Replacing Metformin with Exercise (looking for suggestions)

CysterWigs

Disclaimer: I am doing this with the blessing and guidance of my endocrinologist, so before you try anything similar, please talk to your doctor.

I am technically a diabetic (type 2), but depending on when you test me, I'm still in the pre-diabetic category. So, let's just say I'm in a good place to reverse this if I get my act together. My insulin levels are good and my other hormones, etc. are in the "normal" ranges. However, I have PCOS and insulin resistance, for which I have been prescribed Metformin. I HATE this drug. Even in small doses it makes me feel like crap.

I was told that the side effects (which are many) would go away if I:
1) Stopped eating a lot of refined sugar (which is a WIP, but so far so good - my diary is public if you want to see it)
2) Gave it time for the side effects to go away (it's been five and a half years, off and on - that's long enough)
3) Took it with food (doesn't work, it just makes my meals all the more miserable)

I told my endo about the side effects and she said that Metformin works by fooling your muscle tissue and liver into metabolizing glucose as if you've been exercising. Exercise makes you glucose sensitized. REVELATION. This should have been a no-brainer, but it was as if the hammer of Thor struck me in the head when she told me this.

So, now I am gradually weaning myself off the medication and am in need of a good, metabolically stimulating cardio routine that I can do for about 60 minutes every day. I am a tried and true couch potato, but I am eager to get going!

So, do you have any similar experience with Met? OR, do you have a killer exercise routine that you think might get my metabolism revved up so my body works more like it should?

Some info about me:
- Dieting is easier than exercising for me. I am one of those weirdos who HATE exercise...But I hate Metformin more.
- I am very sedentary, which is probably how I ended up in this boat in the first place.
- I have never been able to run. I don't know how. Seriously, I just end up hurting myself. This indicates there's some kind of technique involved that I just can't seem to stumble upon. (Sorry about the pun.)
- I have terrible hand eye coordination. I was always the first kid in PE to get tagged with the dodgeball.
- I just moved to Georgia from Ohio, so funds are scarce at present. Once the fall hits, though, I can use my school's rec center.

sorcha1977

Have you tried the extended-release Metformin? I've never had a single side effect with it, and my doctor said none of his patients have ever complained. The XR version is a godsend.