009
Wholenote
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Posts: 524
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Post by 009 on Dec 12, 2023 22:36:17 GMT -5
My doctor says I won't become diabetic, in spite of my pre-diabetes, so no Rx for metformin for me. I mentioned the similar detrimental effects of pre-diabetes on the cardiovascular system, and that an aggressive A1c target is best. Well, some guys are narrow minded or too afraid of creating a problem. I was going to seek out an endocrinologist, someone who's read the recent literature, but I just learned about the supplement Berberine. Seems like a good alternative. Anyone using this stuff? (Our go-to supplement guy died a while back in a classic car crash; I miss him.)
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Post by Auf Kiltre on Dec 14, 2023 9:44:48 GMT -5
I've tried a number of supplements over the years and have since ceased with the exception of occasional doses of vitamin D3. I also do not trust Amazon reviews or the "articles" that result from Google searches. The best you can do is tag on the word "NIH" to the search and sift through lofty research results there.
As far as doctors ignoring your concern(s) I can only say be tenacious. I've spent 10 years concerned about consistently high (in the red) hematocrit and hemoglobin and nobody took note with the exception of one doc in Florida. Her solution was to only suggest frequent blood donations. I pushed the issue with my current doc and he finally ordered additional labs that concluded I have polycythemia. That resulted in a referral to a hemotologist/oncologist later this month and will probably lead to a bone marrow biopsy.
The doctor may be your best diagnostician but you are your best patient advocate.
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009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
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Post by 009 on Dec 14, 2023 16:39:13 GMT -5
Thanks. I've done a lot of research regarding my ailments over the years and always go to legitimate sources of information. Yeah, the abstracts at NIH are good, and the best full version papers usually require you to purchase a copy. Usually you can find a free copy of the title via a web search. I go to Amazon only to help find a good supplement once I've made that decision to run with it.
I bought some berberine yesterday morning at Walmart. I've delayed taking it because I'm sure to have some GI distress (nausea, diarrhea and/or constipation) until I get used to it; my wife had something to do today and I didn't want to have the heebee jeebees while out and about.... So, I'll take just one "soft gel" with my evening meal and do just this for a week or two before stepping up to two doses, and eventually, three per day (500 mg x 3). These NOW Foods soft gels are only 400 mg, but supposedly have a greater absorption than the typical 500 mg tablet form. These are not cheap, so I'll likely--if I can get used to this stuff--buy tablets from Piping Rock.
If I can tolerate this and commit to taking it long-term, I'll buy a glucose/A1c test kit and check my A1c periodically to see if it's working for me; it doesn't work for everyone. (This is when I'll go to the Amazon web site and get feedback on the different units for sale.) I want my A1c below 5.7, and I want to lose about six pounds of belly fat/visceral fat. Fingers crossed.
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Post by LTB on Dec 15, 2023 9:32:54 GMT -5
I am with you Auf on Amazon Google reviews. Here lately when I google say “25 best” 2023 items or whatever and they all are on Amazon I will not go by them as I believe they are paid by Amazon to sell their stuff.
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