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I think I have Insulin Resistance - any advice ?

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custard

New Member
Dear All,

Nine months ago I was diagnosed with Fatty Liver disease and inflamation of the stomach (gastritis). I have since lost 3 stone and have regained normal liver function. However I have a lot of diabetic symptoms. I fall asleep like a log if I eat carbs. I have to drink up to two pints of water through the night. I urinate very frequently, every half hour or so during the day. I thought I had insulin resistance anyway, and then I read that I.R. is a symptom of fatty liver disease. The thing is, my fasting blood sugar levels are normal. I have been tested multiple times. I feel I am on a slippery slope and should act now. GP's don't seem interested unless you have high blood sugar when they test you. I also get a lot of fatigue and my vision feels a bit blurred, although that could be age (I am 45). Any advice on what test to ask for at the doctors much appreciated.
 
Not a qualified expert but have you been for a blood glucose test? Can you ask for one, the symptoms seem classic to me, but it's still pretty new to me too.

Good luck pal.
 
Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I have been tested multiple times. The levels have never been a cause for concern. The last time was (random, not fasting) 6.0 mMol/L. Glycated Haemoglobin 5.1 (I think this is the same as hba1c). These were done six months ago.
 
(Another layman)

Sounds rather familiar...

I found I had IGT (impaired glucose tolerance) after an unrelated health problem and, after some months of self-testing, I enquired about metformin, having become very lethargic after exercise. I have been on it for two years and - with exercise and diet - have lost over 20kg. My glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is 5.9% (41mmol/mol) and I am told I am only borderline type 2.

This combination of exercise diet and metformin was originally found in various papers online, and seems to be an answer to combating IRS (insulin resistance syndrome) AND the very high risk that obesity leads to full DM type 2 and heart problems. This is working well for me.

The diet I am using is a DIY version of "calorie shifting" (for which I paid nothing!), cutting down the energy input in an organized manner. I have a routine of usually three "normal" days (around 2500 kcal) then one low-calorie day (around 1250 kcal), repeated. I quite regularly go to McDonald's, also Wetherspoons, as both publish nutrition data, making it easy to see and limit energy intake. At McD a "meal" means the salad option for me, not chips.

It is all a question of determined moderation and control. Resist family who try to push calorific or fatty food - even if they made it - and just try a very small amount!

Good luck.
 
Hi Acahopkins,
and thanks for the reply. I have managed to book myself in for a 'Glucose Tolerance Test'. My GP seems reluctant to do anything unless I have a high 'Fasting Glucose', but from what I have read, its the 'Fasting Glucose' level which is the last thing to fail after lots of other things have gone wrong. Is it possible to be 'Insulin Resistant' and yet still have relatively normal blood sugar? I am contemplating paying to see a specialist if the NHS wont do anything. BTW is fat a very bad thing? I thought carbohydrates and sugars are the worst. Regards.
 
Hi (I am just another layman who happens to have this condition)

Hope your GP can help. I found articles about combined exercise, diet and metformin by searching the web. They were free articles, also one from 'Diabetic Medicine' - because my daughter had to study it as a student, and she suggested I read hers too. My GP was aware of that one - maybe yours doesn't read 'Diabetic Medicine'?!

> Is it possible to be 'Insulin Resistant' and yet still have relatively normal blood sugar?

That seems to be my situation, and probably why it was not properly noticed until the day before I had the glucose tolerance test. My HbA1c has been <6.5 ever since I was diagnosed, even before I started on metformin. I had found that my BG went high after meals, yet I had no energy or it 'ran out' suddenly - taking metformin solved that problem instantly.

> BTW is fat a very bad thing?

A Biologist I know thinks fat is worst, because it is stored without undergoing as much conversion. Carbohydrates are still bad but she thinks not as bad as fat.

My GP did put me on Orlistat to reduce digestion of fat, and I seem to have benefitted, though I had lost a lot of weight before it. As I can maintain a low-fat diet already, I think I should now be on Acarbose, to reduce carbohydrate digestion, but my GP does not. (It apparently causes severe farting, though Orlistat can have worse effects)!

I currently feel that the "exercise" bit is my main need now, but cannot afford the Council Gym. There is a limit to how far I can walk with my false leg before my "stump" gets tired and hurts - but walking on a treadmill I can last much longer.

I didn't say before, but I reduced alcohol intake to 2-3 units a week. I used to be around 6/week, but three drugs I take say to avoid alcohol and my consultant said 2 units/day was OK, but I was already well below that.

Good luck!
 
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