Insulin Sensitizing Meds - Other than Met - Can u help?

PBandMS0822 · 12-12-2006, 01:55 PM

I was just wondering what other meds are out there that I could look into. I am on Met ER right now. I am prescribed to take 2 a day for a total of 1500 mg but due to GI problems, I haven't gotten myself talked into going up yet. So, right now I am only taking 750 mg. I go to the dr. in January and was wondering what should I talk to her about. Thanks for your help!

brown092901 · 12-12-2006, 02:04 PM

Hi There,
You didn't mention in your post, but how is your diet? A lot of women find that if they eat a low-carb diet, that the Met side effects are much more tolerable. Have you checked out the sticky on controlling Met side effects? I learned quite a bit from that.

When I started Met (I take the regular Met, not XR), I could only handle 250mg/a day. I have slowly worked myself up to 1000mg/day, but have not yet reached 1500mg. I have been on Met since 10/06.

Anyway, there are other Insulin sensitizing drugs, Avandia and Actos. I think they may be better tolerated from a GI perspective, but I believe their side effect profile includes weight gain, where Metformin *usually* has a weight loss effect (though not for all women).

I hope you feel better soon. Good luck when you talk to your doctor!

Amanda

christyz · 12-12-2006, 02:29 PM

I agree with Amanda in that diet is HUGE. I was on met for over a year (1500 mg) and didn't alter my diet..I suffered for it side effects wise. When I started eating to control my blood sugar it was like a new drug. So definetly try the dioetary side first..it's a big aspect.

If met isn't the drug for you, there are other options like avandia, cinnamon, chromium etc. I'd discuss it with your doc.

Good luck!