Why Drug Weaning Is Important
Author's Perspective: Ironically, because I was on insulin, it was actually easier to wean off the insulin than it would have been to wean off the diabetic pills. Why? Because I could safely reduce my insulin dosage by one unit at a time and not have any negative reactions or blood glucose spikes. But my endocrinologist told me that I was going through the "honeymoon period" and would eventually be back on insulin ... well, he's still waiting for me to go back on insulin ... :-) I should point out that I was more motivated to get off the insulin because of my fear of needles. :-) I believe that if I had been taking pills, I would have felt morecomfortable and, therefore, would not have been as motivated to want to get off the pills. Drug weaning is the process of slowly reducing the dosage of a specific drug without harming the body and eventually reaching a dosage level of zero. Drug weaning is important because it prevents your body's cells from becoming biochemically dependent on the drugs, chemicals and toxins contained within the prescription medications that you're taking. Drug weaning is also important because it helps to reverse your diabetes and prevent the onset of diabetic complications. So, what should you do when you start our diabetes program? When and how should you start to (safely) wean off the medications? Concerning your medications, for legal reasons and for health reasons, we can't tell you specifically to stop taking your medications. There are just too many factors to consider when it comes to how everyone responds to different medications. Key factors include your age, your medical history, your blood test results, how long you've been diabetic, how long you've been taking meds, and what specific meds you're taking. Other key factors include your Continue reading >>
What Will Happen If I Stop Taking Metformin For Pcos?
Metformin helps you manage the symptoms of the disease. There is no no doubt that it works. But it does not offer a cure. You can discontinue metformin on only one condition - you should exercise more and cut out all refined sugars and processed foods or just look around to what other diabetics do for insulin resistance. I cannot emphasize home-cooked food enough. Home cooked-food without those processed sauces and canned ingredients. Try it for a short time after you are on an exercise regimen for atleast a month.Keep checking your sugar from time to time. You will know that you need to get back on your metformin if the cravings and the bluesy moods come back. If the cravings don’t come back well and good, but if it does, you should get back on metformin. What I can assure you is that there is no harm in trying - PCOS is a lifelong thing - so nothing that you do can kill or cure you in a day or week. Whatever works will work over months. So give exercise and no sugar a try for two -three months. In the first month continue with the metformin with the exercise and in the next, reduce use by either reducing dosage or eating one every two days. And then if things look positive stop completely. Losing weight also helps reduce metformin dependence. While you are at it one basic advice I can give you is - don’t get into tiring exercise regimes (walking for an hour is also good), don’t get into diets unless your gynaecologist/endocrinologist has recommended one (even then don’t get into anything punishing because sustaining it will be stressful) and do everything it takes to keep a healthy mind - remove or modify habits from your life that induce stress - be it your job, family or friends. Identify them and pull the plug. Be nice to yourself. Please note that if you a Continue reading >>
The Dark Side Of Metformin: A “longevity Wonder Drug” That Promises To Extend Life For A Nickel A Pop.
The modern supplement market is chock full of miracle pills, wonder potions, and injections that will “make you look and feel 10 years younger”. And the advertisements can be alluring – as far back as human memory can reach, long-lasting youthfulness has infatuated scientists, witch doctors, explorers and average Joes alike. Just look at the number of legends surrounding the fabled Fountain of Youth. And even though the age of intrepid explorers and rogue buccaneers searching for those aforementioned waters of life has passed, the obsession with the underlying idea of immortality remains (this intriguing immortality section of Vice is a perfect example). After all, who doesn’t want to live longer and enjoy lasting health? Unfortunately, for the entire race of man, a seemingly unending list of bacteria, viruses, neurological disorders, and fatal conditions assail the human body day in and day out. Of late, as I become increasingly disenchanted with the often unhealthy pursuit of a six pack-abs, mutant lungs and ripped biceps, I’ve instead turned myself into a student of anti-aging and longevity tactics that can actually help to stave off these assailants and allow you to live longer and feel really good doing it…tactics that include: -Basic strategies outlined in books such as Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, including high wild plant intake, avoidance of packaged foods, calorie restriction, social support, family, gratitude (my own recent obsession) and relationships. -Intermittent fasting, cyclic ketogenesis, protein-sparing modified fasts, and other forms of caloric and selective macronutrient restriction like I discuss here. -Strategic use of “hormetic” stressors, including hyperoxygenation, wild plant and herb consumption, pulsing molecular hydrogen, beta Continue reading >>
Dr Wants To Stop Metformin??
I went for my first prenatal checkup with my new doctor at 12w4d. She said that I could probably stop the metformin now because there are really no solid studies on its benefits or risks in pregnancy. I told her I have no idea if the metformin or the synthroid has helped me maintain my pregnancy. I got on metformin originally to help lower my testosterone levels because to specialist said it would be the only medication that is safe if I were to fall pregnant. I am a little uneasy about stopping it suddenly. Anyone stop it and everything continue on fine? I stopped taking it suddenly with my first pregnancy and everything was just fine. My high risk doctor has had me keep taking it for each pregnancy, I really don't see why they want you to stop honestly. I was on 2000 mg / day of metformin for pcos and my doctor took me off of it cold turkey at 6 weeks. No problems at all had an ultrasound Oct 1 at 12 weeks and baby looks healthy and was very active on the us . I'm 15w1d my doc said I'll be taking it for the entire pregnancy. I was in 1500 mg a day for a few years now due to pcos...doctor is weening me down to 500 mg and will keep me on it through month 8 of my pregnancy. ..i am currently 14 weeks exactly Thanks ladies. I was thinking about just weaning myself off... I just feel uneasy about stopping cold turkey. I see the other doctor in 3 weeks in the practice. So I'm going to see what she says. I was supposed to see that one but she was out sick today unexpectedly. I recently moved to a new city and saw my new obgyn today. She basically told me the medical community is split on whether there is actually a benefit to taking it during pregnancy based on which studies they've read and believe. Other doctors have told me to stay on to prevent gestational diabetes. This Continue reading >>
Conversations
It has been predicted that by 2050, one in three Americans will have type 2 diabetes. But the diagnosis doesn’t have to mean a life inundated with pills, which this diabetic learned after finding a way to stay off medication. Phyllisa Deroza joined HuffPost Live’s Ricky Camilleri to talk about being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after her rising glucose levels sent her into a coma. However, for the past two-and-a-half years, Deroza has been completely off medication, which she attributes to three simple things. The first two elements of Deroza’s med-free life are a healthy diet and a rigorous exercise routine. The third involves going above and beyond the typical amount of glucose testing. “I do test my glucose about five times a day, which a lot of type 2 diabetics don’t do,” Deroza said. “Many people tell them that they can test once a day or twice a day, but I find if I’m testing frequently, I keep my numbers within a tight range, so that’s helpful for me.” Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation about diabetes below: Continue reading >>
Can I Stop My Diabetes Medications?
I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am taking 10 mg of glipizide and 500 mg of metformin twice a day. My A1C was 12.5, but I have been feeling better, and I even stopped taking the glipizide every morning. My blood glucose average is now 170. Is that good, or should I continue to take my glipizide every morning? Continue reading >>
Coming Off Metformin
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community Hi. I was diagnosed Type 2 in September 2014. I have been on 4 x 500mg metformin daily since. All of my subsequent blood sugars have been very good and as such Practice .Nurse has said I no longer have diabetes and to wean myself off the metformin by reducing tablets from four a day for a week, then three a day for a week etc. I'm into my last week so am just taking one tablet a day. My question is that I am having headaches and today I'm very dizzy and I am wondering if this is related to coming off the metformin? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you Nurse has said I no longer have diabetes .... You might not have diabetic glucose or A1c levels anymore, but you probably still have diabetes. If you went back to living like a typical non-diabetic, you'd probably end up right back where you were at diagnosis. My question is that I am having headaches and today I'm very dizzy and I am wondering if this is related to coming off the metformin? Are you able to test your blood sugar to make sure nothing funky is happening? You might not have diabetic glucose or A1c levels anymore, but you probably still have diabetes. If you went back to living like a typical non-diabetic, you'd probably end up right back where you were at diagnosis. Are you able to test your blood sugar to make sure nothing funky is happening? Thank you for your reply. I'm still watching what I eat etc. I'm not going back to how I was before diagnosis, and if anything I'm being more careful since nurse told me I'm no longer diabetic lol. I can't test my blood. Nurse said I didn't need to, so I don't have the equipment. I'll see how I go. GP appointment if I still feel like this a Continue reading >>
New Dr. Wants To Take Me Off Metformin :( - Page 4
I have a question for John, Salim, and any others who have been able to get off their meds. I'm now on Metformin, 1000 mg (500 mg morning and 500 mg at night). I've always been one who didn't like to take medicine or even go to the doctor, but rather thought I could cure everything on my own. This diabetes though was different and I did take my meds according to my doctor's prescription. He didn't really tell me I could self-regulate my Met, but I didn't ask him either. He has given me instructions to self-regulate my hypertension and insulin, when it was needed, so he seems to be very open to patients self-regulating their medication if they're in good control. So I'm considering attempting to get off my Met, if possible. Would you recommend that, and if so, just going cold turkey without any, or slowly reducing? And what parameters would you consider would be good for monitoring it and deciding whether to give up or continue? I realize it's not an easy question to answer and very much depends on each individual, what their goals are, and lots of other factors. So it's not like you can just say to someone else, "this is what you should do". Anyways, I have a great deal of respect for you and others who have been able to get such great control without the need for insulin and other meds and if at all possible would like to get there myself. I feel this is the right time for me to start experimenting, so my last diabetes medication is a natural choice at this point. I bought a home blood pressure tester today and my first reading was 120/56, which according to my doctor's instruction means tomorrow I can stop taking my hypertension medication unless my blood pressure rises back up beyond a certain threshold. So it would be a great feeling if I can completely get off all Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes - Cure Or Control
How does one go about weaning him or herself off prescription drugs? FIRST and foremost, you need to recognize and agree that prescription drugs are NOT the long term answer to your Type 2 diabetes. Then you need to write out a plan and parameters as to exactly how you will accomplish your goal (preferably with your doctor's help and permission). IF you are on several different drugs as for example, blood pressure meds, different diabetes meds, cholesterol meds etc., it would probably not be a good idea to try and wean yourself off all of them at the same time. That being said, if you are on (2) diabetes meds, like I am, I decided to start with GLIPIZIDE, for no other reason than the Glipizide tablets I am on are scored with a line down the middle allowing me to safely cut those pills in 1/2. I checked this with my doctor first and set a goal of a certain parameter in my glucose readings that I wanted to be at before cutting the dose in 1/2. I started out by going from (1) full tablet in the morning to 1/2 tablet. Then I set a plan to also cut the nightly dose in 1/2 instead of a full tablet. Next on the agenda was to cut the nightly dose of (2) Metformin tablets down to one. Metformin tablets have no allowable provision for cutting the tablets in 1/2, so that was not an option. For the most part, I am now taking 1/2 of a Glipizide tab in the AM and 1/2 in the PM. I am experimenting depending on night time blood sugar readings with sometimes only taking (1) Metformin and sometimes (2). That is another option used by DeWayne McCulley in his book, "Death To Diabetes", is if a medication does not allow you to cut it in half, begin by taking it every OTHER DAY to start with. To me this was a logical process to take, just the same as trying my best to eat right, exercise mo Continue reading >>
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The Effects Of Stopping Metformin
The medication metformin is a drug in the biguanide family that is used to treat type 2 or adult-onset diabetes mellitus. Drugs.com notes that metformin is often the first prescribed medication for individuals with type 2 diabetes and may also be used in combination with other diabetes medications or insulin. This medication is sold under the brand name Glucophage, Glucophage XR and Fortamet. Metformin helps to reduce glycemic or sugar levels in the blood in a number of ways. If an individual with type 2 diabetes stops taking metformin, they may experience serious immediate and long-term effects of uncontrolled high levels of blood glucose. Video of the Day A primary mode of action of metformin is increasing the sensitivity of the body’s muscles, tissues and cells to insulin--a hormone that is essential for transporting glucose from the blood to the body. Drugs.com notes that individuals with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. This causes the cells to ignore the effects of insulin and not allow glucose to be transported into the muscles and tissues where it is vital to produce energy. The body tries to compensate by secreting more insulin, which only leads to hyperinsulinemia in the blood. If a patient stops taking metformin, the type 2 diabetes effects occur due to insulin resistance causing symptoms such as severe thirst, hunger and urinary frequency. The chronic levels of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia also contribute to diseases of the heart and vascular-blood vessel-system. Gluconeogenesis is the production of glucose by the liver. A storage supply of glucose is reserved in the liver and released into the bloodstream when the body requires energy due to stress or hunger. The MayoClinic.com notes that another one of the mechanisms of metformin to reduce Continue reading >>
Weaning Off Metformin
Hi I just joined the forum. I've been taking 1000mg twice/day. I've had great results as far as me glucose levels. I also within the last 6 months added some supplements. White mulberry, turmeric, and cinnamon. Before being diagnose with typeII I worked out like a lunatic. At the gym 2:30am everyday religiously then off to work at 6am. My job is no joke either. Industrial A/C mechanic in Arizona of all places. The last year has been rough as for as the metformin. My levels are in check but the side effects are brutal. Lower back pain, sleepliness, nausea to name a few. I am adding Berberine HCL to my supplement regiment. I've heard awesome results from this stuff. I just started going back to gym. It's tough. I'll have to watch my diet religiouly also now. No more trating myself I guess. I hate taking medications. No problem with supplements. I guess subconsciously I think I being more healthy that route. Any more advice as far as getting off this metformine? Yes, watching what we eat is key to managing type 2 diabetes. No reason you can't continue going to the gym, lots of folks here are gym or other exercise happy. Metformin is said to be a very safe drug. Taking berberine with metformin is not expected to double the efficacy. See some of the berberine threads as you read around. What you choose to eat is very important and all the supps in the world won't counter the effects of poor choices. D.D. Family type 2 since January 27th, 2016 Just remember it takes about 4-6 weeks for metformin to get out of your system. So until you know for sure it isn't in your body it will be hard to say definitively the berberine is working for you. Other than that, you can still treat yourself. Just make it more of a special occasion, more controlled indulgence than a daily or weekly Continue reading >>
How To Wean Off Of Diabetes Medication
One of my greatest pleasures in life is to help patients achieve remission of their type 2 diabetes. This means their blood sugar levels have become normal in the absence of any diabetes medication. Many clinicians and patients are interested in learning my views about how to go about decreasing and discontinuing diabetes medications. The main role for medications is to help reduce or delay the risk of nasty complications of diabetes, particularly the damage to the retina, kidney, nerves, and circulation. The higher the average blood sugar level, as indicated by the hemoglobin A1c level, the greater the complication risk (which increases exponentially with increasing A1c). We know from clinical trials that using medication to keep the A1c at or below 7% can help reduce the risk of these complications. There is broad agreement that clinicians should recommend starting or increasing diabetes medications to patients who cannot get their A1c level to 7% or less via lifestyle change. Many patients come to me because the A1c is already over 7% and their primary care provider proposes increasing their diabetes medication, unless the patient can get to 7% or less with improved eating and/or exercise habits. Some of these patients are already on many pills, and insulin shots are the frequently the next appropriate treatment. Many patients would rather make the lifestyle changes than take more medication, so when the doctor frames the issue in this way, then a patient might become inspired to renew or increase the lifestyle efforts. The clinician might say “lets recheck the A1c in 3 months, and start the new medication if it is still above 7.0%”. My goal with patients is to use the lifestyle strategies I’ve discussed previously in this blog to drive the A1c as low as possib Continue reading >>
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Can I Stop Taking My Metformin Cold Turkey - 443633 - Www.isl.ro
Can I Stop Taking My Metformin Cold Turkey Stopping metformin cold turkey, is it safe? Stopping metformin cold turkey, is it safe? Asked 5 Mar The final analysis is that metformin can cause vomiting as a side do you need a prescription to buy viagra in canada effect. My doctor told me to quit and my Getting off of Metformin Question Diabetes Daily Getting off of Metformin Question cause any difference in my readings. Again can I just stop taking or wean stopped Metformin I stopped cold turkey. Stopping Metformin Cold Turkey? April 2014 Babies Forums side effects of cialis I am officially in my second trimester! I asked the doctor about stopping Metformin since lately it has been a trigger for horrible headaches and Did you quit your Metformin cold turkey? The Bump Just curious if you were weened off of it or they just had you stop taking it? My dr just said to stop at 13 weeks. Did you quit your Metformin cold turkey? Metformin: Tips for Stopping Healthline Metformin treats the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. With lifestyle changes, you may be able to stop taking this medication. Metformin. should one stop taking metformin all at once or Metformin. should one stop taking metformin all at once or rather decrease the you can stop cold turkey any time you are committed to sticking to Any one who x27;s gone off Metformin . . . Any one who x27;s gone off Metformin . . . You should never stop cold Turkey!!! stop taking metformin and call your doctor right away. Can I Stop The Metformin Diabetic Connect Can I Stop The Metformin; Advertisement. Advertisement. can I stop taking my metformin that I take 3 times a day. Or is this the denial still acting up Common Questions and Answers about Metformin withdrawal effects. he just ordered Norethindrone Acetate Oral tablet to stop my to Continue reading >>
Stopping Metformin: When Is It Ok?
The most common medication worldwide for treating diabetes is metformin (Glumetza, Riomet, Glucophage, Fortamet). It can help control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s available in tablet form or a clear liquid you take by mouth before meals. Metformin doesn’t treat the underlying cause of diabetes. It treats the symptoms of diabetes by lowering blood sugar. It also increases the use of glucose in peripheral muscles and the liver. Metformin also helps with other things in addition to improving blood sugar. These include: lowering lipids, resulting in a decrease in blood triglyceride levels decreasing “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) increasing “good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) If you’re taking metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to stop. Instead, you may be able to manage your condition by making certain lifestyle changes, like losing weight and getting more exercise. Read on to learn more about metformin and whether or not it’s possible to stop taking it. However, before you stop taking metformin consult your doctor to ensure this is the right step to take in managing your diabetes. Before you start taking metformin, your doctor will want to discuss your medical history. You won’t be able to take this medication if you have a history of any of the following: alcohol abuse liver disease kidney issues certain heart problems If you are currently taking metformin, you may have encountered some side effects. If you’ve just started treatment with this drug, it’s important to know some of the side effects you may encounter. Most common side effects The most common side effects are digestive issues and may include: diarrhea vomiting nausea heartburn abdominal cramps Continue reading >>
How To Slowly Wean Yourself Off Of Your Diabetes... | Diabetic Connect
Hope that is diabetes without drugs. I think everyone should read this one first, too much good info to miss out on. Dr. Bernstein is good also, but Cohen's book is a really good place to start. Just a suggestion. I am not good at reading more than one at a time, so I will start with this one and go from there. So far I have found out that tomatoes and tomato products are a no-no...I am sad about that. But I really must work this out. Hey Gabby! Did you finish the book yet? May I ask why he says tomatoes are a no-no? I have a bleeding duodenal ulcer. I have noted that when it has stopped bleeding and I eat tomato products my bleeding starts again as indicated by my stools' black color and tar-like consistency. Eventually it heals again but it goes on for a while and Dr has me on Iron pills to keep me from going anemic. The acid in the tomatoes seems to do it to me. Hey James! I was thinking it was something to do with D so I appreciate you clearing that up for me. There may be a connection to D. I did notice a rise in my BG levels when I eat tomato sauce (ate it on "french sliced" green beans) and that was when i noted my ulcer broke open again. I think it has to do with the acid in them. It must be a particular type of acid as I use vinegar on my salads and spike my water with lemon or lime juice and don't notice the same thing happening to me. I have also been warned away from tomato products by my Kidney meal plan due to their high levels of potassium which is hard on kidneys. Oh really? I may heave to give them up soon myself depending on whats wrong with my tummy. I remember you saying recently that dialysis may be looming again-do you know anything yet? DC, my latest blood work for my kidney Dr shows my kidney function has dropped to 12% of normal. When I drop to Continue reading >>
