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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Squadron Leader" data-source="post: 183182" data-attributes="member: 30696">Don't know how much this will help anyone but here's my Byetta story. (WARNING: Long post)I'm type 2, with PCOS and have been on Byetta since November 2008. My own level of insulin resistance means that I also have Acanthosis Nigricans (dark patches of skin on neck, in armpits, on elbows, in skin folds, etc.)When I started Byetta my weight was 130kg (20st 6lb) and my HbA1C was 12.2%. I was on 2500mg Metformin, 160mg Gliclazide and other meds for blood pressure and cholesterol.I found that although Byetta helped with reducing hunger/ appetite (before I had no "off switch" when it came to food). It was also necessary for me to make other changes to my lifestyle to maximize the impact Byetta could have.When I started on Byetta I did suffer from nausea and I found the longer it was between injecting and eating, the worse it was. (Still happens two years on.)Portion control (from Jan 2009) was the first major thing I had to tackle due to reflux - believe me, it's no fun waking up choking on your own vomit! (Though, I have to admit... it's a darn good incentive to eat less!)I then started walking on a regular basis and, to begin with (July 2009), I found even a short walk knackered me for at least 24 hours afterwards but I persevered and, in time, it's become easier. (I can now walk 5 miles.)The last change I made was reducing the amount of carbs I ate (Jan 2010). I don't "low carb" but I do limit the amount I have to between 90g and 150g per day. At my most recent review (10th March 2011) my weight was down to 103.6kg (16st 4lb) and my HbA1c was 6.5%. I no longer need to take any Gliclazide and am about to see if I can reduce my Metformin by 500mg per day. Acanthosis Nigricans is reduced but still have some patches.Downsides of Byetta:There are times when my appetite is SO suppressed that the mere thought of eating is enough to make me feel really ill. And even if I do try to eat, there's nothing I "fancy".A lot of the food that I used to really enjoy now taste completely bland and I've had to up the spiciness quotient by quite a lot to get the same pleasure.My eyes can still be "bigger than my belly".Constipation is now a constant friend...Klair</blockquote>

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