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The Question
03/10/10 03:11 PM

" When I was first tested, insulin level was 24, fasting bs was 105. started metformin, and now my bs is about the same, insulin level is 84!!!!!"
Asked By: jillybean46  
Category: Prediabetes

Background Info Hide
Metformin 1000 mg per day. Overweight, but making dietary changes in regards to carbs and sugars! I've lost almost 30 pounds to date. What am I doing wrong? Or did I just catch this too late?

Expert Answers (1)

03/14/10 09:10 PM

Hello jillybean46
I commend you on your lifestyle changes. You have lost 30 lbs! That is wonderful.. You are making informed food choices and hopefully exercising. Now, why don't you see big differences in your labs. Well you already answered that in a way. Did you catch this too late? You are doing nothing wrong and show proactive positive lifestyle changes. However, Diabetes is a progressive disease. The high insuiln level clearly indicates that you have insulin resistance and your pancreas is overproducing insulin at this time to try to overcome the hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The Metformin will work to decrease glucose production in your liver. Exercise will help your muscles uptake the glucose in your blood and decrease the insulin levels also. Think of it as increasing your bodies efficiency. Exercise will help make everything work better.

The American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise 150 minutes a week or more. That equates to 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 times a week or more. Give yourself about 3 months of a good exercise routine before your labs reflect improvement in glucose and insulin levels. Your goal should be less than or equal to 7% HgA1c. Good luck and keep making healthy choices!

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
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Community Answers (2)

03/19/10 09:54 AM

Thank you. I started the Atkins diet this week and have had only between 15-20 carbs per day, most coming from Veggies. I have not noticed any changes in my blood sugar so far, and do not have another insulin level check until Mid-April. Hopefully, these changes will turn things around.
Answered By: jillybean46
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03/19/10 09:50 AM

Jillybean46, good advice from the expert. You're on the right track-taking responsibility for your health. You are also correct in tracking insulin as the right blood marker to determine your relative diabetes "health." Elevated blood insulin levels are at least as damaging to your body as high glucose levels, and people can have high blood insulin levels for years or decades with perfectly "normal" blood glucose levels. Continue to exercise and modify your diet to a healthier one. Some suggestions: Diabetes (T2) is nearly 100% man-made. This means it can be unmade, so: 1. eliminate all sodas from your diet. 2. Cut out all simple sugars (cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream, honey, maple syrup, etc). 3. eliminate all fried foods and deep fried foods (no more french fries or chicken mcnuggets). 4. eliminate milk and fruit juice. 5. limit whole fruit consumption to no more than 1 small serving/day. 6. severely limit your consumption of breads, cereals, & pasta. Lastly, get fit. There is no substitute for exercise. A WORD OF CAUTION: do not make these dietary modifications without monitoring your glucose at least 3 times daily. These dietary modifications will drop your glucose and if you're still taking meds, it could drop dangerously low. Make these modifications slowly, let your body respond, and you can respond the proper level of meds. Eventually, your body will respond with lower insulin production. Also, get some healthy w-3 fatty acids every day. This will help your body to recover and heal.
Answered By: kenhampshire
FLAG
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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