformin Synthroid 160**155150G145*140**OAL

03-14-2005, 12:46 AM	#56 (permalink)
Barefootie Doing ok Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 113 Points: 1,222.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,222.00 Donate	has anyone tried the extended release gluc? That is what my doc has decided to put me on. I'm kind of nervous about that. Also, about the s/e's.....can you take along some pepto pills or imodium pills....and just take one...not two.....just to keep yourself in check at work? I've been worried about that happening to me too after I start this stuff. __________________ PCOS Diagnosed in Feb 2005 after 20 yrs of symptoms. Endometrial Cancer stage 1A. Metformin ER 500mg Provera 20mg - 18 day treatment til Surgery Have chosen not to take Spiro til after surgery Uterine Biopsy done June 15th-results are in Hysterectomy in August. Everything is going to be ok. DH-Dave, 41 ME-Dee, 34 Togather 5 yrs, Married 17 mos Stepson-Buddy, 21 Stepson-Matt, 18 1 Kitty-Coco 18yrs

03-14-2005, 01:23 AM	#57 (permalink)
EMSAmanda83 TTC #1, Auntie 2 Mikey Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ledyard,CT Posts: 18 Points: 48.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 48.00 Donate	yah mine are the extended release....that's what scared me i couldn't cut them up i had to swallow them whole, but i guess it's not as bad as i thought...i'll let you know if i get the poopies! __________________ In memory of my 3 angelbabies Amanda-21 DH-25 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-19-2005, 11:14 PM	#58 (permalink)
sunmoon Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 68 Points: 449.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.00 Donate	I am confused about this low carb thing? I thought that 50 carbs a day was a high amount? I'm on south beach and staying on phase I for now. I'm terrified of bread and all the other stuff that had me feeling so terrible. I want to lose weight (like now) - so I'm trying to be good and keep the carbs at the lowest possible. What do you think??? __________________ sunmoon

04-19-2005, 11:38 PM	#59 (permalink)
jnalowd Please let this work! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 447 My Mood: Points: 1,735.84 Bank: 7,162.29 Total Points: 8,898.13 Donate	I have severe insulin resistance and my Dr. has me on a low-carb diet. He recommends between 30-100 carbs a day, depending on how bad your condition is. I'm trying to stay below 50 a day (although some days I end up closer to 70 or 80). It's hard because there are carbs in everything! Watch out that you don't limit your carbs too much. I am on the South Beach diet, and it says that you shouldn't stay on phase 1 too long. Your body needs some carbs. I've read that you should never go below 20 carbs a day. Don't deprive yourself of everything you love! Play around with the diet, get a food count book and see what works for you and your body! It's not a diet, but a lifestyle change...one that you have to be ok with for the rest of your life! Good luck with it! __________________ Jean 32, DH 28 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2 failed IUI's on Femara IVF #1 BFN IVF #2- Chemical Pregnancy FET #1 BFN Looking into becoming Foster Parents TTC #1- 4 + years

04-20-2005, 04:25 AM	#60 (permalink)
Barefootie Doing ok Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 113 Points: 1,222.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,222.00 Donate	I did the Atkins thing for almost a year, and I believe it depends on the person, but I am one of those who cannot cut out all my carbs, as it made me really sick....my hair started falling out..got pin point fractures in the beds of my nails, my hair was fried, constipation, extremely dry skin... I came to the conclusion that I needed to limit my carbs but not cut them out. Eat healthy....eat whole grains when eatting bread...it won't make you sick like white bread...it takes longer for the body to break it down...whole grain cereals, if you're going to eat it...(your body has got to have fiber).. eat some fruit every day, just be sparing about it...and not over due it, cause your body needs what's in these fruits and veggies....and then of course exercise. Trying to decide on what diet to follow is alot more complicated that just trying to eat healthy. I started Met a month ago, and am using the 'eatting healthy' approach and I've lost 11 lbs. Might not sound like much, but it is for me, who hasn't lost but gained consistantly for the last couple of years. __________________ PCOS Diagnosed in Feb 2005 after 20 yrs of symptoms. Endometrial Cancer stage 1A. Metformin ER 500mg Provera 20mg - 18 day treatment til Surgery Have chosen not to take Spiro til after surgery Uterine Biopsy done June 15th-results are in Hysterectomy in August. Everything is going to be ok. DH-Dave, 41 ME-Dee, 34 Togather 5 yrs, Married 17 mos Stepson-Buddy, 21 Stepson-Matt, 18 1 Kitty-Coco 18yrs

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