[steph1]

Hey Everyone,


I was hoping to get some help with Metformin and how it will affect my levels. I haven't started it yet, but was hoping anyone on it already could help me. Here are some questions I have:

1. Did it affect your levels right away or did it gradually affect them?

2. How much did you decrease your insulin when introducing Metformin?

3. Did you lose weight from Metformin? If so, was it right away?

I am thinking of trying Hyponidd (a natural remedy that has been proven to be as effective as metformin without the gastro. side affects). If you are interested, I can send you the study (I couldn't post it because it was a pdf)



I just wanted to make sure I had some idea on how it would affect my levels before trying it. Has anyone heard/tried this product? It's from India and is available at:

Hyponidd (120 Tablets) by Charak at Madanapalas

Thanks and Happy Easter

Steph

[BlueSky]

Steph, I see that you are a T1 so you need to be aware that drugs or supplements that stimulate insulin production won't do you much good. I have used Metformin with some success to moderate the effects of the Dawn Phenomenon. This is because Meformin inhibits the production of hepatic glucose. I didn't reduce my insulin dosage at all. I just didn't need to bolus as much before breakfast. I had no problems with the nausea, and I suggest that you try it. Metformin is a cheap and safe drug.

I can't comment on Hyponidd as I haven't used it. It appears to have a moderate affect when used with T2 diabetics, at least part of which is because it stimulates insulin production. There is probably no harm in trying it, but don't expect too much. Here is some info I found :

Antidiabetic drug could have three sites of action: reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin secretion or decreasing the absorption of glucose from the intestine. Most of the ayurvedic drugs claim to influence all the three sites of action. Some of the ingredients of Hyponidd have been reported to influence the production of insulin and reduce the deleterious effects of glucose, like peroxidation[13]. It is also claimed that Gynmnema Sylvestre increased the production of insulin, decreases its destruction and thus normalizes blood sugar.[17]. In our study, we found a slight (but non-significant) increase in both insulin and C-peptide levels suggesting that the drug probably works by stimulating beta cells. However, further studies are needed to prove this effect.....

None of the earlier studies or our own study showed any significant adverse effects for Hyponidd implying that the drug is safe.

In conclusion, the results of this double blind randomized trial shows that Hyponidd, a herbal anti-diabetic drug reduces fasting and postprandial plasma glucose slightly and the HbA1c levels slightly, in a group of type 2 diabetic patients with secondary failure to oral hypoglycemic agents. One could argue that this is a group of patients in whom one would not expect dramatic results as they are already in a stage of secondary failure. The effect of the drug might be more impressive if used in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover another limitation of the study is that the sample size is small. More studies are clearly needed to determine the efficacy and mechanism of action of Hyponidd in different groups of type 2 diabetic patients.

Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Hyponidd, an Ayurvedic compound: a Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Secondary Failure to Oral Drugs :Poongothai S, Karkuzhali K, Sharadha J, Deepa R, Mohan V, , Int J Diab De

[steph1]

Thanks so much!
I was going to try to take the Hyponidd to treat PCOS (just diagnosed after having a baby, since I can't lose weight no matter what) and I also suffer from the Dawn Phenomenon. I am open to Metformin, but have heard many people have a lot of adverse side effects. Which brand are you using and when do you take the pills?

Steph

[blue_eyed_devil]

i was on metformin for a short period of time, however i was on it primarliy to lose weight.

it takes some time for metformin to build up in the system, and it made virtually no difference to my bsl (as bluesky has explained).

i did lose weight and that started very quickly, however at a price. i have horrible stomach cramps and pains and also very bad diahorrea. massive loss of appetite.

in my own opinion i think it works for some and not for others... if it works for you great! if not, there are heaps of other options

good luck.
(ps you must always take metformin with food)

[kgm0612]

I've been on Metformin for almost 5 years now and pumping for 2 1/2 years. My endo has kept me on the Metformin because he claims it helps to keep the weight down. It's worked for me thus far because I have remained the same weight (give or take a pound or two) all this time.

I had very minor stomach upset the first month I started it, and it does take a good 4 weeks or so before you notice an improvement in your blood sugars. The number of insulin units have remained the same also.

Good Luck,
Karen

[steph1]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate everyone's input