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Anyone on the Ascend Plus trial?

I suspect people will think its naive but the placebo effect shouldnt be dismissed or understated. Even those on this can maintain good habits from the early stages of the trial.
Yes this is why I made sure the other variables of diet and exercise did not change by logging food and exercise with close attention to macros, and waited several weeks to see what the CGM indicated. At first I was not sure at all but it became very obvious after a few weeks that the BG was going upwards.
 
I’m definitely on the placebo, the real Semaglutide was bitter, the randomised one I have is not,

Hacked off tbh as I really wanted to continue. Bloods amazing and weight improved .
 
Perhaps the mind plays tricks but I am convinced I am on the real thing albeit the randomised pill doesn't taste bitter. In essence my side effects have elevated since i went to 14mg a week ago. One assumes that wouldn't be the case with placebo?
 
I’m convinced I’m on the placebo and it tastes bitter as hell. The run in phase felt so different. Loss of appetite, hypos etc . I feel normal like pre trial
 
I’m convinced I’m on the placebo and it tastes bitter as hell. The run in phase felt so different. Loss of appetite, hypos etc . I feel normal like pre trial
Well that is interesting. I am minded to think any bitterness or lack off with the pill could be misleading. It could be that your body has quickly adjusted to the real drug hence the return to pre-trial normality. I guess each individual will have different feelings.
 
What are your results telling you: HbA1c, finger prick or CGM - improved/same/worse since being Randomised?
 
What are your results telling you: HbA1c, finger prick or CGM - improved/same/worse since being Randomised?
Too early to say I think,

I’m in remission as I did the Pathway to Remission program. My bloods are always good but this felt like way to keep them in check,

Never mind, will keep going on the trial as the outcomes are important and could mean better treatment long term.
 
Hi all,
I’ve just started on the randomisation stage.. day 2!
No idea which one I’m on but today after dinner my stomach was painful and then the trips to the loo started. Only felt nauseous in the run in stage. Headache and tiredness as well this evening. Anyone else had these symptoms?
 
Hi all,
I’ve just started on the randomisation stage.. day 2!
No idea which one I’m on but today after dinner my stomach was painful and then the trips to the loo started. Only felt nauseous in the run in stage. Headache and tiredness as well this evening. Anyone else had these symptoms?
Yes, if you have the means of checking your blood glucose (meter/CGM) then check it to see what is happening (as per the ASCENDPLUS leaflet). I say this because shortly after starting the 14mg "X" type treatment (week 1 or 2) mine went to 3.8mmol (test strip reading). I was out walking at the time had a couple of sweets with me. I also had a 3.2mmol CGM reading in the early hours which scared me (but finger prick showed 4.4mmol). I also had a headache and tiredness. I reported this to the Oxford team and I am now on the lower 7mg dose (called the "Y" type treatment). My readings are now stable and indicate that I am heading for a non-diabetic HbA1c result from my next test in late May and I am expecting the GP to take me off of the one 40mg of Gliclazide I am currently on (I can't take Metformin). My stomach has now settled down, but I am now slightly constipated! I am eating more fibre and drinking more water for this and it helps. Only had the CGM for the free trial of 15 days, now gone back to using the strips (which, I have more confidence in). Good luck, and best wishes.
 
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I’m on the placebo …I know this as I have bitten right through one. No bitterness at all , Put it this way, I have Wegovy in the fridge and would have no issues using it, I’m definitely on the placebo, food noise back, side effects gone .

Really wanted the real thing but hey ho. It is what it is.

Just surprised as I would have thought they’d control for the difference in taste etc .
 
I would describe myself as nothing more than an occassional social drinker but since going to randomisation i can barely manage two pints of Guinness or ale. Simply too full. I assume that is to be expected?
 
Perhaps the mind plays tricks but I am convinced I am on the real thing albeit the randomised pill doesn't taste bitter. In essence my side effects have elevated since i went to 14mg a week ago. One assumes that wouldn't be the case with placebo?
Perhaps the mind plays tricks but I am convinced I am on the real thing albeit the randomised pill doesn't taste bitter. In essence my side effects have elevated since i went to 14mg a week ago. One assumes that wouldn't be the case with placebo?
have to agree with this. didnt have many side effects at beginning but they increased a bit at 7mg and more at 14mg. pill never tasted bitter and that didnt change at 14mg.
 
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