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New member with a question

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martinharvey

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Hi there
I am a new poster here.
I was diagnosed 15 years, aged 31 ago as a type 2, started on diet and exercise and over the years have gone onto drugs.
Currently on Metformin, gliclazide, rosiglitazone and an asprin a day. Was on statins but gave them up after 10 years due to severe muscle pain.
I'm very active. I teach martial arts 4 nights a week and can still run rings around people half my age
Last 3 monthly blood test came back with a average of 7.9 which they say is too high and now have prescribed Acarbose as well.

This apparantly prevents the breakdown of complex carbs so the body doesn't absord the glucose.
Anyone else on this combination? Is it any good?

Many Thanks for your help

Martin
 
Hi Martin,

I'm really sorry - I just didn't spot your original post and I can't understand why you had no response from anyone else. However, I have to say that I don't remember ever seeing a mention on this forum of acarbose (or Glucobay as it is usually marketed as in the UK), which could explain why you had no response.

I did some research on it and it looks like it could certainly help you. As you are already aware it slows down the rate at which carbohydrates are converted into glucose in the blood and so gives you body's insulin a better chance of dealing with the glucose without being swamped by it. Of course it doesn't prevent the eventual conversion to glucose, it just slows it down. I guess that would be helpful if much of your carbohydrate intake is in the form of high GI carbs, but if you already eat a predominantly low GI diet, then the carbs are already being converted more slowly into glucose. I think my only fear would be does that mean that by the time slow converting carbs are slowed even more, will the body still be actively producing the insulin needed to deal with them?

An alternative approach that you might want to consider is to simply reduce your carbohydrate intake by cutting out, or heavily reducing, those carbs that provide little other than starch - what are sometimes referred to as "empty carbs" (i.e. wheat products, pasta, rice and potatoes). If you substitute these with higher quantities of fruit, vegetables and protein then your body will still get all the carbohydrate that it needs. Many people have found that by simply reducing their "starchy" carbohydrate intake they have been able to bring their blood sugar levels under control - and they usually feel healthier and fitter as well - although from what you say, if you were any fitter you would probably have to be classed as a dangerous weapon!!
 
martin,
as you teach martial arts i thought i'd say hi. Have you looked at any supplements
that might help you. It's not all mumbojumbo. Some of the T2 posters on this
forum swear by cinnammon. I'd also recommend you look into Biotin and Chromium too.

all the best.
 
Thanks for the replies

Apparantly you have to build up the dosage of this drug. The first week is one a day, the second week is 2 a day and from the third week it's 3 a day.

After the first week all I can say is 'if you thought Metformin makes you f@rt you should try this'

It's unbelieveable. If it doesn't improve I am going to have to go back to the doctors. I cant teach people if I'm blowing off all night.

Cheers!


Martin
 
Hi ,I've been t2 for about 14 yrs I'm on metformin and gliclazide and today been put on acarbose , but after reading here don't think I'm going to take them,will try and be good lol


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
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