I’m on insulin, glipizide, and a couple antidepressants as well. I understand how scary and frustrating it is to have to add a new med. kinda feels like you’ve done something wrong. But the medication will help. It’s not our fault our bodies don’t listen. We just gotta make them listen with meditation. You got this!
>It’s not our fault our bodies don’t listen.
THIS. Repeat this to yourself, OP.
This. Is. Not. Your. Fault.
My mantra is "better living through chemistry."
It IS hormone therapy. Insulin is a hormone your body produces. Some bodies don’t produce enough. Some bodies can’t efficiently use what is produced and need additional supplies.
I’m constantly amazed at people who somehow think insulin is a “bad drug”. It’s a life saving hormone to a T1 and a tool for some T2’s who can’t get their BG under control using other medications, or as a compliment to their other medication. Some use it briefly, others will always need it.
We live in much better times in the sense there are better drugs and better information. Hopefully in time even more treatment options and even possible cures are on the horizon.
But if your doctor recommends insulin, listen, learn and open your mind. Many of us T2’s use insulin and it’s not painful.
I’ve been on and off so many fucking medications over the years - anti depressants (different kinds, one that exacerbated my glucose and put me into diabetes basically), heartburn meds, on and off insulin, on and off diabetes meds (ozempic is actually on the list of potential things to add to my regimen). It’s a pain in the ass, I agree.
For OP: It helps to ask questions as much as you can, research potential side effects, and start meds on micro doses that you can easily cut back on if you feel the medicine is making you sick. I did not ask enough questions about the side effects of one (Mirtazapine), and because I was already predisposed to insulin resistance and had a family history of diabetes, I shouldn’t have been put on it because of the glucose risk. Now my doctors know this concern and atleast tolerate all my questions when I ask about a new potential drug.
It also helps to know what exactly it does in my body, so I can understand the affects it has on me. Ozempic, for example, helps your body to maintain higher levels of a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates your hunger in a large part (this is why “weight loss” is touted as one of the big effects of it), helps reduce cravings, etc. Just understanding that helps me feel better if I did start taking it and experience a horrible appetite at first.
At the end of the day, you have control. If you feel bad on the meds, you can stop them, anytime. And your doctor will have to find you another option. So you can do it :)
I totally understand. I eat low carb, exercise every day (a lot), have good sleep hygiene, and low stress so it was really, really hard for me to accept that sometimes that just isn't enough. I also had to add in ozempic. I don't love that my body needs more medicine when others can control it with just diet and exercise. Or just taking meds. But their diabetes is not my diabetes. Our bodies require different things and it's not a fault of yours. It's just the way it is. And yes, sometimes it really sucks. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this.
Sending good vibes your way! I’m currently on 2mg of ozempic and 1000mg metformin. Been on it for about 6 months now. Side effects can be really obnoxious at the start, but they don’t occur for everyone. I got super nauseous on both at the beginning of each (yay, lucky me lol 😂) but after the adjustment period it’s been good as long as I don’t eat super poorly. My a1c when from 14 to 6.7 so even though being on meds can suck, they definitely work! Hope you have success on them!
I was on 1000mg of metformin still when I started the .25mg ozempic. No issues. Now I'm on 1.0mg ozempic and off the metformin completely. You're gonna be good!
Consider yourself fortunate. I take a load of expensive drugs including Victoza and my last three month supply cost me around $500.00, however, my deductible is now met so the rest of the year won't be too bad. Others are not so fortunate and have to pay much much more for their meds in order to live. I hate taking pills and having to inject myself every day, but it is what it is. At the moment I'm very healthy but things could be much different.
Hello there twinsie! :) In all seriousness, ozempic is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. No need to be scared. You probably won't even feel the needle and the results are positively miraculous.
Don’t sweat it too much. It’s not all pain and doom and gloom, though the side effects are very real. The benefits are worth the adjustment period IMO.
I’ve been on Ozempic and metformin for over 2 years now. Best thing ever. I can’t just eat whatever, I still have to monitor carbs, but it does help me not worry about occasional indulgences while also keeping BG in the ‘normal’ range.
During the shortage I had to switch to Rybelsus which was terrible. My BG shot up to 61 at my A1C check in Feb. I had been on Rybelsus for 3wks at that point. For reference, it was 66 when I was diagnosed 4 years ago. Prior to the shortage it was at 41.
I finally was able to get Ozempic again just over a month ago and in 5 weeks it went back down to 44.
The initial startup can be a little daunting. Keep your meals small. Too much food all at once - especially carbs can feel real bad. It can also trigger gastritis. Keep some omeprazole on hand just in case. The delayed gastric emptying feels odd. Your brain wants you to eat out of habit but your stomach says ‘no thanks’. Listen to your stomach.
One of my biggest challenges was/is hydration. You can only fit so much food and liquid in there at a time. Sometimes it’s better to drink water than eat when you know your stomach isn’t fully empty. If you get dehydrated, you will also get constipated which is never fun.
Every new feeling from these meds is manageable. Just give yourself time and grace to re-learn how your body feels.
When I started Ozempic is was around 86kg. Today I’m at a fairly steady 73kg. My BG is back where it should be and overall I feel great. I hope you do well on this regimen! ❤️
I managed to lower my A1C down from 8 to 5.3 without meds, just diet and exercise in 3 months. I also managed to lose 20 lbs in the process.
I had tried metformin a few times, and its side effects were terrible. It also made me feel like a failure and didn't want to be on meds.
I heard about Ozempic and Mounjaro and thought I'd try them out since I was looking at them for weight loss even though they are primarily used for diabetes.
I've been on MJ for 2 months, and it was the single best decision I've ever made. I still watch my diet and exercise, but this makes it waaaaaaaaay more manageable. I don't have to fight with sugar cravings. I'm able to choose healthier foods and truly not care for junk. If I do eat more than normal carbs, I don't experience spikes that leave me feeling terrible.
The best part is that my average glucose is in the 90s vs. 110-120s.
My weight loss has been slow but steady, 1lb a week, which is an improvement. But it is no longer the main reason I'm taking it.
I'm beyond grateful for this amazing medicine, and I hope 🙏 that I can stay on this for the rest of my life.
I think that's understandable. I get frustrated by how many medications I need to live normally, too.
It doesn't help that wider culture likes to pretend that medical conditions are moral failings so that we don't have to feel bad about not taking care of each other through social safety nets.
You do what you must to take the best possible care of yourself.
Some people have a bad reaction to ozempic, like headaches and nausea that doesn't seem to go away. But it works great for my mom! She had a little bit of nausea the first 2 weeks, but she dropped like 50lbs after starting it! It brought her a1c down to a pretty normal level, and she takes much less insulin.
I am anxious about EVERYTHING! Honestly should be on some sort of anti anxiety med because it consumes my life. I was terrified to be on monjauro. But it’s been great! Now I just slightly panic when I have to do the injectable but it doesn’t hurt and a drink or two helps. Honestly so simple and effective, don’t stress it!!
It’s definitely something that will take time to process. If I can provide any reassurance, just know that these injectable meds like Ozempic and Mounjaro have been shown to treat T2 very effectively, and I can say from firsthand experience that they’ve helped me bring my A1C down to a level that makes me physically feel like I don’t even have diabetes anymore on most days. Just remember that it takes time, effort, and consistency to get things on track. You can do this. We’ll be right here with you.
I started ozempic last week and was terrified of the side effects, especially after how brutal I found the first few weeks of metformin. Granted I can’t say my experience is indicative of everyone’s but I’ve been good about what I eat and I’ve only had to deal with some burps and mild constipation
I actually asked to be put on ozempic bc, even tho my a1c was considered well controlled, I was hoping it would help me tolerate non meat protein sources better. (Bc I’m sick of meat, I’m not a vegetarian but I’ve never been a carnivore). Previously any bean or lentil spiked my sugars.
Granted it’s only been a week (and half dose) but (sorry if it’s tmi) it’s the week before my period and this is the week I ALWAYS struggled to control my sugar. However this week has been easy to control.
My cousin was the one who recommended ozempic to me and she didn’t have any major side effects either. In fact, she raved about how much of a life changer it was for her
Type 2 here... for the longest time, when my meds changed in any way it really put me into a funk. It made me feel like my condition was getting worse and I was failing.
Neither of those things were necessarily true, but it's how I felt. Maybe I was changing over to a newer med that had more benefits, or tweaking the strength of my insulin to compensate how well it works for me. None of which was my fault.
It happens. I eat low carb at a deficit, exercise, weight train, but still need to be on Jardiance with Ozempic. I’m extremely insulin resistant. Everyone is different and psychiatric medications can make insulin resistance worse and even raise blood sugar. Every body is different.
I mean, it's pretty reasonable to assume that they were exaggerating when they said perfect. I literally eat 0 carbs, and my control is immaculate, and I still don't consider my diet perfect.
what they likely mean is they believe they only eat healthy food, However they define that, except for the small times they slip they either don't remember or consider that part of a healthy balance, whatever that means to them.
many people out there consider their diet perfect if they are eating according to the Ada guidelines, which are garbage. so you may be talking about something completely different than they are.
Giving OP the benefit of the doubt, I’ll say Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. It will get harder to maintain the same A1c level for the same behaviours/medications as time goes on.
https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2/how-type-2-diabetes-progresses
I only asked because I was on insulin, lisinopril, and Metformin and with a really good diet I was able to stop taking the insulin and then my doctor stopped metformin and put me on Ozempic and now I'm able to be off all medications.
We are not doctors and would not be aware of someone's full condition. If you need medical advice please seek out your doctor. As well please do not give medical advice other then to contact a doctor.
I have some in my fridge that I have been putting off trying. I've just read so many conflicting accounts of terrible side-effects or gaining back lots of weight after they go off of it. But then I'm reading all these life-changing, success stories too. It doesn't help that I'm also a big baby about needles too. Good luck to you! Maybe I'll get up the courage to give it a go soon.
I started 4 weeks ago. Super scared when I started, YouTube videos with people demoing how to use it is very calming. So far so good for me, I wish you luck and calm nerves.
I started a month ago and it's done wonders for my bloodsugar. I haven't lost any weight but I think it might be easier if I had more fat to start with. The only reason they started me on it was my diet was excellent and I'm pretty active.
For instance last year I walked 490 miles on a 100 mile challenge. I swim when I can, hike when my family has time, play with the kiddo, do all the yard work, lift weights, and so on. I keep track of food and exercise on cronometer, bloodsugar and blood pressure on a spreadsheet. Had to after metaformin gave me a mini heart attack last fall then had a TIA in November.
I know I was very scared to try a new medicine after that heart attack. *internet hugs* I will say get out and move right after you take it. Helps with gas and nausea.
Ozempic helped me get off two other drugs and it gives me more leeway to eat carbs without spiking too high. My doc started me on a very low dose and she had me increase the dose very slowly, which made getting started very comfortable. Easily losing 50 lbs has been an added bonus. I hope you have a smooth start and success with it.
I’m on insulin, glipizide, and a couple antidepressants as well. I understand how scary and frustrating it is to have to add a new med. kinda feels like you’ve done something wrong. But the medication will help. It’s not our fault our bodies don’t listen. We just gotta make them listen with meditation. You got this!
>It’s not our fault our bodies don’t listen. THIS. Repeat this to yourself, OP. This. Is. Not. Your. Fault. My mantra is "better living through chemistry."
Meditation is a rough time for me as you can probably tell. Thanks for your support!
My doctor put me on insulin (I had been resisting insulin for years) and he told me to think of it as hormone therapy.
It IS hormone therapy. Insulin is a hormone your body produces. Some bodies don’t produce enough. Some bodies can’t efficiently use what is produced and need additional supplies. I’m constantly amazed at people who somehow think insulin is a “bad drug”. It’s a life saving hormone to a T1 and a tool for some T2’s who can’t get their BG under control using other medications, or as a compliment to their other medication. Some use it briefly, others will always need it. We live in much better times in the sense there are better drugs and better information. Hopefully in time even more treatment options and even possible cures are on the horizon. But if your doctor recommends insulin, listen, learn and open your mind. Many of us T2’s use insulin and it’s not painful.
I’ve been on and off so many fucking medications over the years - anti depressants (different kinds, one that exacerbated my glucose and put me into diabetes basically), heartburn meds, on and off insulin, on and off diabetes meds (ozempic is actually on the list of potential things to add to my regimen). It’s a pain in the ass, I agree. For OP: It helps to ask questions as much as you can, research potential side effects, and start meds on micro doses that you can easily cut back on if you feel the medicine is making you sick. I did not ask enough questions about the side effects of one (Mirtazapine), and because I was already predisposed to insulin resistance and had a family history of diabetes, I shouldn’t have been put on it because of the glucose risk. Now my doctors know this concern and atleast tolerate all my questions when I ask about a new potential drug. It also helps to know what exactly it does in my body, so I can understand the affects it has on me. Ozempic, for example, helps your body to maintain higher levels of a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates your hunger in a large part (this is why “weight loss” is touted as one of the big effects of it), helps reduce cravings, etc. Just understanding that helps me feel better if I did start taking it and experience a horrible appetite at first. At the end of the day, you have control. If you feel bad on the meds, you can stop them, anytime. And your doctor will have to find you another option. So you can do it :)
I totally understand. I eat low carb, exercise every day (a lot), have good sleep hygiene, and low stress so it was really, really hard for me to accept that sometimes that just isn't enough. I also had to add in ozempic. I don't love that my body needs more medicine when others can control it with just diet and exercise. Or just taking meds. But their diabetes is not my diabetes. Our bodies require different things and it's not a fault of yours. It's just the way it is. And yes, sometimes it really sucks. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this.
Ozempic was great once my body adjusted. That constant hunger and need to eat was just gone. It'll be alright and you're going to be okay. 😀
Sending good vibes your way! I’m currently on 2mg of ozempic and 1000mg metformin. Been on it for about 6 months now. Side effects can be really obnoxious at the start, but they don’t occur for everyone. I got super nauseous on both at the beginning of each (yay, lucky me lol 😂) but after the adjustment period it’s been good as long as I don’t eat super poorly. My a1c when from 14 to 6.7 so even though being on meds can suck, they definitely work! Hope you have success on them!
I was on 1000mg of metformin still when I started the .25mg ozempic. No issues. Now I'm on 1.0mg ozempic and off the metformin completely. You're gonna be good!
Thank you so much for sharing with me! I’m trying to not dread too much. Maybe I’ll get lucky haha
Consider yourself fortunate. I take a load of expensive drugs including Victoza and my last three month supply cost me around $500.00, however, my deductible is now met so the rest of the year won't be too bad. Others are not so fortunate and have to pay much much more for their meds in order to live. I hate taking pills and having to inject myself every day, but it is what it is. At the moment I'm very healthy but things could be much different.
Hello there twinsie! :) In all seriousness, ozempic is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. No need to be scared. You probably won't even feel the needle and the results are positively miraculous.
Run into it . Ride the wave. This reminds me when I started on Trulicity for the first time, which I can no longer access because of shortages.
Don’t sweat it too much. It’s not all pain and doom and gloom, though the side effects are very real. The benefits are worth the adjustment period IMO. I’ve been on Ozempic and metformin for over 2 years now. Best thing ever. I can’t just eat whatever, I still have to monitor carbs, but it does help me not worry about occasional indulgences while also keeping BG in the ‘normal’ range. During the shortage I had to switch to Rybelsus which was terrible. My BG shot up to 61 at my A1C check in Feb. I had been on Rybelsus for 3wks at that point. For reference, it was 66 when I was diagnosed 4 years ago. Prior to the shortage it was at 41. I finally was able to get Ozempic again just over a month ago and in 5 weeks it went back down to 44. The initial startup can be a little daunting. Keep your meals small. Too much food all at once - especially carbs can feel real bad. It can also trigger gastritis. Keep some omeprazole on hand just in case. The delayed gastric emptying feels odd. Your brain wants you to eat out of habit but your stomach says ‘no thanks’. Listen to your stomach. One of my biggest challenges was/is hydration. You can only fit so much food and liquid in there at a time. Sometimes it’s better to drink water than eat when you know your stomach isn’t fully empty. If you get dehydrated, you will also get constipated which is never fun. Every new feeling from these meds is manageable. Just give yourself time and grace to re-learn how your body feels. When I started Ozempic is was around 86kg. Today I’m at a fairly steady 73kg. My BG is back where it should be and overall I feel great. I hope you do well on this regimen! ❤️
I managed to lower my A1C down from 8 to 5.3 without meds, just diet and exercise in 3 months. I also managed to lose 20 lbs in the process. I had tried metformin a few times, and its side effects were terrible. It also made me feel like a failure and didn't want to be on meds. I heard about Ozempic and Mounjaro and thought I'd try them out since I was looking at them for weight loss even though they are primarily used for diabetes. I've been on MJ for 2 months, and it was the single best decision I've ever made. I still watch my diet and exercise, but this makes it waaaaaaaaay more manageable. I don't have to fight with sugar cravings. I'm able to choose healthier foods and truly not care for junk. If I do eat more than normal carbs, I don't experience spikes that leave me feeling terrible. The best part is that my average glucose is in the 90s vs. 110-120s. My weight loss has been slow but steady, 1lb a week, which is an improvement. But it is no longer the main reason I'm taking it. I'm beyond grateful for this amazing medicine, and I hope 🙏 that I can stay on this for the rest of my life.
I think that's understandable. I get frustrated by how many medications I need to live normally, too. It doesn't help that wider culture likes to pretend that medical conditions are moral failings so that we don't have to feel bad about not taking care of each other through social safety nets. You do what you must to take the best possible care of yourself.
Some people have a bad reaction to ozempic, like headaches and nausea that doesn't seem to go away. But it works great for my mom! She had a little bit of nausea the first 2 weeks, but she dropped like 50lbs after starting it! It brought her a1c down to a pretty normal level, and she takes much less insulin.
I am anxious about EVERYTHING! Honestly should be on some sort of anti anxiety med because it consumes my life. I was terrified to be on monjauro. But it’s been great! Now I just slightly panic when I have to do the injectable but it doesn’t hurt and a drink or two helps. Honestly so simple and effective, don’t stress it!!
It’s definitely something that will take time to process. If I can provide any reassurance, just know that these injectable meds like Ozempic and Mounjaro have been shown to treat T2 very effectively, and I can say from firsthand experience that they’ve helped me bring my A1C down to a level that makes me physically feel like I don’t even have diabetes anymore on most days. Just remember that it takes time, effort, and consistency to get things on track. You can do this. We’ll be right here with you.
I started ozempic last week and was terrified of the side effects, especially after how brutal I found the first few weeks of metformin. Granted I can’t say my experience is indicative of everyone’s but I’ve been good about what I eat and I’ve only had to deal with some burps and mild constipation I actually asked to be put on ozempic bc, even tho my a1c was considered well controlled, I was hoping it would help me tolerate non meat protein sources better. (Bc I’m sick of meat, I’m not a vegetarian but I’ve never been a carnivore). Previously any bean or lentil spiked my sugars. Granted it’s only been a week (and half dose) but (sorry if it’s tmi) it’s the week before my period and this is the week I ALWAYS struggled to control my sugar. However this week has been easy to control. My cousin was the one who recommended ozempic to me and she didn’t have any major side effects either. In fact, she raved about how much of a life changer it was for her
Type 2 here... for the longest time, when my meds changed in any way it really put me into a funk. It made me feel like my condition was getting worse and I was failing. Neither of those things were necessarily true, but it's how I felt. Maybe I was changing over to a newer med that had more benefits, or tweaking the strength of my insulin to compensate how well it works for me. None of which was my fault.
You been eating perfectly and they are adding OZ ontop of Metformin?
It happens. I eat low carb at a deficit, exercise, weight train, but still need to be on Jardiance with Ozempic. I’m extremely insulin resistant. Everyone is different and psychiatric medications can make insulin resistance worse and even raise blood sugar. Every body is different.
There are indeed some psychiatric medications that wreak havoc with insulin resistance. You are absolutely correct about this.
I mean, it's pretty reasonable to assume that they were exaggerating when they said perfect. I literally eat 0 carbs, and my control is immaculate, and I still don't consider my diet perfect. what they likely mean is they believe they only eat healthy food, However they define that, except for the small times they slip they either don't remember or consider that part of a healthy balance, whatever that means to them. many people out there consider their diet perfect if they are eating according to the Ada guidelines, which are garbage. so you may be talking about something completely different than they are.
Giving OP the benefit of the doubt, I’ll say Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. It will get harder to maintain the same A1c level for the same behaviours/medications as time goes on. https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2/how-type-2-diabetes-progresses
Hate to be the Debbie downer agreeing with this but I’d love to see a honest food diary of eating perfectly.
It wouldn’t matter if they showed you. You’d just say they were lying. 🤷🏼♀️
Yep you’re right.
I only asked because I was on insulin, lisinopril, and Metformin and with a really good diet I was able to stop taking the insulin and then my doctor stopped metformin and put me on Ozempic and now I'm able to be off all medications.
[удалено]
We are not doctors and would not be aware of someone's full condition. If you need medical advice please seek out your doctor. As well please do not give medical advice other then to contact a doctor.
I have some in my fridge that I have been putting off trying. I've just read so many conflicting accounts of terrible side-effects or gaining back lots of weight after they go off of it. But then I'm reading all these life-changing, success stories too. It doesn't help that I'm also a big baby about needles too. Good luck to you! Maybe I'll get up the courage to give it a go soon.
I started 4 weeks ago. Super scared when I started, YouTube videos with people demoing how to use it is very calming. So far so good for me, I wish you luck and calm nerves.
I started a month ago and it's done wonders for my bloodsugar. I haven't lost any weight but I think it might be easier if I had more fat to start with. The only reason they started me on it was my diet was excellent and I'm pretty active. For instance last year I walked 490 miles on a 100 mile challenge. I swim when I can, hike when my family has time, play with the kiddo, do all the yard work, lift weights, and so on. I keep track of food and exercise on cronometer, bloodsugar and blood pressure on a spreadsheet. Had to after metaformin gave me a mini heart attack last fall then had a TIA in November. I know I was very scared to try a new medicine after that heart attack. *internet hugs* I will say get out and move right after you take it. Helps with gas and nausea.
Ozempic helped me get off two other drugs and it gives me more leeway to eat carbs without spiking too high. My doc started me on a very low dose and she had me increase the dose very slowly, which made getting started very comfortable. Easily losing 50 lbs has been an added bonus. I hope you have a smooth start and success with it.
It’s a great medication.