I visited the local metabolic clinic and was told that my weight issue stems from insulin resistance; which is genetic. I cannot afford metabolic clinic visits ($400 a month!) and my insurance doesn't cover weight loss clinic. Is there anyone who has successfully reversed this disease? Which doctor did you go to for help? It is a must that I take care of this, otherwise, I will become diabetic. Thanks!!
It has been a long time since I posted my request, but it has taken me this long to lose some weight! I went to an Endocrine doctor last spring who said I had become diabetic. I was terrified. I couldn't tolerate the meds because it made my sugar drop too low. So, I started taking Chromium (which regulates insulin) and walking 30 minutes a day. I increased walking to about 6-7 miles a day at least 3 times a week and eventually lost 25 pounds. I snacked on granola bars and ate oatmeal and dropped my cholesterol by 60 points! I have been taken out of the "diabetic" category. I still want to lose at least 25 more pounds (and 30 more cholesterol points) and hope to do that this year. It is taking a LONG time, but I have maintained the weight loss during the winter by walking 30 minutes usually 4-5 times a week. I look better and feel better and cannot wait to lose more weight!!
I see my regular doctor and take Glucaphage 500mg in morning and 500mg in the evening. It is a drug used by diabetics.
Hi L., I would suggest calling the health department in your county and asking if they can provide you any services. They usually have adult care clinics.
I don't think it would hurt to try a low-carb, high protein diet like Atkins. Before I went on the Atkins diet, I read one of his books & everything he says points to the symptoms of pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions being alleviated by his diet (and other types of low carb diets like it). He has a lot of evidence to back it up too. You might want to pick up one of the books and read it for yourself. It convinced me. He actually talks a lot about insulin resistance, and about the tens of thousands of people who have been through his clinic and on his diet who have completely eliminated those symptoms (along with the symptoms of heart disease, yeast problems, depression, and many other things) by adhering to a low carb diet. By the way, a low carb diet doesn't mean no carbs forever... It starts out that way at first, but then you are able to gradually add "good" carbs back in (whole grains, veggies, some fruits, etc.) after you break the carb addiction.
I started Atkins and lost about 30 pounds in about 4 months. I sort of got wayward about it and am currently maintaining my weight loss just eating normal foods (with carbs), but I plan to go back on the diet to continue losing weight soon. I still have another 40 pounds to go to hit my ideal weight.
Good luck!
L.
I also was diagnosised with Insulin Resistence by my OB/GYN, after the birth of my second child. No matter what I did I've always been overweight. But she noticed dark patches in my arm pits and the dark line of Preg, that didn't go away (all symptoms). She referred me to a family prac. that specilizes in Insulin resistence. She put me on Glucophage, 500mg 2x daily, and a high protein/low carb diet. And I lost 30lbs. relatively quickly(within 6mos). I've never been a size 10, but i am now. As I have gotten lazy (this was 2 yrs ago)I have gained some weight back 10lbs. So you do have to watch what you eat. I still eat, pizza, breaksticks and pasta. I just don't eat as much. She also turned me onto protein shakes in the morning for breakfast which has helped. I do have some side effects from the medicine, loose stools (lovely), but that happens more so when Iam out of medicine and don't take it for a couple of days. So as long as you keep it up, it's not that bad. I have never heard of a metabolic clinic. Go see a family doctor and get a referral for a specilist in your area. If you want me to see about asking my doctor for someone in our area, let me know. Here's my email: ____@____.com if you just have anymore questions. Good luck, J.
I would check out the Carbohydrates Addicts Diet or Sugar Busters. Insulin Resistance should be able to be corrected soley through diet and exercise. I would go to a naturopathic doctor who can treat your diease with herbs and minerals and diet.
I am currently on the Carb Addicts diet and have lost 28.5 pounds in one month, I also started taking iodine for my thyroid, and cut out all regular and diet sodas. It has been amazing the results. Basically the diet allows you only 4 carb for two meals a day and then your third meal you can eat whatever you want, they do want it balanced, but it can be dessert, pizza etc. you do have to eat this meal within 1 hour. The basis is that your body is only releasing the insulin that it needs for your low carb meals and that this third meal, you mind is not able to trigger a larger insulin release, so your blood sugar stays even, and you are not hungry. I don't know how severe your disorder is, but it is a great diet and it might really help. I wish you the best.
Hello there, first of all I have to say GREAT job trying to correct this before it becomes an issue. I am struggling with the same problem, just recently started Weight Watchers program. I too have insulin resistance.
I didn't find it out until last year when I was trying to get pregnant. Both your OBGYN or Gen. Physician can help you with this problem. Let them know your findings at the metabolic clinic and they can treat you at your reg. Doc visits. The treatment will be covered by your insurance. I was given 2 different medications. The best one was AvandaMet it is a combination between Avandia and Metformin (sp?), it helps your body use insulin correctly somehow you will have to ask your doc. This really helped me with my food cravings. Since I was trying to get pregnant once I became pregnant I was just to take Metformin because Avandia can cause problems I guess. If you are not breastfeeding or are not wanting to get pregnant the AvandaMet worked best for me. Good luck.
Sincerely, K.
Dear L.,
I would go to the metabolic center for a month, then do it on your own, buying vitamins from GNC and a similar protein supplement. In the meantime, read everything you can on insulin resistance and dieting on the internet. Combined with a low calorie diet and exercise, you will lose weight. Learning about the issues and current thought processes will help you start to change your eating habits long term. Best of luck to you.
S.
Has your physician ever discussed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with you? I wonder if this could be a cause for your health problems?? This often causes insulin resistance and weight problems, etc. Glucophage (Metformin) is a prescription medication that often helps with insulin resistance. Hope this helps you out!
