Meds that slow down the metabolism

**Libby** · 06-07-2006, 09:50 PM

I myself do not have a fast metabolism but since I've started taking new diabetes medication, I was told it'd take about 3 months max to start slowing it down. Well 2 months went by and I thought I was free and clear and one day in the third month BAM my 'fat' pants weren't comfy and cozy anymore - they were becoming 'fitted'

Now I worry that I'm going to gain a massive amount of weight. I've modified my diet to be full of less (natural) sugars, sodium and fat and I've upped my cardio and frequency. Im still growing

Anyone else on medication that has slowed their metabolism down? Is there another medication to counter act that effect? Just wondering what my options are going foward. I am going to see my specialist about this next week as well as a check up.

**canadian gardener** · 06-08-2006, 09:58 AM

some diabetes meds do that. There is one that doesn't do it as bad and it is metformin (generic name for Canada). Here is a blurb on it http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/d...edication.html

But that is all I know, I'm not a diabetic, just a non practising RN.

What I do know from experiance with my own body (not diabetic, but get hypoglycemic in reaction to too much sugars or starches) is that I feel much better and my metabolism works better when I stay away from the complex starches in beans and legumes (allergies but also tiredness) and pastas and breads not just honey, sugar, fructose and other simple sugars.

I have a protein with each meal and snack, and I stay away from a lot of flour products. More veggies, less fruit.

Fruit and fruit juices are awful for me. Not only the sugar high then rebounding hypoglycemic low, but a nasty case of heartburn often. So I don't eat much fruit. NEVER drink the juice. I get plenty of Vit C thru the veggies, and also in a supplement I take.

Some people digest the complex starches better and more completely than others, and your body may now be able to utilize the starches and sugars that just spilled out in your urine before.

**canadian gardener** · 06-08-2006, 10:03 AM

I suggest an appointment with a diabetic nutrtionist or dietician. Here in Canada they are part of the Health Unit, and you are referred by your dr. They can fine tune your diet, and offer good suggestions to keep your diabetes in check.

Check with your dr, and ask the diabetic specialist to fine tune your meds.

**Libby** · 06-09-2006, 03:37 AM

Thanks for the info Margery - I'm already aware of the diet 'cautions' if you will and have fine tuned my diet to accomodate me after effects. I know if I eat something starchy I will feel 'down', 'tired' etc later so I do eat pretty healthy and have cut out a lot from my diet. I've been on a 'better diet for life' since I was 12 years old and its worked until now - I'm just starting to need to utilize meds to help me keep it under control.

The side effects of Metformin for me are horrific and not worth me taking that medication.

We're talking constant mega bloat, gas (and other things down this road *lol*) and tummy gurgling all day long, all night long - and when you work in a quiet SMALL office and people can hear you from the other end, its rather embarassing. If I need to take it, I will but for now I'd rather try other options.

I often wonder if its possible for me to be both, hyper and hypo gylcemic at the same time? I just started seeing my specialist and we're working together on this slowly. Things take time to take effect...grr! My thyroid seems to be normal too according to her. So Im thinking its just a matter of me adjusting to the meds, and needing to OVER exercise to battle the weight gain problem.

So far on a 3 month course of medication, I've gained 12 pounds

and all of it came in the last month!

**fernykins** · 06-09-2006, 10:27 AM

I'm diabetic too but also have hypothyroidism and asthma right now I'm on 15 days of predisone and an antibiotic because of a lung infection the sideaffects of the predisone is terible. But is a choice between 2 evils. and since I don't want to be hospitalized again. I'll take it. Predisone also makes your blodsugars go crazy. My plus ox was 90 yesterday. So right now I'm in bad shape.
Fern

**Shell** · 06-09-2006, 02:56 PM

When I was on my asthma medication I gained 20 lbs in a really short time. It was hard. I hate it.

**Libby** · 06-13-2006, 11:07 PM

I saw my specialist today - not only did I discover that I dont have to see my family doctor anymore - unless its the annual physical or Im sick he's pretty much cut himself out of the picture. I now only have to visit my specialist every 3 months to monitor my diabetes. But the best part was that she referred me to her classmate who practices out in my neck of the woods so I dont have to spend and hour travelling the city for dr's appts!! Woot!!

The results: I've improved way better then she thought I would but Im not in her 'optimal' range yet and shes prescribed for me another medication - so now up to 3 pills daily - ugh! This one is HUGE like a multivitamin. Im not good at swallowing pills and now I HAVE TO TAKE A HORSEPILL!! (its a form of metformin) *cries* I cant dilute, cut, crush or chew it. I must take it whole. Blah!

As for the weight gain, she said WOW when I told her how it happened and shes starting to look into different alternatives for me - ie pills that dont slow the metabolism and cause me to gain weight. Plus now I must try to over exercise if you will to try to combat the weight gain. Honestly I dont think it will work - but Im trying!

Here's to hoping it works and then I can get off some of these pills!

**Darlene** · 06-14-2006, 09:03 AM

Glad you got a doc closer to you and sorry those pills are so big. Hope she can find something that works well and doesn't cause you that weight gain. That extra weight isn't fair when you haven't had at least some enjoyment getting it there.
Hang in there!