NewTD2

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I think the reason why my DN has decided to reduce it from 14 to 6 units in such a short space of time (after 2 weeks) is probably due to the fact that my BG readings are normalizing.

I also complained about getting a lot of 'hypos'. 14 units is probably too strong for me.
 

NewTD2

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What are the side effects that you experienced with Metformin?

I felt muscle weakness everyday with taking Insulin.
 

Ambersilva

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715
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Type 1
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I felt muscle weakness everyday with taking Insulin.

Was your muscle weakness not caused by the fact that you were virtually starving yourself and there was no energy available in your blood to reach the muscles?
 

donnellysdogs

Master
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People that can't listen to other people's opinions.
People that can't say sorry.
But @NewTD2 -perhaps I have misunderstood...

Are you just dropping straight away from 14 to 6 and then 0 straightaway after that? Or are you being reduced down gradually whilst non insulin meds increase?

Giving or increasing metformin isnt an immediate response like an insulin jab... thats just my concern that you keep testing and have enough strips if you are also increasing low carb food/proteins/fats....

Only from a T1 point of view , please make sure you keep vigilant about blood testing and contact nurse immediately if they consistently are rising.... you do not want to get above 8 consistently without further discussions about meds....
 

NewTD2

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1,563
Type of diabetes
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More likely yes

I did not have any carbs at all for 5-6 weeks of starvation diet and I am still weak up to now.

Any suggestion what I should do to get my energy levels back up?
 

NewTD2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,563
Type of diabetes
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Im being reduced from 14 units of insulin to 6 units this evening and then will be transferring to Metformin 500mg

I don't know what's going to happen but thank you for your advice about regular testing just in case my BG levels goes back up again!
 

NewTD2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,563
Type of diabetes
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How did you feel when your Insulin was reduced from 10 - 6 units?

What was your BG readings at the time?
 

Ambersilva

Well-Known Member
Messages
715
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
More likely yes

I did not have any carbs at all for 5-6 weeks of starvation diet and I am still weak up to now.

Any suggestion what I should do to get my energy levels back up?

Speaking as a Type 1D, I need injected insulin. With not enough injected insulin then no energy can reach the muscles. Perhaps some T2 members can advise how insulin and/or Metformin work for them in the control of blood sugar and energy production.
 

oldsle

Well-Known Member
Messages
111
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I was exercising every day, eating right, so I was definitely feeling better every day because of that. My bg was 18 when I was diagnosed, so I felt better the closer I got to normal levels. And my decrease was so gradual that I didn't notice any difference from that. My levels ranged from the high 4s to 7s. I didn't get a chance to enjoy 6 units very long because insomnia (and stress) really started kicking the levels into high gear. I actually had to go to around 13 units, but now I'm back at 10 and I'm working on my sleep so I'm sure I'll reduce it again until I'm off it. My specialist recommended I split the dose, and it may or may not have made a difference. I'm not sure.
 

NewTD2

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Does anybody here still eat potatoes, rice, bread, pasta?

If not, where do you get your energy from?
 

Freema

Expert
Messages
7,346
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Does anybody here still eat potatoes, rice, bread, pasta?

If not, where do you get your energy from?

sometimes ... I eat some carbs every day, shared over more meals so the spiking will not be too high (I hope ) , and I eat more carbs the days I do a lot of fitness and burn really many calories... then I do eat more carbs and see it as a treat for burning those 2000 calories twice a week..

it takes by the way time to have the body scwitch from carbs to using ketosis as energy form... in your case you did both starve yourself dangerously , while still not having recovered from a long period with very high blood glucose, and maybe you gave your body a gigantic shock by changing so rapidly , and maybe your getting even more ill is more a expression of taking a big toll on a body already very very ill...

diabetes is for good, so we actually have the rest of our life to find a new balance ..

most also get this low carb "flu " because the body needs time to adapt to the ketosis eating/ living style ..
I guess some have a more easy time than you had changing their diet..

I myself have still not had the guts to try going into the ketosis way of living... so I am somewhere in between moderate carbs and some days too many carbs I think... at the moment returning to a lower fat eating style and higher fibres... because that worked amazingly well for me initially.. and at that time also very low calories...that I can´t do at the moment; 1000 calories in a day is not realistic for me in the longer run
 

NewTD2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,563
Type of diabetes
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Tablets (oral)
Just to let everyone know I've started eating a bit of wholemeal bread and brown rice but very limited and lots of vegetables.
 
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bulkbiker

BANNED
Messages
19,575
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
But that would lead to fatty liver and pancreas
Oh no it wouldn't... as a whole lot of us have found out NAFLD is reduced by cutting carbs out of our diets. Reducing high blood sugars as well.
 

NewTD2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,563
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Im afraid Ketogenic Diet doesn't work for me.

I need a bit of carb to have energy!
 

NewTD2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,563
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi @oldsle ,

Just received a call from my doctor and she's prescribing 500mg Metformin from tommorow.

Insulin is also reduced from 14 to 6 units from last night and I feel so much better. I think the idea is to increase Metformin and wean down Insulin slowly and gradually.

Don't feel hypoglycemic anymore, thank God.

How are things with you?

Andrew
 
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oldsle

Well-Known Member
Messages
111
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi Andrew @NewTD2. I'm glad you're feeling better. Things definitely seem to be improving for you! I'm doing ok, seem to be sleeping better. Started taking vit B last week and melatonin last night, and sleep is improving a bit (which is good, because I'm looking for work right now). I reduced my insulin last night and woke up with a 3.6, so I reduced my morning dose by one unit too. Now I'm down to 9/day, so I'm hoping that's a sign of things to come!

Leah
 

NewTD2

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,563
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi Leah,

That is wonderful news!

Try listening to 'easy listening/relaxing natural sounds and music' on YouTube. There are 'night forest sounds', 'calming seas' etc.


Also take Multivitamins, Minerals, Pomegranate Extract (4000mg) which is a strong anti-oxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Cod Liver Oil, Ester C, Garlic (4000 mg).

Can I ask where do you get your food energy from if you're low-carbing?

Andrew