metformin and insulin level
anban229
Posts: 3
I've suffered with acne and unwanted hair since after puberty. Eventually went on thyroid medication, and while it didn't solve those problems, it did help me lose 15 lbs of the water bloat I was carrying.
I was happy with my weight and figure for 6 years.
Then 6 months following a traumatic event, my blood results showed my cortisol high end of range and my t3 out of range (i'm on t3 only). they lowered my meds so I was back to my usual level. Blood sugar was 100 though. I felt bloated and couldn't fit into my jeans.
Went on a severe crash diet and lost 15 lbs. Went to the dr. and my cortisol was thru the roof out of range, blood sugar still 100. I decided to sop dieting. Gained 10 lbs back. He tested my Insulin and it was 92 (normal is less than 23). He said I had severe insulin resistance.
So, I've been taking a total of 1000 metformin for the past 3 months and my fasting glucose is now 88, Insulin is 50, cortisol is still elevated (cut off is 20) mine is 23.8 (down from 28). I have trouble sleeping b/c of worrying.
I did have a blood test in the afternoon a month and half ago, fasted, and my Insulin came back at 9 (range 6-27). Cortisol was low b/c it was the afternoon.
Questions:
1. Can high cortisol really make sure insulin run that high? Or was my insulin that low in the afternoon b/c i had a few extra hours of fasting?
2. Am I being too hard on myself in being upset that i only got my insulin down to 50 in 3 months (I'm 5"7 and 135 lbs--so the insulin resistance isn't from being overweight) Will it come down further on this dose?
3. My dr. suggested I could try taking more metformin? Do you think i should? Is more better?
Thanks!
I was happy with my weight and figure for 6 years.
Then 6 months following a traumatic event, my blood results showed my cortisol high end of range and my t3 out of range (i'm on t3 only). they lowered my meds so I was back to my usual level. Blood sugar was 100 though. I felt bloated and couldn't fit into my jeans.
Went on a severe crash diet and lost 15 lbs. Went to the dr. and my cortisol was thru the roof out of range, blood sugar still 100. I decided to sop dieting. Gained 10 lbs back. He tested my Insulin and it was 92 (normal is less than 23). He said I had severe insulin resistance.
So, I've been taking a total of 1000 metformin for the past 3 months and my fasting glucose is now 88, Insulin is 50, cortisol is still elevated (cut off is 20) mine is 23.8 (down from 28). I have trouble sleeping b/c of worrying.
I did have a blood test in the afternoon a month and half ago, fasted, and my Insulin came back at 9 (range 6-27). Cortisol was low b/c it was the afternoon.
Questions:
1. Can high cortisol really make sure insulin run that high? Or was my insulin that low in the afternoon b/c i had a few extra hours of fasting?
2. Am I being too hard on myself in being upset that i only got my insulin down to 50 in 3 months (I'm 5"7 and 135 lbs--so the insulin resistance isn't from being overweight) Will it come down further on this dose?
3. My dr. suggested I could try taking more metformin? Do you think i should? Is more better?
Thanks!
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Replies
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Hi @anban229! Thanks for joining this group! I wish I had the answers to your questions, but I don't. I think a Naturopathic Doctor would be a great source for you, since they probably won't frown upon this lifestyle and are often nutritionists and pay attention to cortisol levels.
I would say that there is no need to be upset about anything. It's all a learning process, not just for ourselves, but for doctors as well. As for metformin, there are mixed reviews on it. I didn't personally have a problem with it, but I was paleo at the time of use. I believe that helped greatly in eliminating the negative side effects. My ND wasn't too excited about me taking it at the time because she doesn't feel that it is necessary. Hope that helps!0
