Uh-Oh, Insulin Resisance. Commiseration anyone?

I knew what my chances were like going in, what with my family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, fondness for junk food, weight problem and pre-existing diagnosis of Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), yet I still cried when I found out that I failed my 2 hour glucose tolerance test. So, I’ve been attacked by the Insulin Resistance monster, and now my life feels like it’s revolving around my diet. Doctor said to go on the Low GI (Glucose Index) diet to a) Lose weight b) Control I.R. c) Fix cholestrol (also bad - 6.5) d) (Hopefully) get pregnant, and since it’s an all-in-one fix… well, I guess I’d better give it a shot. I’ve also been put on Metformin which is supposed to fix everything except the cholestrol, and to date my fear that I’d suffer the nausea side effect has been unfounded. Still, I’m feeling pretty low about yet another health problem on top of all those I was already dealing with.

I was hoping to hear about other dopers experiences with the whole change of lifestyle dealy that I’m now facing. What will change or has changed for you? Did you get better or will you always need medication? How has the whole diet/medication thing gone for you? How do you balance the need to diet with the Christmas temptations to indulge in sugary, fatty treats? Has your partner been supportive, and has your diet change made any difference to them? What good and bad did your diagnosis hold for you? Do you have any recipe or book recommendations, or anything else to share that helped you?

I’m not soliciting medical advice, just a bit of sharing and some empathy from those who have already been through the process that I’m starting.

It will get you pregnant? That’s some pill! :wink:

Yup! Toodle-loo, husband, I don’t need you now I’ve got me some little white pills! :wink: Who would have thought he could be replaced by 850mg of metformin hydrochloride?

Metformin has been a godsend to me. I lost 100 lbs when I was first put on it (over about 8 months) and found I had tons more energy, even before I lost significant weight. My triglicerides and cholesterol went from high to normal within about a year. My guess is that although this feels like bad news to you, it is actually addressing the root of the problem for at least the cholesterol and the PCOS.

Resisance is useless!

Good luck to you.

Thanks for the encouragement :slight_smile:

A low carb diet worked for me. Try Dana Carpender’s cookbooks–lots of good recipes. I think she has a website, too.