Formal Diet or GLP1

[Phillip Reynolds]

My diabetes is reasonably well managed with metformin and insulin injections but as I’m increasing my exercise and taking a more responsible attitude to my diet, potentially losing weight of 12 to 15KG, I contacted my diabetic nurse. It’s likely that I can reduce the number of units of insulin. I didn’t ask but she offered me Mounjaro on the NHS but I’m not sure I need that. I’m slightly nervous about taking it and also coming off it again when the NHS feel I’ve reached the target. I understand that most side affects are manageable other than pancreatitis. Thinking of Slimming World for diet. Not sure which way to jump with this. My BMI is 31. And thoughts welcome.

 

[Rachox]

Hi @Phillip Reynolds and welcome to the forum.
I was diagnosed with type 2 over nine years ago. I was initially treated with low dose Metformin and I ate a low carb diet. I got my HbA1c back to a non diabetic level very quickly. At first I lost a shed load of weight just by low carbing and the Metformin. I then had a traumatic few years, loss of both my parents among other things and put some weight back on. At that point I started on GLP 1 meds and have slowly lost the regained weight. I’m currently on Mounjaro, just 5mg and continue on a low carb diet. I am lucky I have never had any side effects.
Your title “Formal Diet or GLP 1”, I don’t think it is necessarily an either or situation, being on a GLP 1 doesn’t give you free rein to eat what you like. I have found that the Mounjaro does reduce my appetite but I still have to be mindful of what I’m eating so as not to put weight back on again. As a diabetic I can stay on Mounjaro indefinitely on the NHS regardless of my weight.
As you are currently on Insulin you’d need to be careful not to go hypo on a low carb diet so if this is the route you’d like to take you’d need to ask advice from your HCPs.

 

[James13]

I'm probably just unlucky but after being on Mounjaro in 2024, it worked for appetite suppression for about 4 months then stopped, although I lost about 20lbs. I came off it but went back on it this year for my blood glucose and I've put on 2 stone. Working well for blood sugar though, in conjunction with Pioglitazone and Glimepiride. I realise it works well for some people of course.

My BMI is 37.9 by the way.

 

[zand]

My GP prescribe Slimming World for me free for 6 months several years ago. I went to the sessions but only really for the weigh in. I followed a low carb diet which worked well. Some of the foods on a low carb diet act to produce the bodies natural GLP1. You can Google to find out which ones help to do this. I know someone who was only on Mounjaro for 8 months. Almost 3 years later she still has recurrent bouts of diverticulitis. It's personal choice of course but if my BMI was only 31 I don't think I would take Mounjaro.