Well I am on 60 units of Lantus daily and not getting good enough BSs later in the day. Had a visit to "specialist" nurse last week, not my usual one at my local surgery, who does at least listen to me. She told me to up my Lantus and I explained why I didn't want to as I am already struggling with my weight but she wouldn't (not couldn't) understand. Told her about the effect of carbohydrates and she just suggested that I ate more and perhaps my body would get used to them. I do hate these visits where you know that you are going to be banging your head against a brick wall
hi guys sorry i'm a newbie 
i'm type 2 was on tablets glicazide but it wasn't doing the job as my stomach couldn't handle metformin, and so am now on humalog25mix taking 36 clicks twice a day
my blood readings aren't great theyve only just come down to 11.2 being the lowest reading I had
but can i ask is humalog enough to bring down my readings? Is there anything else I could try?
I've heard of this bitter melon, and had a real good rummage about on the internet, but couldn't find anything if truth be known.
i'm willing to try most stuff if it will better my readings and make me feel better but i'm not getting any response from the doctors, who keep telling me to up my dose 2 clicks every week until it drops further and at the moment feeling like a bloaty goldfish
any replies would be greatly appreciated
many thanks
Mel
i'm type 2 was on tablets glicazide but it wasn't doing the job as my stomach couldn't handle metformin, and so am now on humalog25mix taking 36 clicks twice a day
my blood readings aren't great theyve only just come down to 11.2 being the lowest reading I had
but can i ask is humalog enough to bring down my readings? Is there anything else I could try?
I've heard of this bitter melon, and had a real good rummage about on the internet, but couldn't find anything if truth be known.
i'm willing to try most stuff if it will better my readings and make me feel better but i'm not getting any response from the doctors, who keep telling me to up my dose 2 clicks every week until it drops further and at the moment feeling like a bloaty goldfish
any replies would be greatly appreciated
many thanks
Mel
Re: weight gain with using insulin
Hi Mel,welcome to the forum.Have you tried lowering your carb.intake? You'll find lots of tips on here for that in 'links of diabetes 'in the general discussions thread.I have heard of bitter melon ,it comes from India,I think and they have been using it to help with diabetes for a long time.
Hi Mel,welcome to the forum.Have you tried lowering your carb.intake? You'll find lots of tips on here for that in 'links of diabetes 'in the general discussions thread.I have heard of bitter melon ,it comes from India,I think and they have been using it to help with diabetes for a long time.
Hi Sarah, no I forgot to mention the Metformin, 3 times a day. Is this what you mean.
I did mention to the "specialist" nurse that I had heard of an insulin that shouldn't interfere with the weight so much and I am afraid that she seemed to pretend she didn't hear me. As I should be getting another (6 monthly) appt with the doctor soon, I thought that I would ask him about it, but they do tend to treat me as if I was an ignorant child.
I did mention to the "specialist" nurse that I had heard of an insulin that shouldn't interfere with the weight so much and I am afraid that she seemed to pretend she didn't hear me. As I should be getting another (6 monthly) appt with the doctor soon, I thought that I would ask him about it, but they do tend to treat me as if I was an ignorant child.
Yup, gaining weight is a big problem when going onto insulin. Levemir is less weight inducing than Lantus. The only drugs to be weight neutral or weight reducing are metformin, exenatide and sitagliptin. Gastric banding is a tad severe, but works for most.
Its a balance between input and output. Exercise and carb intake are then the twi more important factors that are alterable.
Its a balance between input and output. Exercise and carb intake are then the twi more important factors that are alterable.
Hi, I am a little confused :? to the suggestion that a healthy non-diabetic typically uses 0.4-0.5 units per kilogram of body weight per day. I weight 57kg, and take a total of 22units of levermir and 16units of novorapid each day. I am trying to loose weight but have failed. Could someone please offer a little help and advice.
Hi SugarPie,
The 0.4-0.5 unit of insulin per kg body weight per day ratio first emerged from Yallow & Bersons research in the USA back in the 60's or 70's. They won a nobel prize for their work. It was on healthy non-diabetics of normal weight, so for we diabetics they can only be numbers to aspire to, particularly when insulin resistance is involved.
The research proved conclusively the relationship between insulin and weight gain too. All overweight subjects were simultaneously hyperinsulinemac.
From your weight, that would put you at about 28 units of insulin in a day, while you're using 38 in total. In my experience, reducing insulin use usually necessitates a change in diet if you don't want to eat less food. It's the low-carb sort of diet that uses the minimum levels of insulin because it restricts the food group which demands the highest insulin use - carbohydrates.
Hope that helps?
All the best,
fergus
The 0.4-0.5 unit of insulin per kg body weight per day ratio first emerged from Yallow & Bersons research in the USA back in the 60's or 70's. They won a nobel prize for their work. It was on healthy non-diabetics of normal weight, so for we diabetics they can only be numbers to aspire to, particularly when insulin resistance is involved.
The research proved conclusively the relationship between insulin and weight gain too. All overweight subjects were simultaneously hyperinsulinemac.
From your weight, that would put you at about 28 units of insulin in a day, while you're using 38 in total. In my experience, reducing insulin use usually necessitates a change in diet if you don't want to eat less food. It's the low-carb sort of diet that uses the minimum levels of insulin because it restricts the food group which demands the highest insulin use - carbohydrates.
Hope that helps?
All the best,
fergus
I am on metforn combination twice a day that seems to be fairly effective, but has resulted in weight gain. My doc seems to think that is is related.
I can see how you can adjust your insulin, but you can't do that with tablets. What is the answer. I am also on gliclizide as well. :cry:
I can see how you can adjust your insulin, but you can't do that with tablets. What is the answer. I am also on gliclizide as well. :cry:
Martin, Your doctor needs to refresh his understanding of metformin. There are no records of metformin ever causing weight gain. There are certain circumstances where it can cause weight loss, but these are quite rare. Similarly gliclazide, which works by reducing insulin resistance just as metformin does, also cannot cause weight gain.
Your weight gain is a direct result of the carbohydrates you eat, not your medication. You are absolutely right that Type 2s can't adjust the medication, so they have to adjust diet instead. If you reduce your carbohydrate intake you should find not only will your blood sugar levels be lower, and your cholesterol lower, but your weight will also reduce.
Your weight gain is a direct result of the carbohydrates you eat, not your medication. You are absolutely right that Type 2s can't adjust the medication, so they have to adjust diet instead. If you reduce your carbohydrate intake you should find not only will your blood sugar levels be lower, and your cholesterol lower, but your weight will also reduce.
megan
Well-Known Member
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its been great to read some of your posts, because I can relate to so much of it. I have to smile to myself or you may end up in tears :x
selective deafness, blunt rudeness, treated like a ignorant child whose ability to ever be able to understand anything let alone take care of themselves!!!!! (no matter what you do!)
its frustrating, humiliating, and upsetting. I tried going to my clinic and not bothering my list of questions, I sat and smiled. was told I looked well and sent on my way. 2 minutes for a huge amount of money.
what about trying to advise me on how to tighten my control?
I eat very healthily. I do what I'm meant to do. but still the weight has been not so slowly creeping up over the last 4 months by over 1 1/2 stone. not good. 3rd time this winter I have had to get bigger clothes. its upsetting. uncomfortable. and of course is not helping my blood sugar control.
I am now tonight about to start on the levemir. I'm really hopeful that this will help me. If it does not work then I will try splitting it.
I only ever seem to lose weight when afflicted with a stomach bug.
I have tried very very low carb meals and still not a pound budges.
I have just had to increase my thyroxine up to 175, so maybe that will help too.
its all very frustrating. I feel like an old woman. I'm in my 30's. waddling.
I'm 5ft 6" and on approx up to date, 30 units lantus and 25 - 30 units novorapid. I am on 2 units novo for 10g of CHO.
any thoughts from anyone gratefully received.................. last week I was on 34 lantus and I tried going down to 28 as my team always used to say drop the insulin and the sugars will come down. well again it didn't work this time, but may be with the levemir? any thoughts?
thanks :shock:
selective deafness, blunt rudeness, treated like a ignorant child whose ability to ever be able to understand anything let alone take care of themselves!!!!! (no matter what you do!)
its frustrating, humiliating, and upsetting. I tried going to my clinic and not bothering my list of questions, I sat and smiled. was told I looked well and sent on my way. 2 minutes for a huge amount of money.
what about trying to advise me on how to tighten my control?
I eat very healthily. I do what I'm meant to do. but still the weight has been not so slowly creeping up over the last 4 months by over 1 1/2 stone. not good. 3rd time this winter I have had to get bigger clothes. its upsetting. uncomfortable. and of course is not helping my blood sugar control.
I am now tonight about to start on the levemir. I'm really hopeful that this will help me. If it does not work then I will try splitting it.
I only ever seem to lose weight when afflicted with a stomach bug.
I have tried very very low carb meals and still not a pound budges.
I have just had to increase my thyroxine up to 175, so maybe that will help too.
its all very frustrating. I feel like an old woman. I'm in my 30's. waddling.
I'm 5ft 6" and on approx up to date, 30 units lantus and 25 - 30 units novorapid. I am on 2 units novo for 10g of CHO.
any thoughts from anyone gratefully received.................. last week I was on 34 lantus and I tried going down to 28 as my team always used to say drop the insulin and the sugars will come down. well again it didn't work this time, but may be with the levemir? any thoughts?
thanks :shock:
Hi, I was in exactly the same position as you (minus the thyroxine). Then about 6 months ago I was put on levermir. At first I took it just before bed but I kept on going high in the afternoon and the weight was still going up. I was then told to split the dose in two.
My regime is now
8 units of levermir in the morning
3 units novorapid before breakfast (depending if I have breakfast)
6 units novorapid before Lunch
6-8 units novorapid before tea
14 units of levermir before bed
The weight is slowly coming down (not at a rate I would like) but at least I haven't put on. I also try to eat less carbs and more vegetables and protein type meals such as stir frys, fish and tofu(I also vegetarian). I'm not sure if any of this helps but its just a little encouragement not to give up hope!
My regime is now
8 units of levermir in the morning
3 units novorapid before breakfast (depending if I have breakfast)
6 units novorapid before Lunch
6-8 units novorapid before tea
14 units of levermir before bed
The weight is slowly coming down (not at a rate I would like) but at least I haven't put on. I also try to eat less carbs and more vegetables and protein type meals such as stir frys, fish and tofu(I also vegetarian). I'm not sure if any of this helps but its just a little encouragement not to give up hope!
I think you've mixed something up. gliclazide stimulates insulin production and causes weight gain. In fact it's VERY hhard to lose weight while using it. I got off it for that reason.
Wise move, hanadr.
Gliclazide is a sulphonylurea and works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. When you consider that the majority of type 2's already overproduce insulin because they're insulin resistant, stimulating the production of even more possibly isn't the brightest idea. It's not going to address the insulin resistance, it can induce weight gain due to the extra insulin, and put additional stresses on the pancreas which may result in beta cell burnout. When you add in the risk of hypoglycemia, it's clear to see why some doctors refuse to prescribe it.
All the best,
fergus
Gliclazide is a sulphonylurea and works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. When you consider that the majority of type 2's already overproduce insulin because they're insulin resistant, stimulating the production of even more possibly isn't the brightest idea. It's not going to address the insulin resistance, it can induce weight gain due to the extra insulin, and put additional stresses on the pancreas which may result in beta cell burnout. When you add in the risk of hypoglycemia, it's clear to see why some doctors refuse to prescribe it.
All the best,
fergus
As a T2 who at one point was getting close to 20st and GP wanted to put onto insulin, This thread has confirmed that i made the right choice and looked for other ways. For me Byetta has given better control and the added push of weight loss which has ( after avidly following the Carbs thread ) got me to look at what i eat and portion control. Also the utlimate sacrifice gave up my beloved Pint.
Nett result Not hungry, dont eat as much or spend on food as much. Weigh less and my dodgey knee dosnt play up as much. The only down side that in a month or so the wallet will take a hit because my fav jeans etc wont fit BOO HOO
Dave P
Nett result Not hungry, dont eat as much or spend on food as much. Weigh less and my dodgey knee dosnt play up as much. The only down side that in a month or so the wallet will take a hit because my fav jeans etc wont fit BOO HOO
Dave P
I have been married to a type 1 for 37 years and I have noticed a tendency in diabetic care teams to suggest a dose of insulin and the get the patient to"cover" it with food. That leads to an upweight spiral ( 6'3" husband now weighs 17 stone). A much better approach is to work out how much insulin you need to cover the food at each meal. Bernstein shows how to do this and I think it's meant to be at the root of DAFNE, but I have no experience of it. If you are a hyperinsulaemic type 2 ( which many of us are) adding more insulin to the mix is likely to pile on the pounds.
In my experience, the only way for type 2s to loose weight and keep BGs on target, is to eat fewer carbs and cut the insulin secretalogues to the bone. Metformin is less helpful in established type 2 than in the early stages. It can cause tummy grumbles, but usually that wears off in time. I'm told that the slow release form doesn't do it. Again I have no experience of that. I just kept going with it until I adapted.
In my experience, the only way for type 2s to loose weight and keep BGs on target, is to eat fewer carbs and cut the insulin secretalogues to the bone. Metformin is less helpful in established type 2 than in the early stages. It can cause tummy grumbles, but usually that wears off in time. I'm told that the slow release form doesn't do it. Again I have no experience of that. I just kept going with it until I adapted.
Jude
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hanadr
How did you manage to persuade the medics to take you off Gliclazide and onto Byetta? I have been on Metformin 2g daily and then in November last year Gliclazide was added. I have put on a stone as a result of this and I really would like to get off it. I have lived most of my life with a weight problem and now have another stone to deal with and I am far from coping with it all.
Did the weigh fall off when you stopped the Gliclazide?
Many thanks. :?
Jude
How did you manage to persuade the medics to take you off Gliclazide and onto Byetta? I have been on Metformin 2g daily and then in November last year Gliclazide was added. I have put on a stone as a result of this and I really would like to get off it. I have lived most of my life with a weight problem and now have another stone to deal with and I am far from coping with it all.
Did the weigh fall off when you stopped the Gliclazide?
Many thanks. :?
Jude
megan
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hi,
I have now had my referral to my new dr, although getting there isn't that easy or cheap...
The point is by the time I got there I had unlearnt some errors and relearnt some good advice already. A few 'oldies' on the advice line were trashed and laughed at. not meant funny 'ha ha', more tragic really as many of these diabetic teams may not be that up to date....bit like my last one...hence the move.. my life in their hands and all that!!!!
but one thing that did come to light is that I have been trying to find out why the weight gain. now 2 stone in 5 months. as I mentioned before, perhaps the need to up the thyroxine. But this Dr said that the prozac I am on may have caused the increase...
I asked this question of my GP before and he said that this is not the case and that sometimes people get put on prozac with relation to weight gain issues.
So I am now taking the prozac every other day for a start. still on cognitive behavioural therapy...but not really sure where that is going...
it was good to have an understanding ear....but now I have come home and my BS have gone haywire...
I'm tired of this :roll:
I have now had my referral to my new dr, although getting there isn't that easy or cheap...
The point is by the time I got there I had unlearnt some errors and relearnt some good advice already. A few 'oldies' on the advice line were trashed and laughed at. not meant funny 'ha ha', more tragic really as many of these diabetic teams may not be that up to date....bit like my last one...hence the move.. my life in their hands and all that!!!!
but one thing that did come to light is that I have been trying to find out why the weight gain. now 2 stone in 5 months. as I mentioned before, perhaps the need to up the thyroxine. But this Dr said that the prozac I am on may have caused the increase...
I asked this question of my GP before and he said that this is not the case and that sometimes people get put on prozac with relation to weight gain issues.
So I am now taking the prozac every other day for a start. still on cognitive behavioural therapy...but not really sure where that is going...
it was good to have an understanding ear....but now I have come home and my BS have gone haywire...
I'm tired of this :roll:
