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Is my diabetes treatment plan killing me
I was diagnosed with diabetes after two successive blood readings over 7, in Jan this year, a standard diagnosis. I was prescribed insulin ‘degludec’ injections abdominally (Tresiba). In addition to my family doctor who prescribed it initially, I have had follow up consults with the diabetes team at my local hospital twice, a consult with a hematologist and another with an endocrinologist. They have all lauded my progress with my 95% insulin readings on target, when the goal is 70% . My average daily readings are also spot on, at 6.5. On the freestyle libre
But are they not aware they are killing me? None of my treatment advisors has mentioned that one side effect of insulin injections is weight gain, a minimum of 4-6 pounds. And not one of them has mentioned a common side effect is cardiac arrest or stroke. Twice the rate who take oral treatment. The following are from 3 peer reviewed journal articles
". . . the majority of large observational studies show strong dose-dependent associations for injected insulin with increased cardiovascular risk and worsened mortality. "
I have read a dozen peer reviewed article based on research with thousands of patients in controlled double blind studies. The consensus is pretty conclusive . Don’t prescribe insulin injections . My 5 medical advisors have not mentioned that.
"Researchers said the findings of the new study call for a ‘paradigm shift’ for doctors as to how diabetes is treated. Instead of using sulfonylureas or basal insulin drugs ( my drug) as a second line treatment after Metformin, doctors should turn to the other effective classes of drug that carry fewer risks."
And in a major meta-analysis in "Insulin Linked to CV Risk and All-Cause Mortality":
"Despite a century of improvements in disease management, nearly 2 of 3 patients with type 2 diabetes still die from cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, we are entering a new and exciting era for diabetes management. Large randomized trials have recently demonstrated that several agents. . . effectively reduce risk of adverse cardiovascular events in diabetes patients Therefore, for the first time we now have drug options that not only lower glucose and HbA1c, but also improve heart health and overall prognosis".
Or,
"The Euro Heart Survey found that in patients with Diabetes and coronary heart disease, insulin doubled mortality as compared to oral glucose-lowering drugs".
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Hello type 2 here recently stopped Ozempic d/t side effects but on Metformin. My diabetes is not in control on just Metformin and I want to try Berberine but my family Dr said I can’t be on both. How do you take the cinnamon?
I currently take a supplement that contains both berberine and Ceylon cinnamon. Back when I took berberine and cinnamon separately, I mixed a bit of the Ceylon cinnamon in my breakfast drink. One can also take it in capsule form.
Perhaps your doctor is afraid that taking both Metformin and berberine might make your counts go too low.
Can you share the product you take? Yes she thinks I will go low.
I did it two ways - capsules before I went to bed. (But look out for cinnamon burps, they are painful!) And putting it in my oatmeal in the morning. The capsules worked best for me. Metformin doesn't seem to work for everyone. Are you on glipizide? I'm not familiar with Berberine. I am on Mounjaro and don't seem to have any of the side effects that folks on Ozempic deal with - you might check into that too.
The product I take is "Sotalix Berberine Supplement."
Whatever you try, please be careful and test often as going TOO low can be dangerous. Perhaps you and your doctor can research berberine to figure out which or what combination might be best for you. Wishing you well.
Well,, being newly diagnosed diabetic you may not have modified your diet yet.
Less carbs mean less insulin, less weight gain.
I lost a great deal of weight when I ate less carbs.
Good luck.
Hi, I had a1c numbers in the 10.6 range and was put on Mounjaro, Jardiance and insulin. This combination worked tremendously well and have since been taken off the insulin. Next step is to lower the amount of Mounjaro. Not certain what your numbers were to begin with but maybe mention trying either of the newer medications like Mounjaro or Ozempic for the glucose numbers to be more in the range you desire. Only your doctor and you can make the right decision regarding which will work best and accomplish the desired effect. I wish you the best in the journey. Keep us updated. Blessings to you.
Can you share with me the supplement you take with both?
The brand name of the product I take is "Sotalix Berberine Supplement." It contains both berberine and Ceylon cinnamon and is in capsule form.
Info online about a berberine study: "It was found that hypoglycemic effect of berberine is comparable to that of metformin. The level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial glucose decreased by 7.5%, 6.9% and 11.1% respectively at the end of the trial."
My doctor allowed me to switch from metformin to berberine years ago, but I, of course, can't know what would be best for you.
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