Newly Diagnosed!

[baskar20]

Good morning everyone!

I am 38 yr male, Indian. I have been recently diagnosed with diabetes. I have never had abnormal fasting blood sugar. Even now it is around 85. My A1C test recently also showed it is 5.7 I had other symptoms like dizziness, trembling, etc., and hence my Doctor wanted to do an Oral Glucose tolerance test.
Fasting Blood Sugar : 75
Fasting Insulin : 11
Fasting Finger prick Blood Sugar : 95
30min Finger prick Blood sugar : 153
1 Hr Finger prick Blood Sugar : 211
1.5 hr Finger prick Blood Sugar : 191
2 Hour Finger prick Blood Sugar : 189.
Blood Sugar at 2 hrs from lab : 174
Insulin level at 2 hrs : 298.

The Doctor gave me a 100gram sugar soultion to drink.My Doctor confirms this to be diabetes. He says I have very high insulin resistance and put me on Avandamet twice a day. I bought the medication but after seeing the side effects I am scared to take that medication.I am so thin weigh 130 lbs height 5'7", BP 96/61, low HDL and high triglycerides. I have had this High TG and low HDL for more than 6 years now [ as far as I know:mad: ].

Am I diabetic? Or is it just the previous stage of DM II? Is it just insulin resistance? Can I reverse the insulin resistance? Any herbs that will help me in this? I do not want to take Avandamet at all.

Is the 2 hour insulin level of 298 dangerously high? What should be the normal range?

Should I ask for a C-Peptide test? What is that done for?

I am sorry that I am asking a lot of questions. I am new to all these things and request you to help me understand my situation and take appropriate action.

Thanks much in advance for your help!

With best regards,

Baskar

[poper77]

I am by no means a dr - but it looks like your numbers after the sugar solution suggest that you do have diabetes. I believe that insulin resistance that is in the ranges you listed considered type 2. I am not sure what the insulin level at 2 hrs means....

[moorejames]

I am by no means a dr - but it looks like your numbers after the sugar solution suggest that you do have diabetes. I believe that insulin resistance that is in the ranges you listed considered type 2. I am not sure what the insulin level at 2 hrs means....

I think fasting BG is usually the last thing to "go" in a diabetic.

Not sure what type that would make you though. Either early stage insulin resistant T2, or it's possible, I suppose, to be very early stage T1 and your body just isn't making enough insulin to cover the post meal spikes.

Not sure what the insulin levels tell you, I was clearly T2, so I never got too involved in those tests. I'm sure a T1 will chime in with some insight.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Baskar. I'm T2, with fasting of 215 at diagnosis. I've been on metformin since diagnosis, with good results. The metformin helps with your insulin resistence, allowing your cells to better use what insulin you are producing. The Avandamet you have been given is Metformin and Avandia combined.

Testing is crucial to good management. I would suggest you test each morning before you eat breakfast and then test 2 hrs after the start of each meal to see how different foods affect your blood sugar levels..you'll know what foods to eat and what to avoid that way. I try to eat a low carb, lean protein and plenty of green vegetables, avoiding bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and sugar.

I also have had problems with November HDL of 23 and LDL of 140...after 3 months of exercise, fish oil tablets and red wine at bedtime, my March readings were HDL 44, LDL 120...total cholesterol has been within normal limits all along. Exercise is key in raising HDL to normal levels.

I was told that my 2 hr post meal reading (2 hrs from first bite of meal) should be 140 or less, so 298 would be quite high. We should strive to be as close to a non-diabetic level as possible to stave off potential complications.

As for side effects, there are potential side effects with any medication, even aspirin. You have to weigh the potential risks against the potential benefits and make your own decision, as you will be the one dealing with the consequences.

The metformin has really helped me achieve good results...I'd rather not have to take it, but if it improves my quality of life, i'll do it. I've seen first hand in my mother what uncontrolled diabetes leads to, and I don't want to experience it myself.

Hope this was helpful to you. It's scary to be given a diagnosis like diabetes, but it is possible to live a full and healthy life with it (you may find you live longer with diabetes, as it causes you to be more aware of your health).

Again, Welcome!
Linda

[jentoe_22]

Hello there. I am jen. A Type one who recently started pumping. I wanted to say welcome. I am sorry I could not help you with your questions. I am sure someone will be able to. Its a very nice forum. :)

[princesslinda]

Jim is right, usually the first signs of elevated blood sugars can be found in post-meal readings....that's probably why often times T2s can have diabetes for years and not know it, as it hasn't gotten bad enough to affect the fasting levels.

Whether you are T2 or prediabetic (though with 298 post meal, I think you're probably past the prediabetic stage), you now know you have a problem and can take whatever steps are necessary to get good control. With good control, you won't believe how much better you'll feel.

If your doc is not sure exactly what type you are, i'd suggest you see an endocrinologist the help get a good handle on things.

[soso]

If the insulin level is high at 2 hrs this is indicative of insulin resistance, as the pancreas is desperately pumping it out in an attempt to bring the glucose level down....eventually ones pancreas cannot keep up and the subject become insulin deficient as well...however, since your fasting bg is good, that does not seem to be the case here...To really know what that fasting insuiin means one needs to know what the normal range is for that test, then you can judge how high the insulin level really was.
Although T2 is more often seen in overweight people, there are probably other breakdowns in the system than can cause it....
It is always possible that you are T1.5, but if I were you I would just work at getting my numbers down and see what happens... That is always job 1..As to Avandia, I am not sure whether I would take it or not, did your Doc suggest Metformin and did he do an A1c? One thing is that right now, high trigs and high bg might be doing you more harm than the possible (not gauranteed) side effects of the med.. Lowering your carb intake will bring your trigs (and of course bg) down...I think I would start on doing that and go back to your docs with a list of questions..
Good luck and don't panic, things will get better soon
ss

[kgm0612]

HI & Welcome to the forum.

I can't answer some of the questions you posted, but I can tell you that the C-Peptide test determines whether or not your pancreas is producing any insulin, hence type 1 or type 2.

Karen

[Siren]

As far as herbs: you might want to try drinking unsweetened decaffeinated green and black teas; the polyphenols in them are natural anti-inflamatory agents and of course anti-oxidants. Caffeine has been shown to raise blood sugar, so you want to avoid it. I'm very liberal with both teas in my diet though I am a type 1. Chromium can also help moderate your blood sugar levels, as well as vanadium, both of which can improve how well your body USES insulin. Vanadium can also help lower cholesterol.

Most importantly, however, you want to get more physical activity once you've established an acceptable routine. Not enough is said about the benefits of physical activity, in my opinion. It can help moderate your levels over a long period, which is an area where even drugs and other therapies can fail. It helps physiologically through the bolstering of lean muscle mass to fat (your heart is a muscle). It helps emotionally through endorphin release (these are feel good chemicals). And it helps mentally by releasing stress and helping to assure a good night's rest.

The thing to remember is that you must listen to your doctor and your blood tests, which have asserted his diagnosis. If you don't trust him, you can get a second opinion, but no herbal remedy will make a person "undiabetic." What herbs and exercise CAN do for you is cut down on your necessary medication level.

As always, I'd advise talking to your doctor about cutting your carbs.

[petunia]

Hi,
I was under the impression that with a GGT you were diagnosed as diabetic when your 2 hr levels were over 11(198).between 8 and 11 is pre diabetes. Your fasting blood sugar is fine. I am pre diabetic but my blood sugars are fine during the day but my fasting is always in pre diabetic stage.
I live in the UK so maybe it is different. I don't know anything about your results for insulin so that might be making the difference....

[tanyatype1]

Welcome baskar!

[KritterMom]

Hi! Welcome! There is a wealth of information here, and very nice people to go along with it!:)

[baskar20]

Hi friends,

I posted this question about 3 hours ago and just came back to see if I got any replies.

I am amazed to see how many good people are here to help others. I whole heartedly thank you for your help.

May be I did not write it clearly. I like to inform you that my 2 hour glucose was 174 mg/dl which I understand that it can be classified as Pre-diabetes.

My concern is about the 2 hour insulin levels. It showed 298 IU [ Do not remember the units clearly - I apologize. But it was tested in Georgia, US ]. It looks like my fastin insulin levels at 11 IU are normal.

Is this danegrously high?

I really appreciate your help in making me understand the issue.

With best regards,

Baskar

[Siren]

A person that doesn't have diabetes or hallmarkers of the disease, (type one, two, hypoglycemia, or pre-diabetes), runs consistent sugars of 60-140 (or so).

As noted in the type two section, a pre-diabetic will often experience their highest levels after a meal. I have bolded the values that your doctor is likely concerned about (from my understanding/experience).

Fasting Blood Sugar : 75
Fasting Insulin : 11
Fasting Finger prick Blood Sugar : 95
30min Finger prick Blood sugar : 153
1 Hr Finger prick Blood Sugar : 211
1.5 hr Finger prick Blood Sugar : 191
2 Hour Finger prick Blood Sugar : 189.
Blood Sugar at 2 hrs from lab : 174
Insulin level at 2 hrs : 298.

Your fasting levels are fine; even your 30 minute level (I assume this is after eating), is borderline fine. It's your 1 hour to 2 hour levels that are marking you as pre-diabetic because your body is showing signs of not regulating itself fast enough at these times. The high level of insulin, relative to your fasting insulin, is likely a mark that your body is secreting quite a bit of insulin but not using it properly, which is also an indicator of type two diabetes. Is this what you're asking?

[baskar20]

Thanks much for your reply Siren!

What should be the maximum value of insulin levels after 2 hours of drinking the 100 gram sugar solution during OGTT?

Is there anyway I can reverse the insulin resistance? He was saying Avandamet will do the trick of making the muscle and fat cells react with pancreas to maintain the BGL. But is there any natural way? I understand that one other person helped me stating that vanadium and chromium will be helpful in such regard. Any other herb / dosage ? I want to try natural remedies first without taking Avandamet.

If there is no way to reverse the insulin resistance, how many years do I have to become a full blown diabetic?

Kindly let me know.

Thanks,

Baskar

[princesslinda]

Baskar, while I can appreciate your reluctance to start on medication, I think the most important thing is to get your levels within a non-diabetic range first, even if it means taking medications. Then, as your levels become lower, you could try going off the medications. As far as supplements, I take chromium 500 mcg/daily as well as ginseng in addition to my metformin.

While metformin does cause some gastric side effects in some people, for me, any side effects I experiences were minimal and resolve in a couple of weeks.

As for insulin resistance, physical activity and weight loss help the body respond better to insulin. I think you posted that you were at a normal weight, so you may need a little help with your insulin resistence with something such as metformin.

As for how long before you'll develop full-blown diabetes...with insulin resistence your cells are not effectively utilizing the insulin you're producing, so you body continues to produce even more insulin, which again is not being properly utilized...after awhile, your beta cells with finally burn out from being so overused. If you could utilize the insulin they are making (which is what metformin helps with) they wouldn't have to work so hard, and might last longer before they burn out.

[sweetcheeks]

Welcome to the forums

I will say that everyone here has posted what they think. Which is right on in my book, but I just want to add a bit.

*Most* Type 2's insulin resistance, are over weight, not all, but most.

Since you seem to be of a normal weight, the only things IMO will help is LOTS of excercise and the meds. Other people put faith into vitamins/herbs etc etc. I for one when I tried to take supplements, I gained more weight, so needless to say I wont do that again lol

But hey if it works for you then great. I for one think SOME people especially if they are normal weight needs meds even if it is to get you to a more normal level with excercise then you may be able to come off them soon, BUT you will have to continue to do lots of excercise in order to maintain that.

I dont have the will power or the time to work out for an hour a day or even hours. So I do the best that I can do with a 10-20 mins excercise a couple times a week. Plus I take Fortamet which is a name brand of Metformin.

If you start the meds, please give them time to do their job. Some meds can take a few weeks before they start working. Most of the time, those mild side affects goes away with a few weeks as well, and you wont have them very long.

Good Luck, Dont be afraid of something that will help your life.

[Larry H.]

Welcome to the Forum.. Most likely like me your in the pre diabetic stage. I have personally choosen to tackle this without the use of manufactured drugs.. The first thing doctors do is push them. What you want to do is reduce your levels of glucose in the blood stream. You can do that by diet and exercise. And some of us have found that perhaps a few herbal products may in fact be helping.
I couldn't tell exactly where your at, but by Indian do you mean India, or american Indian? If your in India a widely used herb is Salacia-Oblonga, it is proported to reduce glucose levels in the blood. Several studies have backed that up including the Abott Labs in America. It isn't widely available here, but is overseas and in Canada. It however has similar side effects as some manufactured drugs which apparently work the same way. It doesn't however seem to have the dangerous kinds of side effects that are worrying you and also me. Several others here have also found it helpful. Another Ayurved type herbal remedy available here is Gymnema, another India grown herb.

Your best bet is to get involved here to learn about your condition as well as find out thru this and other sites what foods you should eat in moderation or not perhaps much at all. If you google "Medline" it will bring up several mainline diabetes groups and they have eating recommendations which though perhaps not perfect are a good starting point. I have lost 30 pounds though eating as suggested there and walking a half and hour or more a day.

Good luck and feel free to send an email if you wish.

[Larry H.]

As mentioned above we are all different..And so do react somewhat different. I can't quote the exact reason but there is a factor that works to the disadvantage of people that are over weight and not so much among those few of us that are not.. Thus perhaps the necessary use of medication is most common in that setting. Nearly all the diabetic discussions say that for many people the best results come from diet and exercise not medication. It is like 2 to 1 the results of diet in comparison.. Yet the medication is pushed nearly instantly by doctors. Check the American Diabetes Site on this issue and it will back it up. If your indeed pre diabetic you can probably make great strides in bringing down the numbers to a safe level. When I started my after evening meals were in the 150 to 176 range. Now by watching what I eat usually they are in the 120 to 130 range. My fasting has gone from 120's to a lot now in the 90's. All without drugs.

[Tucker]

Never read side effects until the need to. Why add worry to the medicines you must take.
Just a suggestion.

Tucker

[ant hill]

Good morning everyone!

I am 38 yr male, Indian. I have been recently diagnosed with diabetes.
You have come to the right place. :)
Am I diabetic? Or is it just the previous stage of DM II? Is it just insulin resistance? Can I reverse the insulin resistance? Any herbs that will help me in this? I do not want to take Avandamet at all.
This sounds to me like the classic type 1 and you will be treated with insulin and gain some weight but in your case it's the late onset in which is called type 1 and a half.
The reason that you are getting thin is that the food that you eat is not getting to the tissues that are your mussels and other parts of your body. Insulin will help the food to go in your mussels and feel some energy again.

Is the 2 hour insulin level of 298 dangerously high? What should be the normal range?
It should be 100 md/gl or 6 mmol/l to avoid complications and practice good control!!

Should I ask for a C-Peptide test? What is that done for?
I'm not sure what that do so i do not know?? :questionm

I am sorry that I am asking a lot of questions. I am new to all these things and request you to help me understand my situation and take appropriate action.
You are welcome and we are here to help
Thanks much in advance for your help!

With best regards,

Baskar

i'm glad to be of help baskar. :) :wavey:

[lilituc]

I don't know if this applies to you, but there are cases of Type 2 found more often in thin people that are members of certain groups. This has been studied in places like Iceland and India. So it is possible, but often there is a very strong genetic component. Here are some articles about it:
Gene Variant Appears to Predict Type 2 Diabetes (http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/diabetes_news/news_archive_march_2005/newsarticle032505_variant.html)
Diabetes gene found in 40% of population (http://www.news-medical.net/?id=15380)

[Larry H.]

After reading some others post on your issues I should retract my thoughts about your situation. I being pre diabetic am seeing things through that prisim.. It may be as some suggested type I, which would not be treated in any way like an early on set situation in my book. Keep us posted as to your doctors diagnosis so that more accurate information can be given.

[baskar20]

Thank you very much for all your help..

So dumb.. I did not ask my Doctor if it is Type I or Type II.

The insulin levels after the 2 Hours of drinking the 100 gram sugar solution was 298. Hence, I presume [ with my little knowledge ] that I am still producing insulin. So, is it Type II??

I do not understand Type 1.5. What is that? Could you please let me know about that?

Thanks much for all your help, once again!

[sreenivas]

Fasting Finger prick Blood Sugar : 95
30min Finger prick Blood sugar : 153
1 Hr Finger prick Blood Sugar : 211
1.5 hr Finger prick Blood Sugar : 191
2 Hour Finger prick Blood Sugar : 189.
Blood Sugar at 2 hrs from lab : 174

Hi Bhaskar,

By Your Glucose levels quite clearly says you are having what is called as IGT (impaired glucose tolarence). Now as per you you are thin means not very heavy, which is not the matter of concern, just check you lean body weight and get your muscle weight assesment, in other words get the adipose tissue thichness done. If that is normal you have good muscl mass which should help you to get rid of insulin resistance atleast partially.

Good Methods of decreasing insulin resistance
- Be thin with more of muscle mass
- Daily walking/ swimming
- Medications like metformin

Good Luck

[baskar20]

Thanks much Sreenivas. I am thin and do not have muscle mass at all. May be I should do something to increse muscle mass like weight lifting..

Thanks much to every one too..

[Imperatrix]

Baskar, welcome! I, too, have so many questions---I'm new here as well. This site is a trasure trove of assistance and good help, and we can learn together as we go. It's good to have you here! :)

[confuzed]

Welcome to the forum Baskar,

You sound like me when I was first diagnosed as borderline diabetic. As like you, “I never had abnormal blood sugar.” I am not overweight for my frame and height, fluctuating from 129 to 135 lbs, but I have gotten flabbier over the years as I use to be quite active in the past (Jazz dance, ballet, tennis, swimming, biking, gym 3 to 4 times/week, 500 sit-ups/day, etc.) My A1c was 5.18 and like you, I questioned the whole diagnosis. I think I drove my endo nuts with my list of questions and arguments, LOL.

The thing is, to be “normal” or non-diabetic, doctors want you to eat five small meals a day, much like in other countries, where they have merienda or siesta and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks in between. I don’t know about your lifestyle, but I know my lifestyle does not fit in this schedule. I eat a stable breakfast in the morning, with MAYBE a little snack in the afternoon, before I have one major meal at dinnertime. This to most doctors and others may seem like a malnutrition diet, but if I ate five times a day, that is, breakfast, then snack, lunch, then snack, dinner, then snack, my blood sugar would stay elevated. According to my endo, my glucose should be normal at the 2 hour after meal. Any glucose reading above 120 is considered diabetic in their book. Personally, what I’ve come to realize, and I could be wrong, is that because I eat but two meals a day, my body stores this energy and regulates it throughout during the twenty-four hour day. That is why my fasting was normal, but the 2 hour mark is elevated (because I didn’t eat a small proportioned meal that my body could digest within the 2 hour allotted time), but rather a meal that will hold me until I eat my main meal in the evening, (at which time my glucose is within normal range). So since then, the doctors have put me on diet control, since they know I am proportioned for my weight, but that my sugar digestion, or storage or whatever, process it’s called is out of whack. They want me to get on the five small meals a day so the “numbers” are “normal.”

They’ve not prescribed me any medication as of yet, but like you, they know I am reluctant to take any drugs or medication. They know I’m a health freak, heh, and would rather find holistic remedies for my ailment. My sister, on the other hand, was diagnosed last year and has since been on medication, (Avandamet), which stimulates your pancreas to produce more insulin. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time convincing myself to take a pill that stimulates my pancreas to produce insulin, when simply exercising can do just the same. Furthermore, what happens then when your pancreas can no longer produce insulin because you’ve stimulated it enough to where it can no longer produce? Resort to manmade insulin? Insulin was discovered and has been around for about 50 years, but what did most diabetics do when it wasn’t around? Diet and exercise perhaps? Anyway, recently, I asked her how this prescription was managing her glucose level, and much to my surprise, I came to find out that I was getting better results with my diet and exercise maintenance, than she was with her medications. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not totally against medication. Sometimes medications are good and are totally necessary and a good alternative. But if I can avoid it or prolong it naturally, I would rather do that.

Insulin Resistance

In regards to “Can I reverse the insulin resistance?” Insulin resistance “is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin are inadequate to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle, and liver cells,” (Wikipedia Contributors, 2007). Without going deep into this whole body chemistry of things, monounsaturated fatty acids are good for fighting cholesterol and promoting insulin resistance, while “polyunsaturated fatty acids are protective against insulin resistance,” (Wikipedia Contributors, 2007). Monounsaturated fats can be found in olive oils, avocados, etc. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in “grain products, fish and sea food (herring, salmon, mackerel, halibut), soybeans, and fish oil. Foods like mayonnaise and soft margarine may also be good sources, but you should always check the nutritional label first,” (Wikipedia Contributors, 2007). Keep in mind also, that not all fish or seafood is alike. While tuna is a great source of protein, “it does not have any omega-3 fats,” (Rieske & Bible Life Ministries, 2006) which cold fresh water fishes do (salmon).

Muscle Mass

You mentioned, “I am thin and do not have muscle mass at all. May be I should do something to increase muscle mass like weight lifting.” Exercise is a good thing. In addition, you might want to eat more protein, since protein is good for building muscle mass. It also, takes longer for your body to digest, thus keeps you feeling fuller longer.

Herbal Remedies

You asked, “Any herbs that will help me in this?” Before I resort to any herbal remedies, I would try diet and exercise. Then if you can, get a nutritional panel done, to see what nutrients you lack. If everything is well, then try herbal remedies.

Hope this helps some! :o

References

Rieske, K.R., Bible Life Ministries. (2006). Ketosis myths and facts on the low-carbohydrate diet: Dealing with low-carb ketosis or hypoglycemia symptoms. In Biblelife.org. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from Ketosis Myths and Facts on the Low-Carbohydrate Diet. (http://www.biblelife.org/ketosis.htm)

Wikipedia Contributors. (2007). Insulin resistance. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from Insulin resistance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance)

Wikipedia Contributors. (2007). Monounsaturated fat. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from Monounsaturated fat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monounsaturated_fat)

Wikipedia Contributors. (2007). Polyunsaturated fat. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from Polyunsaturated fat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyunsaturated_fat)

[baskar20]

Thanks much Susan for your detailed reply. I am also in the same boat as you. My Doctor precribed Avandamet. I got the medication reluctantly. When I reached home, I rad thru the side effects.. Oh.., It is unbelievable. They just did not say that anybody taking this medication will die soon.

Anyway, I am from India and am actively searching for herbs etc., to help us. From what I have understood so far is that cinnamon and fenugreek will help us.

I will post as soon as I find more.

[princesslinda]

Baskar, I think there's a cinnamon link on here somewhere...try the search area. I tried cinnamon for awhile in capsule form...it began to cause stomach burns. As I also take chromium and ginseng, I wasn't sure which was causing it, but when I stopped cinnamon, the burning stopped. Can't tell any difference in levels since then. I do add cinnamon to my hot tea and any time I have cereal (which is not very often).

Also, LarryH on the forum has had good luck with some herbs if you'd like to get in touch with him for info.

[confuzed]

Thanks much Susan for your detailed reply.

I'm sorry for the confusion, LOL. Susan Jeffers is the author of my favorite quote, "Feel the fear and do it anyway." My name is Tera. :D

As for cinnamon, I do have a bit of it in my french toast in the weekend and my home made sugar free vanilla ice cream, but have not heard too much about it nutrition wise. So is it better for improving digestion, or protecting against insulin resistance? If protection against insulin resistance, in which particular area: from fat, liver or muscle cells? It would be interesting to know.

[baskar20]

I am sorry Tera.. Now I wont call you Susan...Sorry about that.

Here is what I got from June Russels' website:

QUOTE:

The root of Syndrome X is insulin resistance - - that is, difficulty utilizing insulin or high levels of insulin. Those suffering from Syndrome X have workhorse pancreases that pump out extra insulin to compensate for the body's sluggish ability to process it. That extra insulin forces the blood sugar down, but at a price, for this excess insulin in the bloodstream prompts the damage associated with Syndrome X, says Stanford University's Dr. Gerald Reaven, author of a recent book, "Syndrome X; Overcoming the Silent Killer That Can Give You a Heart Attack."

The long-term Quebec Cardiovascular study found that men with the Syndrome X symptoms of high insulin levels, small dense LDL particles and another lipid abnormality, elevated apolipoprotein B, were 20 times more likely to develop heart disease than those without this condition. Dr. Reaven said that many doctors are still looking at heart patients through "cholesterol colored glasses," but said cholesterol count does not give a picture of all known risks."

A recent University of Toronto study found that women with breast cancer and high levels of insulin were 8 times more likely to develop a recurrence and die of the disease than were women who had normal insulin levels. Researchers at the State University at Buffalo found that women with Syndrome X symptoms were 10 times more likely to die of colon cancer than women who did not have those symptoms. For that reason an increasing, though small number of doctors advocate routine checking for hyperinsulinemia. Colorado-based Ron Rosedale, M.D., states that this test is by far the most important laboratory criterion of health. Syndrome X sufferers need to be especially vigilant about avoiding alcohol, sugar and white flour. Experts on all sides of the diet for Syndrome X agree that exercise and losing weight are proven methods for improving insulin resistance.

One ominous University of N.C. at Chapel Hill study found that children with three Syndrome X characteristics - high insulin levels, high blood pressure and elevated triglycerides or low levels of HDL - were 53 times more likely to be obese than those without such risk factors. It is argued that some may need extra help from supplements as well as an improved diet. A new book co-authored by Dr. Burton Berkson, "Syndrome X: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Insulin Resistance," recommends vitamins C and E, the herb silymarin, and cinnamon sprinkled on food to improve insulin sensitivity.

The hottest anti-Syndrome X supplement is alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a vitamin-like nutrient found in many foods. Berkson says ALA lowers glucose and insulin levels, reduces insulin resistance and has been used for years to treat diabetic complications. ("Vexed by Syndrome X," by Patricia King, Special to The Times, www.-scf.usc.edu/~grino/SyndromeX.html - June 2002)

UNQUOTE

She did not give in which part of the body cinnamon works to improve the insulin sensitivity though.

I have one question on your previous post.

YOu had mentioned that "monounsaturated fatty acids are good for fighting cholesterol and promoting insulin resistance, while “polyunsaturated fatty acids are protective against insulin resistance”.

That means should I reduce Olive oil intake to tackle insulin resistance?

Please let me know.

Thanks,

Baskar

[confuzed]

This is great news. This confirms what many have said on here. I'm glad I am using cinnamon in my breakfast.

As for "That means should I reduce Olive oil intake to tackle insulin resistance?" I've used olive oil for many years. It is used in the medeterranian diet and is known to help lower cholesterol, and my cholesterol is 110 with 100 being low and 200 being high. But cholesterol is not my issue. So I changed my diet.

I've since switched to safflower oil, since safflower oil is higher in polyunsaturated fat. The safflower oil I use comes with vitamin E in it already, which is one of the other nutrients we need to fight insulin resistance. Since then, my glucose has dropped significantly, but I am not certain if this is the main source for the drop. There are many other factors I've changed, i.e. zero to low carb intake, etc.

What I have recently discovered is that, whenever I eat salmon, my glucose drops significantly, and my skin has become less flaky. When I eat poultry or meat, I get a drop, but not as much of a drop as with salmon.

Another discovery I've noticed is whenever I eat egg salad sandwich as oppose to peanut butter sandwich made from Smart Balance peanut butter and Smuckers sugar free preserves, my glucose is 30 mg/dL less. Liz (glashaful) said it is probably the peanut butter. The peanut butter is higher in monounsaturated fat so she could be right.

Lastly, I'm back to exercising as well. I am walking 2 miles whenever I can fit it in the week, with at least 2 miles once a week, doing situps every other night, alternating arms and thighs workout, and low cardio every other night. Soon, jogging, and perhaps running, if all works out well.

Hope this helps! :o