Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) » Polycystic Ovaries

normal labs / normal ovaries

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

My labwork has always been normal, and I know my ovaries look normal (surgeon looked at them while removing uterus, and left them). Since puberty, I’ve had 50% of symptoms of PCO (no cycles without the pill, weight, facial hair succesfully zapped away, high cholesterol if I don’t take meds). Is it possible to have normal lab/normal-looking ovaries and STILL have PCO? lucy

Response:

According to the research that I have just recieved from the PCOS association of australia, you can have pcos without having polycystic ovaries. The best thing to do is contact your local association or support group to get further information. Hope this helps Shaz (33)and DH Noel(35) ttc #2 10yrs(me) ttc #1 4yrs(DH) Geelong, Victoria 100mg clomid, cd 5 -9 1500mg metformin daily http://www.FertilityFriend.com/home/1c8fc "lucy" wrote in message

news:c5pcmc$ph9@library2.airnews.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My labwork has always been normal, and I know my ovaries look normal > (surgeon looked at them while removing uterus, and left them). > Since puberty, I’ve had 50% of symptoms of PCO (no cycles without the pill, > weight, facial hair succesfully zapped away, high cholesterol if I don’t > take meds). > Is it possible to have normal lab/normal-looking ovaries and STILL have PCO? > lucy

Response:

PCOS and bladder infecions

admin — Mon, 23 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I posted this to another ng, and I was just wanting some info on this. How many of us get a lot of bladder infections? I’ve heard with our hormones being messed up from the PCO, that we are more able to get UTIs. I am on my 2 nd bladder infection in 3 weeks. I had kidney stone surgery last Feb, 2001. I think this one might be on my right side this time instead of the left. Also, I’m thinking that this is why I havent had AF yet too. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks girls MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Vicki

Response:

Schlink…@webtv.net (Vicki S) wrote in message … > I posted this to another ng, and I was just wanting some info on this. > How many of us get a lot of bladder infections? I’ve heard with our > hormones being messed up from the PCO, that we are more able to get > UTIs. I am on my 2 nd bladder infection in 3 weeks. I had kidney stone > surgery last Feb, 2001. I think this one might be on my right side this > time instead of the left. Also, I’m thinking that this is why I havent > had AF yet too. > Any input on this would be greatly appreciated! > Thanks girls > MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! > Vicki

I have been prone to UTIs since childhood. At camp I was the only kid who had to change out of my bathing suit after swimming (while the other girls just put shorts on top of theirs) because when I left my suit on I’d get terrible UTIs. I also can’t use fragranced soap "down there" or take a bubble bath. I went swimming for the first time in years this summer and I got a UTI even though I took off my bathing suit right away. It never occured to me that there was a PCO connection… Do you gals get a lot of ear infections, too?

Response:

"Silly One" wrote in message

news:f701c2eb.0212240616.5782ca11@posting.google.com… > Schlink…@webtv.net (Vicki S) wrote in message

… > Do you gals get a lot of ear infections, too?

I’ve had them frequently since I was a toddler. Luckily my kids don’t seem prone to them. My mom hated it when I had them swears I would only tell her that I was in pain AT NIGHT. Grace

Response:

Never had one and have had PCOS for over 10 years… "Vicki S" wrote in message

news:20984-3E07BDF9-434@storefull-2232.public.lawson.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I posted this to another ng, and I was just wanting some info on this. > How many of us get a lot of bladder infections? I’ve heard with our > hormones being messed up from the PCO, that we are more able to get > UTIs. I am on my 2 nd bladder infection in 3 weeks. I had kidney stone > surgery last Feb, 2001. I think this one might be on my right side this > time instead of the left. Also, I’m thinking that this is why I havent > had AF yet too. > Any input on this would be greatly appreciated! > Thanks girls > MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! > Vicki

Response:

Vicki S wrote: > I posted this to another ng, and I was just wanting some info on this. > How many of us get a lot of bladder infections? I’ve heard with our > hormones being messed up from the PCO, that we are more able to get > UTIs. I am on my 2 nd bladder infection in 3 weeks. I had kidney stone > surgery last Feb, 2001. I think this one might be on my right side this > time instead of the left. Also, I’m thinking that this is why I havent > had AF yet too. > Any input on this would be greatly appreciated! > Thanks girls > MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! > Vicki

My mom gets frequent UTIs. I don’t know if she has PCOS; she doesn’t really have many of the symptoms, but she is hypothyroid, which messes up all the other hormones too, and UTIs are a recognised symptom of that; also she’s probably IR. Jeni.

Response:

silly…@altavista.com (Silly One) wrote in message … > I have been prone to UTIs since childhood. At camp I was the only kid > who had to change out of my bathing suit after swimming (while the > other girls just put shorts on top of theirs) because when I left my > suit on I’d get terrible UTIs. I also can’t use fragranced soap "down > there" or take a bubble bath. I went swimming for the first time in > years this summer and I got a UTI even though I took off my bathing > suit right away. It never occured to me that there was a PCO > connection…

I have a bubble bath formula I’m sure you’d be able to use without adverse consequences — http://users.bestweb.net/~robgood/lather.html . It has no added fragrance, and was developed specifically for people who’d suffered urinary or genital irritation from soaps. I’d like to send you a free sample in return for your history and feedback — I’m always looking to extend my perfect record of safety on more hard cases. BTW, what’s PCO? I just Googled in here. Polycystic ovaries? Robert

Response:

Vicki – My understanding about why we are more prone to UTIs is that the PCOS causes blood sugar problems (hence all of us on Metformin/Glucophage), and the sweeter the urine, the more likely you are to get bladder infections – the spilled sugar lets the little buggers thrive. Uncontrolled diabetics tend to be very prone to UTIs as well. Might consider having your blood sugar checked? That’s the explanation I got, anyway… hope it helps. Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I posted this to another ng, and I was just wanting some info on this. >How many of us get a lot of bladder infections? I’ve heard with our >hormones being messed up from the PCO, that we are more able to get >UTIs. I am on my 2 nd bladder infection in 3 weeks. I had kidney stone >surgery last Feb, 2001. I think this one might be on my right side this >time instead of the left. Also, I’m thinking that this is why I havent >had AF yet too. >Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!

Response:

Thanks everybody on all the info. I’m going to call my urologist that did my kidney stone surgery and see whats up. All I know is this really bites! Two UTI’s in 3 weeks! Thanks again Vicki

Response:

Gestational Diabetes

admin — Sat, 04 May 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I suffer from polycystic ovaries and had heard that this can cause insulin resistance, I’m not sure if that is true

Actually IR ~causes~ PCO, not the other way around. Beth

Response:

Debbie Please let us know how it all goes. Good luck for the birth! Love Cath

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suffer from polycystic ovaries and had heard that this can cause insulin resistance, I’m not sure if that is true Actually IR ~causes~ PCO, not the other way around. Beth

Response:

Cathie They have said that it will go away, but since my father is a Type 2 and his mother was Type 1, I will probably end up with Type 2. I suffer from polycystic ovaries and had heard that this can cause insulin resistance, I’m not sure if that is true and if so what effect it will have on me, I guess its just a case of wait and see, only another 6 weeks until the baby is born. Debbie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody talked to you about whether the diabetes might go away when you have had your baby? Mine did! But it came back when I went on the pill (contraceptive pill). I was sterilised in the hopes that this might aid the diabetes – on the basis that the pill mimics pregnancy (if my body thinks it’s pregnant then it becomes diabetic, so stop taking the pill, my body won’t think I’m pregnant, and the diabetes will go away – I was 21 when sterilised), but it didn’t work, I was stuck with it. However thinking back, I was about the 10th in the family with diabetes so I’m not surprised (with hindsight) that it didn’t go away). Good luck with the pregnancy, I’m sure you’ll have a lovely baby – mine was a healthy 9lbs 12oz boy, 22 years ago. Fingers crossed the diabetes goes away after delivery.

Response:

chech next week for more information on diabetes. alan

Response:

Has anybody talked to you about whether the diabetes might go away when you have had your baby? Mine did! But it came back when I went on the pill (contraceptive pill). I was sterilised in the hopes that this might aid the diabetes – on the basis that the pill mimics pregnancy (if my body thinks it’s pregnant then it becomes diabetic, so stop taking the pill, my body won’t think I’m pregnant, and the diabetes will go away – I was 21 when sterilised), but it didn’t work, I was stuck with it. However thinking back, I was about the 10th in the family with diabetes so I’m not surprised (with hindsight) that it didn’t go away). Good luck with the pregnancy, I’m sure you’ll have a lovely baby – mine was a healthy 9lbs 12oz boy, 22 years ago. Fingers crossed the diabetes goes away after delivery. Best wishes, Cathie "It might look like I’m doing nothing, but at the cellular level I’m really quite busy."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You should ask your nutritionist…but when I had GD, I was told to eat a snack of 2 carbs and 1 protein before bed. Mine was controlled by diet and exercise alone though. I didn’t use insulin. Hi everyone

Response:

You should ask your nutritionist…but when I had GD, I was told to eat a snack of 2 carbs and 1 protein before bed. Mine was controlled by diet and exercise alone though. I didn’t use insulin. Hi everyone

My question is should I eat something – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – before I go to bed, I’m worried that my BM will drop too low overnight. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Debbie

Response:

My endo wanted my 2 hour after meal readings to be in the low 5’s. My morning one was always higher so I was increasing the dose at night towards the end. I don’t know what eating before bed would have done because I didn’t really go into the ins and outs of diabetes during my pregnancies cause I figured it was just short term. Some people say some small bit of carbs with fat, e.g. cracker with peanut butter before bed helps lower that higher morning reading. I never had a hypo during pregnancy diabetes while on insulin, I believed it was the nature of that type of diabetes – unless I misheard my endo.

Hi everyone I don’t know if you can help me but I’ve just been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and have started insulin this week

(Humulin 3) 15 units at night and 20 units in the morning. So far my BM has been ranging from 8.2-9.1 2 hrs after eating whilst on 12 units, tonight I had to increase my dose to 15 units and my BM was 5.4 2hrs after eating.

Usually by morning by – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BM has dropped tobetween 5.4-6.3. My question is should I eat something before I go to bed, I’m worried that my BM will drop too low overnight. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Debbie

Response:

Hi everyone I don’t know if you can help me but I’ve just been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and have started insulin this week (Humulin 3) 15 units at night and 20 units in the morning. So far my BM has been ranging from 8.2-9.1 2 hrs after eating whilst on 12 units, tonight I had to increase my dose to 15 units and my BM was 5.4 2hrs after eating. Usually by morning by BM has dropped tobetween 5.4-6.3. My question is should I eat something before I go to bed, I’m worried that my BM will drop too low overnight. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Debbie

Response:

Actually, the ADA released a new standard last year beased on using a Fasting Plasma Glucose test, NOT the old GTT. Levels over 126 mg/dl are now considered as diagnostic for diabetes. Ted Quick

Response:

Is a 1 hour gtt no good at all? I wouldn’t have agreed to take it if I’d known it was a useless test. I thought a 4 hour gtt would have risks of its own…is that the standard for diagnosis? Could there be risks to a foetus with taking the 4 hour gtt? Actually, the ADA released a new standard last year beased on using a Fasting Plasma Glucose test, NOT the old GTT. Levels over 126 mg/dl are now considered as diagnostic for diabetes.

The normal screening for gestational diabetes is still the 50 gram 1 hour GTT, although 2 and 3 hour tests are used by some. The fasting glucose test is the standard screening test for the general population. You can be diagnosed by a random bg, fasting bg, or GTT. See http://www.diabetes.org/DiabetesCare/Supplement198/S5.htm for a full discussion. — Charly Coughran

Response:

: I am really a neophyte and a lot of the language is new to me, so thank : you, because I didn’t know this already. Help me out a bit more if you : could, please: what is postprandial? And what does a casual glucose test : mean in this chart you sent? According to this chart, I fit into the : nondiabetic category. Am I correct in that? (fasting glucose 4.9 mmol/L, : 1 hour gtt 10.1mmol/L) the gtt levels are for two-hour tests — i’m not sure that you can discern anything from the one-hour test. fasting glucose refers to a lab value taken after you’ve been fasting at least 8 (i think) hours. postprandial just means "after eating." a casual test is one taken at any time, without regard to what you’ve eaten or when it was eaten. basically, if you ever go over 200 (11), you’re diabetic. if your two-hour gtt value is also around 10, you’d be considered to have impaired glucose tolerance. i don’t know if this is considered to be as much a cause for concern in pregnancy as diabetes. the ada bg goals for pregnant women with diabetes [mg/dl(mmol/l)]: before meals: 60 (3.3)-105 (5.8) one hour after: 110 (6)-130 (7.1) two hours after: 90 (5)-120 (6.6) middle of the night: 60 (3.3)-120 (6.6) they define middle of the night as 2-3 am. i don’t remember whether you said you’re seeing an endocrinologist. if you aren’t yet, you probably should. — sine | deb hoping this is useful

Response:

A glucose tolerance test should be takin over a four hour period to check for diabetes. Blood taken and checked each half hour for glucose (mg/dl).

Response:

Is a 1 hour gtt no good at all? I wouldn’t have agreed to take it if I’d known it was a useless test. I thought a 4 hour gtt would have risks of its own…is that the standard for diagnosis? Could there be risks to a foetus with taking the 4 hour gtt? Thanks for your response Arnold, –Kate MacLean (still full of questions :-) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A glucose tolerance test should be takin over a four hour period to check for diabetes. Blood taken and checked each half hour for glucose (mg/dl).

Response:

Hi deb, I am really a neophyte and a lot of the language is new to me, so thank you, because I didn’t know this already. Help me out a bit more if you could, please: what is postprandial? And what does a casual glucose test mean in this chart you sent? According to this chart, I fit into the nondiabetic category. Am I correct in that? (fasting glucose 4.9 mmol/L, 1 hour gtt 10.1mmol/L) Thanks again, Kate MacLean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – the diagnostic criteria are: fasting 2nd hour glucose casual glucose glucose test tolerance test test nondiabetic < 6 (110) < 7.8 (140) < 11 (200) impaired 6-6.9 (110-126) 7.8-11 (140-200) diabetic 6.9 (126) 11 (200) = 11 (200) postprandial measures are done for control, not for diagnosis; i agree that it’s not appropriate to compare a glucose tolerance test with a postprandial test, and a postprandial test is not a good way to diagnose diabetes of any sort. but post-meal testing *is* a good way to track what your bg is doing and whether your diabetes is under control.

Response:

: But is comparing an after-meal glucose level equivalent to a 50 gram : glucose dose? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I would think a regular meal : would not be as glucose-intense as the orange crap they made me drink…and : therefore my 1 hour glucose *may* still have been under 150 mg/dL. the diagnostic criteria are: fasting 2nd hour glucose casual glucose glucose test tolerance test test nondiabetic < 6 (110) < 7.8 (140) < 11 (200) impaired 6-6.9 (110-126) 7.8-11 (140-200) diabetic 6.9 (126) 11 (200) = 11 (200) postprandial measures are done for control, not for diagnosis; i agree that it’s not appropriate to compare a glucose tolerance test with a postprandial test, and a postprandial test is not a good way to diagnose diabetes of any sort. but post-meal testing *is* a good way to track what your bg is doing and whether your diabetes is under control. — sine | deb who figures you knew this, bu wanted to clarify

Response:

Hello Janet, First, thank you very much for your response and information. (And congrats on your baby girl, too. :-) You would still be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. A normal one-hour post-prandial (after meal) blood glucose for a non-pregnant non-diabetic in under 150 mg/dl. However, a type 2 diagnosis is usually made based on fasting levels these days, and your fasting blood glucose is normal.

But is comparing an after-meal glucose level equivalent to a 50 gram glucose dose? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I would think a regular meal would not be as glucose-intense as the orange crap they made me drink…and therefore my 1 hour glucose *may* still have been under 150 mg/dL. (I had this test done about a year before I got pregnant and they said my levels were normal, although I didn’t actually see the results myself. NOW: Pregnant (non-diabetic) women have lower blood glucose levels than not pregnant, not diabetic women. That’s why your doctors want to compare you to a different standard. For a pregnant woman, ANY blood glucose level over 130 mg/dl is too high.

And what I’m telling you is that there are many many doctors and medical professionals who *do not* believe in comparing pregnant women’s blood sugars to a different standard. You are simply telling me what my midwives and the doctor is telling me, and I am trying to explain that these protocols can be debated. In fact, in Europe, doctors are generally satisfied that gd does not exist. The studies show that there is *no difference* in maternal and infant outcomes compared between treated and untreated groups of women diagnosed with gd. The pregnancy hormones make you insulin resistent. Therefore, you need to produce more insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal while pregnant (in the second and third trimester). Therefore, although your pancreas may be able to keep up with your normal demands while not pregnant, it has to work harder during pregnancy and may need some help then. Just because you have diabetes during pregnancy does not mean that you will have it afterwards — your insulin requirements will be lower post-partum.

There is also the possibility that the pregnant body is *supposed* to have higher levels of glucose. No one has done any studies based on this possibility. Btw, it sounds like your main complaint with your first pregnancy is that you were induced and ended up with a c-section. Just because you are diabetic doesn’t mean that you need to be induced early. And just because someone is not diabetic doesn’t mean they won’t be induced.

In fact, women with gd have a much much higher rate of c/section than other women. Because of the medical practice of (mis-) managing pregnancies. The standard practice is to induce gd women early, which *usually* leads to a c, and all the risks inherent in that procedure (which I believe is much too commonplace these days anyway). I think this practice needs to change. BUT: there are real potential complications for the baby if you have high blood glucose levels.

This is a true fact, when you are speaking about Types 1 and 2 diabetes. It is *not* true regarding gestational diabetes. The studies that have been done in the last 10 years do not confirm this statement at all. Please read Obstetric Myths versus Research Realities by Henci Goer to understand what I’m talking about. Thanks again for your input. Kate MacLean (mommy to Spencer 13Apr95, and ??? due 16 September) Toronto, Ontario Canada

Response:

I took a 50 gram Glucose Tolerance Test last week, and my blood sugar levels came back looking like this: fasting: 4.9 mmol/L ( = 88.2 mg/dL) 1 hour: 10.1 mmol/L ( = 181.8 mg/dL) What I would like to know is, if I weren’t pregnant would these levels be reasonable, or have I kicked into Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

You would still be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. A normal one-hour post-prandial (after meal) blood glucose for a non-pregnant non-diabetic in under 150 mg/dl. However, a type 2 diagnosis is usually made based on fasting levels these days, and your fasting blood glucose is normal. NOW: Pregnant (non-diabetic) women have lower blood glucose levels than not pregnant, not diabetic women. That’s why your doctors want to compare you to a different standard. For a pregnant woman, ANY blood glucose level over 130 mg/dl is too high. The pregnancy hormones make you insulin resistent. Therefore, you need to produce more insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal while pregnant (in the second and third trimester). Therefore, although your pancreas may be able to keep up with your normal demands while not pregnant, it has to work harder during pregnancy and may need some help then. Just because you have diabetes during pregnancy does not mean that you will have it afterwards — your insulin requirements will be lower post-partum. Since I have type I diabetes, I measured ALL of my insulin (it was all injected via a pump) while I was pregnant. I started out using about 25 units a day, but in the third trimester I was using 50-55 units a day. Post-partum, I dropped back to 20 units a day. Btw, it sounds like your main complaint with your first pregnancy is that you were induced and ended up with a c-section. Just because you are diabetic doesn’t mean that you need to be induced early. And just because someone is not diabetic doesn’t mean they won’t be induced. BUT: there are real potential complications for the baby if you have high blood glucose levels. Whatever you need to do to control them — do it. I had to stop working the last 4 months of my pregnancy in order to have enough time to manage my diabetes. I have a healthy 15 month old girl. It was worth it. Janet

Response:

Hello folks, I have a bunch of questions I’m hoping your collective wisdom can help me out with. I took a 50 gram Glucose Tolerance Test last week, and my blood sugar levels came back looking like this: fasting: 4.9 mmol/L ( = 88.2 mg/dL) 1 hour: 10.1 mmol/L ( = 181.8 mg/dL) The protocols for this lab indicate that the fasting results should be 4.0 to 6.0, which is fine, but for the 1 hour glucose they say that a gestational glucose tolerance test is recommended when the 1 hour glucose value is 7.8 mmol/L ( or 140.4 mg/dL). What I would like to know is, if I weren’t pregnant would these levels be reasonable, or have I kicked into Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes? I have been doing a lot of reading since my first pregnancy (my son turned 3 this month), and I know that there is a lot of controversy regarding the "diagnosis" of gestational diabetes. The first time, I was diagnosed with gd, I worked on the diet and monitored my bg and ketones 4x/day, then when the endo saw the bg levels in my notebook she felt that insulin was necessary, so I started injections 2x/day, which continued until the day my son was induced 12 days early (he was supposed to be big but he was not). The inducion failed, I ended up with an unnecessary, avoidable c/section; the sugar problems disappeared _immediately_ upon delivery for me and never appeared at all for the baby. I am overweight, but otherwise healthy, and I have no family members with diabetes, and have no other indications for it. I have read The Emperor’s New Clothes, by Henci Goer, which is an article about gd, and how the whole "disease" is based on faulty premises and studies, and I am currently wading through her book Obstetric Myths versus Research Realities. I am quite convinced that there is no such thing as "gestational diabetes". I have told my midwives that if I have crossed over into T1D or T2D, I want to know about it, but until then I will not accept the diagnosis of GD. I am covering my butt, however, by eating properly, no sweets, and spacing out my foods and watching the sugar intake. But the diet that I am more or less following: The Brewer Medical Diet for Normal and High-Risk Pregnancy by Gail and Thomas Brewer, states in the book that I should insist that my blood sugar levels be compared to the general population protocols, not the pregnant population ones. My problem is mainly that I can’t get a straight answer out of anyone because they just keep saying "but you’re pregnant, it’s different." I get so frustrated. Sorry to be so long-winded, I’d appreciate any answers I get, and can you please cc me because I don’t get much computer time these days. I also would like to know how to get at the FAQ’s, if someone can direct me. Thanks again, Kate MacLean toronto, ontario, canada

Response:

I was diagnosed with GD recently (I’m at 24 weeks), and have been checking blood glucose levels for about two weeks, with minimal lifestyle changes except for a drastic reduction in the amount of fruit juice I drink. What’s puzzling me is that my numbers rarely seem to be close to the limits of 90 fasting/120 2 hours after a meal. My fasting levels range between 74-88 (averaging around 81); my 2-hour readings are 72-111 (averaging around 89). To me, these don’t sound like diabetic levels, but the 3-hour GTT said differently. I’m starting to think that all this finger pricking is a waste of time. Has anyone else with GD had BG levels like mine? Were yours much higher or lower? What problems arose during labor or delivery? I know I need to take this seriously, but it’s difficult when I feel so normal and my sugar seems to agree.

Response:

Matthew & Michelle, Congratulations on your pregnancy. I was a gestational diabetic with both of my pregnancies…I now how two healthy boys ages 4 and 18 mos. The thing I found most helpful from my husband was his acting as if he had the diabetes also. He would help me weigh my food, eat what I ate, etc. The emotional support is VERY important as your wife will be making some major lifestyle changes. The diabetes could also change how your wife’s delivery goes also so she will need your support. As for signs to look for the only signs you would need to pay attention to would be if she is on insulin (not all Gest. Diab. take insulin, I did). If she reports feeling dizzy, sweaty/cold, or doesn’t act like herself have her test her blood sugars as they may be low. It is important not to get low when you are pregnant just like high bgs are not good. As an aside also be prepared for your wife to possibly have lots of tests during her pregnancy and for her to deliver the baby early (depends on your OB) I was induced with both of mine but did not have a C-section with either. If I can help in any way let me know as I understand how overwhelming it can be!

Response:

Hi all, My wife and I are expecting our first child in September and yesterday (Friday) she was diagnosed with gestational diabeses. She has had problems with hypoglycemia for several years and was actually diagnosed with type 2 on Thursday. I was wondering what I can do as a spouse and what signs I to watch for to be sure that she is not having any problems. Insulin reactions, too low/high, etc… Any help that you or your spouses can offer me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Matthew & Michele Miller

Response:

I’m not sure exactly how to tell how severe the GD is, to be honest. They started me on just the diet when I was first diagnosed, but after a week and a half they put me on insulin (Mixtard 30/70). I started off with 6 units of insulin before breakfast and 4 before dinner. Now two weeks later I’m on 10 in the morning and 12 at night. Our adventure of joy involving GD was the day after, when she couldn’t eat her lunch due to trying to eat it so frantically and I recognized the signs of my own (30 year Type 1!) insulin reactions, got her to eat her dessert first and drink juice. So keep an eye out for bounces the next day as your system normalizes.

Ahh good advice, I probably wouldn’t have even thought of that. And keep an eye on the nurses doing the glucose testing on the baby. The kid will be upset enough at this whole process, and we had problems with the amazingly poorly designed infant glucometer. It won’t rest stably on the table, you can’t easily place the 3" sticking out strip on the kid’s now bloodied foot since you don’t have a hand free to control the cardboard strip and it bobbles, and the automatic powerdown is set *much* too short. Make them use the little capillary tube to draw the kid from the kid’s foot and transfer it to the pad, it just Works Better(tm).

Thanks for that advice too. I’m saving all the answers I’ve received:) slowly.

Response:

GP advised that I was at greater risk to develop t2 if I didn’t loose weight. I lost some weight and went stupidly along thinking I was okay, now I know better. It’s my own fault, I should have researched the subject and found out what I needed to do and what to watch for. Val

Thanks Val, I’ve been advised to ensure I get to a healthy weight as soon as I can (when it’s healthy to do so) and have yearly gtt’s but nothing else so far. I plan on asking for more information next time I see the docs. slowly.

Response:

Hi, I’ve been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and I’m on insulin (Mixtard 30/70) twice a day. I’m wondering if there’s anyone else reading this group with GD – or if someone has had GD with a previous pregnancy. I’m mainly looking for information on the birth process and what ‘interventions’ can occur. My OB has advised I’ll have a glucose drip, insulin pump and hourly blood glucose readings while in labour and I’m looking for other people’s personal experiences. If you’d prefer to email me, feel free. The reply address is valid. slowly.

My wife had it, and had an IV after our arrival at labor+delivery, until after breakfast in the post-partum room. So far as I remember, she didn’t require additional glucose, nor did they provide one in the IV. How severe is your GD? How much insulin are you taking? Our adventure of joy involving GD was the day after, when she couldn’t eat her lunch due to trying to eat it so frantically and I recognized the signs of my own (30 year Type 1!) insulin reactions, got her to eat her dessert first and drink juice. So keep an eye out for bounces the next day as your system normalizes. And keep an eye on the nurses doing the glucose testing on the baby. The kid will be upset enough at this whole process, and we had problems with the amazingly poorly designed infant glucometer. It won’t rest stably on the table, you can’t easily place the 3" sticking out strip on the kid’s now bloodied foot since you don’t have a hand free to control the cardboard strip and it bobbles, and the automatic powerdown is set *much* too short. Make them use the little capillary tube to draw the kid from the kid’s foot and transfer it to the pad, it just Works Better(tm).

Response:

What did your baby actually weigh in the end – was s/he that big?

9lbs 4oz and now at 10yrs he’s still a big bruiser After the baby was born were you advised at all about your diet?

Response:

Hi Val, I have an ultrasound next week to try to estimate the size. I’m 34 weeks now and I’ll probably have another in a few weeks to see how he’s growing. I’m hoping he’s not going to be too big – 10.5 lbs sounds scary! What did your baby actually weigh in the end – was s/he that big? My bg’s in the last week looked fairly stable, but the last two days they’ve gone up again. It’s quite disconcerting to see it when I’m following the diet and insulin schedule, they’ve given me, religiously. My blood sugar had dropped to pre-pregnancy levels within 1 hour of delivery. The GD didn’t appear to have any effect on the delivery other than birthweight. I actually lost weight during the pregnancy from 354 down to 320. The doctor told me I didn’t have diabetes at that point, but believe I probably did by today’s standards.

I’m glad there were no other effects on your baby. After the baby was born were you advised at all about your diet? I’ve been advised that I should try to get to my ideal weight as best I can after the baby (when it is healthy to do so, of course), but do you need to follow any diabetic type diets (certain amounts of carbs at each meal) afterwards? As I recall I just had the 2 iv’s with the meds for the spinal. And then morphine back in my room 8^)

I appreciate you taking the time to give me your experiences, Val Thanks. slowly.

Response:

I’ve been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and I’m on insulin (Mixtard 30/70) twice a day. I’m wondering if there’s anyone else reading this group with GD – or if someone has had GD with a previous pregnancy.

Hi Slowly, I had GD 10 yrs ago at age 33, so my experience is pretty out of date. Since I had badly hemoraghed 10 yrs before with my first son (7lbs) I freaked out when the ultrasound estimated baby’s weight at 10.5 lbs 8^) My GP insisted on Natural delivery, so I threw a BIG tantrum with the specialist and had a cesarian. I was on insulin once a day, don’t remember type (possibly NPH) had to keep increasing every couple of days, bg’s just kept going up and up, right up until the night before. My blood sugar had dropped to pre-pregnancy levels within 1 hour of delivery. The GD didn’t appear to have any effect on the delivery other than birthweight. I actually lost weight during the pregnancy from 354 down to 320. The doctor told me I didn’t have diabetes at that point, but believe I probably did by today’s standards. I’m mainly looking for information on the birth process and what ‘interventions’ can occur. My OB has advised I’ll have a glucose drip, insulin pump and hourly blood glucose readings while in labour and I’m looking for other people’s personal experiences.

As I recall I just had the 2 iv’s with the meds for the spinal. And then morphine back in my room 8^) Hope this info is of some help and that all goes well for you, Val

Response:

A Plague of Boils

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I looked at some other sites another poster gave me, and I found that there’s a correlation between HS and Crohn’s disease, too – something I’ve just undergone testing for. I already know that I have polycystic ovaries and diabetes. Just call me Lucky. http://home.earthlink.net/~aromalady/Hidradenitis.htm. ~~~~I am also the founder and owner of a "group" on Yahoo with about 1,300 sufferers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hidradenitis/. Join us or just come visit to see what we’re about.

Thanks for the links! PPS I have used Hibiclens before and it is very harsh!

I have been using medicinal green soap just on the affected area, and so far it hasn’t gotten worse … I’ll see what happens after I finish this course of antibiotics.

Response:

This one has opened itself twice now – no lancing needed. I am indeed doing the hot compress and will try the vinegar … which brings up another question: I am *highly* acidic – would I be better off trying to alkalize the prone area? No, never alkalize there. Diabetics are also more prone to yeasties. 8^)

My pH is very low. No wonder I never get candidiasis – even when taking antibiotic.

Response:

Yes, I’ve put a call in to my doctor but I want anecdotal information as well! I’ve been a well-controlled (per my doc) T2 for a little over two years. Recently, I’ve been bothered by boils. I’ve done every thing by the book to avoid them yet even after a course of antibiotics a boil has come back a week later. This boil is not appearing in an area that gets chafed, and all my skin gets washed at least once a day in warm water and antibacterial soap. Is there a good way to prevent boils?

PLEASE have your MD check to make sure you don’t have a condition called Hidradenitis Suppuritiva! I have had it since puberty and getting it diagnosed was a complete nightmare… It is a chronic condition that causes what appear to be boils. Most information about it says that it occurs only in the groin area, arm pits and under the breasts – but I have had outbreaks in other areas as well… It is also a common mosconception that it is directly related to obesity. It is true that extra weight exacerbates HS, but being over weight is not the cause, and I have discovered through support groups that many "normal" sized people also suffer with it. HS is listed as a very rare disease and most doctors have never heard of it. It took over 21 years before someone FINALLY diagnosed my condition – and even getting that diagnosis was a fortunate accident… Those of us that have it tend to believe that it is more common than is thought, and that the problem is that it is under-diagnosed. It’s often difficult to find information on HS, but here are a few links about it: http://www.dermnetnz.org/index.html http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic259.htm http://www.thebarricade.free-online.co.uk/mainframe.html http://www.healthlinkusa.com/getpage.asp?http://www.thedoctorsdoctor…. http://www.healthlinkusa.com/getpage.asp?http://www.capederm.com/info… http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section10/chapter112/112k.htm I am praying that what you have is not HS, but please at least ask your MD to check it out…. Jak "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees" ~Dolores Ibarurri

Response:

I apologize if I am barging in on a conversation – I do not have diabetes, but I do have Hidradenitis Suppurativa. HS has a high corrolation of dual diagnosis with diabetes, thyroid disease, PCOS, etc. I have a website with links to info on the web about it (no re-inventing of the wheel for me): http://home.earthlink.net/~aromalady/Hidradenitis.htm. ~~~~I am also the founder and owner of a "group" on Yahoo with about 1,300 sufferers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hidradenitis/. Join us or just come visit to see what we’re about. Take Care All, Wendy Bowles PS My home page: http://home.earthlink.net/~aromalady/index.htm PPS I have used Hibiclens before and it is very harsh!

Response:

Did the doc know of and approve the soap?

Actually, it’s a detergent and yes, they all know and approve. I use the brand I do mostly because I’m not allergic to it rather than for its alleged antibacterial properties. I’m not bathing in Betadine.

Response:

I know. I like liquid soap for hand washing and it is hard to find any that isn’t antibacterial. I have resorted to refilling my containers with baby wash. — Type 2 http://www.redshift.com/~juliebove/

Response:

are you testing your BG daily at home? It wouldn’t be the first time a doctor has said that someone was in good control when they in fact were not. Barring that, have you seen a dermatologist? Many diabetics can get chronic staff infections in their skin. Not because of poor hygiene, but because our immune system is compromised. I used to not take this issue too seriously until another diabetic gave a link to some very eye opening info on the web about diabetics and skin infections. http://www.nsc.gov.sg/cgi-bin/WB_ContentGen.pl?id=163&gid=33 Derek Type 1 since 1975 Minimed 508 Insulin Pump http://sweetblood.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org http://www.diabetesinterview.com http://www.zerolimit.net (irc server webpage for our chat room) #diabeticnet is the name of our IRC chat on zerolimit.net http://www.zerolimit.net/files/zl-mirc.exe http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/misc/webtv.html http://www.xs4all.nl/~ircle/ <–Ircle Mac IRC software http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/06/cureall.htm

Response:

You may want to see a dermatologist since they specialize in skin related conditions like boils. They will probably be more familiar with the most current treatment options for treating boils.

Response:

I have to fight skin conditions all of ther time. I am a long time diabetic and am on maintenance antibiotics to "control" osteomylitis. It is an on going battle. This thread has covered the area very well. I will add—some doctors do not really seem to be capable of dealing with this type of problem. I have been plagued with a lot of fungus infections. I have found what works for me. Too many variables for me to push any method. But I found You may have to see the proper doctor. When I came home from the hospital several years ago I brought four different skin problems with me. It was a while before they all were identified and corrected. Guy Williams

Response:

No, never alkalize there. Diabetics are also more prone to yeasties. 8^) Val

Response:

Did the doc know of and approve the soap? Killing the normal bacteriaa on the skin opens up to more unwanted varieties because the normal types help to keep out the unwanted. Also using such soaps promotes antibiotic resistant variets of bacteria. Make sure your doc knows of your use of the soap. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Yes, I’ve put a call in to my doctor but I want anecdotal information as well! I’ve been a well-controlled (per my doc) T2 for a little over two years. Recently, I’ve been bothered by boils. I’ve done every thing by the book to avoid them yet even after a course of antibiotics a boil has come back a week later. This boil is not appearing in an area that gets chafed, and all my skin gets washed at least once a day in warm water and antibacterial soap. Is there a good way to prevent boils?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This one has opened itself twice now – no lancing needed. I am indeed doing the hot compress and will try the vinegar … which brings up another question: I am *highly* acidic – would I be better off trying to alkalize the prone area? The vinegar rinse was recommended to a little boy I know very recently by a specialist in infections. He said 1:10, I have been reading up on it and it appears 50/50 vinegar/water is recommended to inhibit growth of staph and psuedomonas (he has both bugs rampant at present). He said to use it only on skin type infections, internal infections still require an IV cocktail of big guns antibiotics. As to your other question about the acid levels, I dunno – sorry. Best to talk to your doc about this. As usual, never use home remedies without consulting your doctor. As a preventative I can’t see the harm but I would still always see the doc when a boil appears.

I agree and have a call in for my doctor; she won’t be in until later (it’s 4 am in California) and I did see her when it first appeared. I’ll porbably end up taking more antibiotics, but was hoping for real-life experiences of real, live diabetics as well. Thanks for the info.

Response:

The vinegar rinse was recommended to a little boy I know very recently by a specialist in infections. He said 1:10, I have been reading up on it and it appears 50/50 vinegar/water is recommended to inhibit growth of staph and psuedomonas (he has both bugs rampant at present). He said to use it only on skin type infections, internal infections still require an IV cocktail of big guns antibiotics. As to your other question about the acid levels, I dunno – sorry. Best to talk to your doc about this. As usual, never use home remedies without consulting your doctor. As a preventative I can’t see the harm but I would still always see the doc when a boil appears.

Response:

108/14 day 111/30 day 115/fasting HbA1c 6 3/22/02. Meds: Tolinase 500mg x 2; Actos 15mg x 1. Do I pass? Just checking, cause what a doc deems good control isn’t necessarily so.

Thought you were checking that I’m not a troll! I see nothing in those numbers that would indicate they are caused by high bg’s but diabetics can have low immunity which in turn allows us to catch anything going.

Additionally, I have non-diabetic kiney disease and some other crap, so my immunity is pretty run down. Boils are usually the staph bug and staph is on our skins all the time. When we are "run down" the staph can get a little out of control.

My doctor told me a horrid story about what happened to a diabetic with a similar boil: it became necrotizing fasciitis and required a radical vulvectomy and maggot therapy. I definitely want to avoid that. I know diluted vinegar works on a lot of skin bugs (1:10, vinegar to water). Perhaps rinsing the boil prone areas with a vinegar solution can help, I believe hydrogen peroxide does as well, once again, dilute it with water. I presume you already use hot compresses as soon as you feel one coming on? I remember that from a child when I went thru a "sickly" period. Was getting boils all the time and mum would use the hot compresses. Never did get to experience the lancing

Response:

108/14 day 111/30 day 115/fasting HbA1c 6 3/22/02. Meds: Tolinase 500mg x 2; Actos 15mg x 1. Do I pass?

Just checking, cause what a doc deems good control isn’t necessarily so. I see nothing in those numbers that would indicate they are caused by high bg’s but diabetics can have low immunity which in turn allows us to catch anything going. Boils are usually the staph bug and staph is on our skins all the time. When we are "run down" the staph can get a little out of control. I know diluted vinegar works on a lot of skin bugs (1:10, vinegar to water). Perhaps rinsing the boil prone areas with a vinegar solution can help, I believe hydrogen peroxide does as well, once again, dilute it with water. I presume you already use hot compresses as soon as you feel one coming on? I remember that from a child when I went thru a "sickly" period. Was getting boils all the time and mum would use the hot compresses. Never did get to experience the lancing

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, I’ve put a call in to my doctor but I want anecdotal information as well! I’ve been a well-controlled (per my doc) T2 for a little over two years. Recently, I’ve been bothered by boils. I’ve done every thing by the book to avoid them yet even after a course of antibiotics a boil has come back a week later. This boil is not appearing in an area that gets chafed, and all my skin gets washed at least once a day in warm water and antibacterial soap. Is there a good way to prevent boils? Just curious, what are your average bg’s running at and what was your latest A1C?

108/14 day 111/30 day 115/fasting HbA1c 6 3/22/02. Meds: Tolinase 500mg x 2; Actos 15mg x 1. Do I pass?

Response:

Yes, I’ve put a call in to my doctor but I want anecdotal

information as well! I’ve been a well-controlled (per my doc) T2 for a little over two years. Recently, I’ve been bothered by boils. I’ve done every thing by the book to avoid them yet even after a course of antibiotics a boil has come back a week later. This boil is not appearing in an area that gets chafed, and all my skin gets washed at least once a day in warm water and antibacterial soap. Is there a good way to prevent boils?

Just curious, what are your average bg’s running at and what was your latest A1C?

Response:

Glucose Intolerant

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s.

From your last two sentences, I infer you really meant to say she’s **gluten** intolerant (which is found in barley, wheat, rye, and oats). Here’s a website that discusses gluten-free beer:

Response:

From your last two sentences, I infer you really meant to say she’s **gluten** intolerant (which is found in barley, wheat, rye, and oats).

Yeah, sorry, I let my brain out run my fingers. Here’s a website that discusses gluten-free beer:

Thanks. — Jim

Response:

oops, my bad, I meant GLUTEN… For goodness sake…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s. I’m not doubting your word, but I would like to hear more about this. Glucose is blood sugar, and I’m wondering how someone could be glucose intolerant. How does she get energy to her cells? I’ve heard of lactose intolerance… JeffMo

Response:

This sounds more like it. Any sort of "gluten intolerance" can range from an actual allergy to gluten to missing some enzymes for digesting it, all of which can limit which relatives of wheat are/are not acceptable. Again, get a list from the doctor and all of the specifics. [My wife has a severe allergy to apples and you *don't* want to run a risk of triggering any allergic attack, even if you do have the requisite hypo full of adrenaline in the fridge.] The main offenders for gluten are wheat and rye–these are the only grain sources with enough gluten to permit the bread to retain gas from the yeast and therefore rise. Barley is essentially gluten free as are corn and buckwheat–the latter is a relative of rhubarb and can safely be eaten by people who are allergic to wheat in many cases. Corn contains something called "corn gluten" which is quite different from that found in wheat and should pose no threat. Barley should be fine and is preferred for malting. If you are going to use rice, remember to cook it first or it will sit like a brick while you are mashing. Corn has been used for years as an adjunct to American beers. Again, be sure what the medical condition is first and ask her doctor for a specific list of acceptable grains. Once you have that, I’m sure there are people on this list than can help you make a killer brew. Cheers & Good Luck! — J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s. From your last two sentences, I infer you really meant to say she’s **gluten** intolerant (which is found in barley, wheat, rye, and oats). Here’s a website that discusses gluten-free beer:

Response:

Well, the allergy is to Gluten, and it causes siezures, blackouts, etc, etc. So in any form is taboo. The main offenders for gluten are wheat and rye–these are the only grain sources with enough gluten to permit the bread to retain gas from the yeast and therefore rise. Barley is essentially gluten free

I wouldn’t spread that around on GF message boards, cause it really isn’t. I do agree with your Buckwheat and Corn comments however. Buckwheat pancakes are the choice for breakfast, however even at that you have to be careful when purchasing "off the shelf" at your local market, buckwheat pancake mix has the nasty habit of being mixed with other types of "wheat" products for filler. Again, be sure what the medical condition is first and ask her doctor for a specific list of acceptable grains. Once you have that, I’m sure there are people on this list than can help you make a killer brew.

Yeah, we’re pretty much confined to buckwheat and rice. In her case even the corn gluten is bad karma. Cheers & Good Luck!

Thanks.

Response:

Kamatu, Try this link for someone working on a gluten free beer. http://www.fortunecity.com/boozers/brewerytap/555/gfbeer/gfbeer.htm Cheers, George Lawson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – oops, my bad, I meant GLUTEN… For goodness sake… Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s. I’m not doubting your word, but I would like to hear more about this. Glucose is blood sugar, and I’m wondering how someone could be glucose intolerant. How does she get energy to her cells? I’ve heard of lactose intolerance… JeffMo

Response:

Somewhere in this thread things got corrected. I think I have a cousin who is water intolerant however.

I think I have a few acquaintances like this… As far as the original question, I apologise. I should have read more of the followups before adding my bit of noise. The answers seem good. –arne DISCLAIMER: These opinions and statements are those of the author and do not represent any views or positions of the Hewlett-Packard Co.

Response:

*** post for FREE via your newsreader at post.newsfeeds.com *** Perhaps we can enlist him in the war against dihydrogen monoxide. See http://www.dhmo.org Oh almost forgot — Mark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Somewhere in this thread things got corrected. I think I have a cousin who is water intolerant however. Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s. There is no such thing as glucose intolerance. What is the real problem here? Diabetes? Hypoglycemia? Lactose intolerance? I think you’ve got it garbled or incomplete. Glucose is absolutely essential to life, saying that someone is "glucose intolerant" is like saying they are "water intolerant" or "oxygen intolerant". It can’t happen. –arne DISCLAIMER: These opinions and statements are those of the author and do not represent any views or positions of the Hewlett-Packard Co. — Jim

—–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 90,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

There is no such thing as glucose intolerance. What is the real problem here? Diabetes? Hypoglycemia? Lactose intolerance? I think you’ve got it garbled or incomplete. Glucose is absolutely essential to life, saying that someone is "glucose intolerant" is like saying they are "water intolerant" or "oxygen intolerant". It can’t happen. –arne DISCLAIMER: These opinions and statements are those of the author and do not represent any views or positions of the Hewlett-Packard Co.

Response:

Somewhere in this thread things got corrected. I think I have a cousin who is water intolerant however.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s. There is no such thing as glucose intolerance. What is the real problem here? Diabetes? Hypoglycemia? Lactose intolerance? I think you’ve got it garbled or incomplete. Glucose is absolutely essential to life, saying that someone is "glucose intolerant" is like saying they are "water intolerant" or "oxygen intolerant". It can’t happen. –arne DISCLAIMER: These opinions and statements are those of the author and do not represent any views or positions of the Hewlett-Packard Co.

– Jim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hmmm… This is a rather odd claim. Glucose intolerance is a measure of how quickly or not blood sugar (which is glucose) falls under a certain amount after resp. 30, 60 then 90 minutes. If the amount of glucose in the blood remains high, you have glucose intolerance, since your body is (probably) not producing insulin in sufficient quantities to deal with the glucose. Diabetes is the most common disease that causes this, but there are several others (problems with metabolizing chromium, reactions to diuretics, polycystic ovaries…) Please get the facts from her doctor before you try to brew up something special. It’s a really sweet thing to do for her, but it is also likely she will be discouraged from having alcohol. In any case, the grains all contain virtually no sugar, but chiefly starches, The trick with the whole beer making process is to trigger enzymes that break the starches up into sugars (glucose and maltose are the major ones) and then let your yeast devour that, returning just alcohol. The glucose content of beer should be fairly minimal under most circumstances. Managing the glucose content of the beer is moot. Glucose intolerance is measured as part of an overall evaluation of insulin sensitivity, so avoiding glucose is not necessary. Finding out what is causing her condition is what’s important here.

Thanks for all the information! JeffMo

Response:

I’m not doubting your word, but I would like to hear more about this. Glucose is blood sugar, and I’m wondering how someone could be glucose intolerant. How does she get energy to her cells? I’ve heard of lactose intolerance… JeffMo

Response:

Hmmm… This is a rather odd claim. Glucose intolerance is a measure of how quickly or not blood sugar (which is glucose) falls under a certain amount after resp. 30, 60 then 90 minutes. If the amount of glucose in the blood remains high, you have glucose intolerance, since your body is (probably) not producing insulin in sufficient quantities to deal with the glucose. Diabetes is the most common disease that causes this, but there are several others (problems with metabolizing chromium, reactions to diuretics, polycystic ovaries…) Please get the facts from her doctor before you try to brew up something special. It’s a really sweet thing to do for her, but it is also likely she will be discouraged from having alcohol. In any case, the grains all contain virtually no sugar, but chiefly starches, The trick with the whole beer making process is to trigger enzymes that break the starches up into sugars (glucose and maltose are the major ones) and then let your yeast devour that, returning just alcohol. The glucose content of beer should be fairly minimal under most circumstances. Managing the glucose content of the beer is moot. Glucose intolerance is measured as part of an overall evaluation of insulin sensitivity, so avoiding glucose is not necessary. Finding out what is causing her condition is what’s important here. Cheers, — J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now there are two words the average beer drinker hates to hear, but alas my girlfriend is glucose intolerant. I’m wondering if someone might have a beer recipe that would be glucose free? Maybe something made from rice? Seems barley, wheat, etc are full of it and are strict no-no’s. — Jim

Response:

Delurk, introduction, and request for advice

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hello, I was pointed to this newsgroup by someone I know from another NG. I’ve spent the evening reading the posts, and decided to delurk. The introduction: I am a 31-year-old woman living in North Texas. I’m married and in my senior year at Texas Woman’s University, majoring in English and minoring in Mass Communications and Fine Arts. I’ve been a vegetarian for four years, I share my home with five cats, and I enjoy reading, writing, creating and appreciating art, web design, and music. I never heard of polycystic ovaries until last Friday. I have suffered from irregular periods for several years, since about 1989. In fact, I’ve had two periods since last May. Last Friday was my annual exam, and I told my OBGYN that I had not had any other problems other than the irregular periods. When I have them, they’re fairly normal, but I might not have another for four months or so! Also, when I got off the pill, my skin went haywire. I was on Ortho-Tricyclen for a year with no complications and good results. I had to go off it when my prescription expired, and I just didn’t think about it for the longest time; it was like the old joke about the roof leaking. You don’t think about it unless it’s raining. So I went back to my GYN to make sure everything checked out and to get back on the pill. She said that the irregular periods might be caused by polycystic ovaries. She offered to do a lab workup to find out more, and I declined, as I wasn’t having any other problems. This was the second time I’d been to this particular GYN, and although she knew my history of irregular periods, she did not mention PCO the first time I visited. I asked her what that meant, and she said that if I wasn’t having any other problems, it really didn’t mean anything unless I was trying to get pregnant. Since that is just not an issue with me, I happily went back on the pill (she also prescribed something to force a period so I could start the pill). So I mentioned this PCO business on the other NG I was on, and holy cow! The answers I got scared me quite a bit. I went to some websites that someone suggested, and I have NONE of the symptoms of PCO except for the irregular periods. Keep in mind I haven’t been officially diagnosed. I mentioned the vegetarianism because I feel that I eat a healthy, fairly low-fat, high-fiber diet. The very idea of having to go on a low-carb diet makes me twitch, because they’re difficult for vegetarians to follow. I exercise regularly (just joined a gym), and while I am overweight, it’s not morbidly so (5′8", 170 lbs). So I’m curious what advice any of you might have as to what my next step should be. Noelle — Come on, you raver, you seer of visions Come on, you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine! –Pink Floyd http://www.fastlane.net/~gnoelle

Response:

Go back and get tested. Find out for sure if you have PCOS. Make sure you know what tests they are doing and why, and also what tests need to be done. You cannot just ignore the fact that you don’t get a period for a time. Your lining can build up and cause even greater problems. Either way if it’s PCOS or not you cannot ignore this point. I thought I had a normal period until I got regulated out. I thought it was normal to have brown clots in my period. It is not. That is old blood building up. This is not good for you. Best of luck. You may need to look for a doctor who is a little more up to date on PCOS. So they know how to treat it. Donna "Noelle" wrote in message

news:T%Ct6.1637$YF2.172914@feed.centurytel.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > I was pointed to this newsgroup by someone I know from another NG. I’ve > spent the evening reading the posts, and decided to delurk. > The introduction: I am a 31-year-old woman living in North Texas. I’m > married and in my senior year at Texas Woman’s University, majoring in > English and minoring in Mass Communications and Fine Arts. I’ve been a > vegetarian for four years, I share my home with five cats, and I enjoy > reading, writing, creating and appreciating art, web design, and music. > I never heard of polycystic ovaries until last Friday. I have suffered from > irregular periods for several years, since about 1989. In fact, I’ve had two > periods since last May. Last Friday was my annual exam, and I told my OBGYN > that I had not had any other problems other than the irregular periods. When > I have them, they’re fairly normal, but I might not have another for four > months or so! Also, when I got off the pill, my skin went haywire. > I was on Ortho-Tricyclen for a year with no complications and good results. > I had to go off it when my prescription expired, and I just didn’t think > about it for the longest time; it was like the old joke about the roof > leaking. You don’t think about it unless it’s raining. So I went back to my > GYN to make sure everything checked out and to get back on the pill. She > said that the irregular periods might be caused by polycystic ovaries. She > offered to do a lab workup to find out more, and I declined, as I wasn’t > having any other problems. > This was the second time I’d been to this particular GYN, and although she > knew my history of irregular periods, she did not mention PCO the first time > I visited. I asked her what that meant, and she said that if I wasn’t having > any other problems, it really didn’t mean anything unless I was trying to > get pregnant. Since that is just not an issue with me, I happily went back > on the pill (she also prescribed something to force a period so I could > start the pill). > So I mentioned this PCO business on the other NG I was on, and holy cow! The > answers I got scared me quite a bit. I went to some websites that someone > suggested, and I have NONE of the symptoms of PCO except for the irregular > periods. Keep in mind I haven’t been officially diagnosed. > I mentioned the vegetarianism because I feel that I eat a healthy, fairly > low-fat, high-fiber diet. The very idea of having to go on a low-carb diet > makes me twitch, because they’re difficult for vegetarians to follow. I > exercise regularly (just joined a gym), and while I am overweight, it’s not > morbidly so (5′8", 170 lbs). > So I’m curious what advice any of you might have as to what my next step > should be. > Noelle > — > Come on, you raver, you seer of visions > Come on, you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine! > –Pink Floyd > http://www.fastlane.net/~gnoelle

Response:

Affect of Testosterone and Estrogen on Apnea

admin — Fri, 16 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Interesting- I’ve been taking testosterone orally for years but recently found out that my testosterone levels were still very low. I have now been recieving injections for several months and my levels are up but no effect on my apnea. I also take thyroid hormones but again no effect on my apnea. George. "Stuart Harris" wrote in message

news:3AB1B672.A7F1D417@homenospam.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been aware that thyroid hormones can affect apnea for quite some > time. Over the last week or so I’ve been doing some research and found > a number of references indicating that Testosterone makes apnea worse > and Estrogen makes it better. Has anyone been tested for for these > hormone levels to see if they affect your apnea? Seems that making sure > that your estrogen was high in the range (yes, men have an estrogen > range too it’s just lower than it is for women) might help. > The reason I was doing research is that I started taking Testosterone > this week and I noticed an immediate improvement in the tightness of my > soft palate. I slept without CPAP last night and my wife says I didn’t > make a sound, plus I slept through the night without waking. I was > refreshed today and I don’t usually feel that way on the rare occasions > when I sleep without CPAP. Who knows if it will last – and it’s the > exact opposite of the "normal" reaction to testosterone, but I thought > I’d pass it along. The same thing happened when I started taking > thyroid hormones but the apnea returned after a couple of weeks when my > body chemistry adjusted the medication. > Another interesting reference point – my apnea developed (or at least my > snoring developed) over a short period of time when I turned 40. This > is exactly when the age that testosterone is supposed to start dropping > in men . . . > Regards, > Stuart

Response:

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome around the same time i was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea… PCOS means that i have high levels of testosterone and DHEA (for a female) since being put on medicatioin (baiscally, the "pill") I haven’t noticed any difference in the quality of my sleep…i should also add at this point that I haven’t been on CPAP to treat the apnea (yet) Beth in Australia "Stuart Harris" wrote in message

Response:

I’ve been aware that thyroid hormones can affect apnea for quite some time. Over the last week or so I’ve been doing some research and found a number of references indicating that Testosterone makes apnea worse and Estrogen makes it better. Has anyone been tested for for these hormone levels to see if they affect your apnea? Seems that making sure that your estrogen was high in the range (yes, men have an estrogen range too it’s just lower than it is for women) might help. The reason I was doing research is that I started taking Testosterone this week and I noticed an immediate improvement in the tightness of my soft palate. I slept without CPAP last night and my wife says I didn’t make a sound, plus I slept through the night without waking. I was refreshed today and I don’t usually feel that way on the rare occasions when I sleep without CPAP. Who knows if it will last – and it’s the exact opposite of the "normal" reaction to testosterone, but I thought I’d pass it along. The same thing happened when I started taking thyroid hormones but the apnea returned after a couple of weeks when my body chemistry adjusted the medication. Another interesting reference point – my apnea developed (or at least my snoring developed) over a short period of time when I turned 40. This is exactly when the age that testosterone is supposed to start dropping in men . . . Regards, Stuart

Response:

More about Met

admin — Wed, 03 Jan 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Theresa Nelson wrote in message

news:3A537FB6.175F8F9E@home.com… > Ladies, > I’ve read in several places that anovulatory women with polycystic > ovaries can still use Met even if all of the tests are normal range. My > doc is pretty up to date too. Ever heard this theory of thought? I > don;t have PCOS, just PCO.

I have PCOS, but my numbers were all technically fine, I ovulate, and I showed no IR, at least on the crude tests tried. My doctor did not have much trouble prescribing metformin for me, though. It took a little bit of wheedling, but not much. Metformin really does seem to help me, although I have nothing dramatic to report, not like the classic PCOS sufferers do. My main observable benefits seem to be halted hair spread, no more swelling of face and extremities, no more carb cravings, and less severe premenstrual molimina. Beth

Response:

Ladies, I’ve read in several places that anovulatory women with polycystic ovaries can still use Met even if all of the tests are normal range. My doc is pretty up to date too. Ever heard this theory of thought? I don;t have PCOS, just PCO. Theresa

Response:

I had all levels within normal range (except the FSH/LH ratio) and I got metformin. It worked. Victoria "Theresa Nelson" wrote in message

news:3A537FB6.175F8F9E@home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ladies, > I’ve read in several places that anovulatory women with polycystic > ovaries can still use Met even if all of the tests are normal range. My > doc is pretty up to date too. Ever heard this theory of thought? I > don;t have PCOS, just PCO. > Theresa

Response:

i also had normal ranges except for lh/fsh, and have had pco 20+ years. my pcp gave it to me without any problems barb > > Ladies, > > I’ve read in several places that anovulatory women with polycystic > > ovaries can still use Met even if all of the tests are normal range. My > > doc is pretty up to date too. Ever heard this theory of thought? I > > don;t have PCOS, just PCO. > > Theresa

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Response:

Question about Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)

admin — Thu, 21 Dec 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

On Thu, 21 Dec 2000 16:09:06 GMT, Theresa Nelson wrote: theresa, A GFT is not really going to address your question. It’s your levels of *insulin* (which in turn is what regulates glucose levels) which are important. Get a fasting insulin test. Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve heard that Glucophage(Metformin) can help balance out blood sugar >in diabetics and it can also contribute to returning an anovulatory >cycle to somewhat normal, meaning I could wind up ovulating for the >first time. >Do docs ever prescribe someone Metformin when they are considered to >have IGT which is considered borderline? >I just had a Glucose Fasting Test this morning. I’m anxious to hear the >results. After over a year of fertility drugs, a twin pregnancy and a >m/c of that twin pg. that occured 4 days ago at 13 weeks, I’m reluctant >to go thru any more needles, ultrasounds and drastic ovary stimulating >treatments again. >I’d appreciate some help. I’m reading as much as I can find but I’m >completely ignorant compared to some of the knowlegables here. >Thanks in advance. >Theresa

Response:

Theresa Nelson wrote in message

news:3A443B95.94529336@home.com… > So, if I merely want to try Metformin because I do > have polycystic ovaries and want to try and see if it will get me to bring on > regular periods without the use of hormones (no attempts to get pregnant right > now), can I convince my ob/gyn to give it to me?

It might take some extra work, but it is possible. Also consider some other form of assessment, such as a C-peptide test (it catches very subtle cases of IR). My doctor gave me metformin in spite of a normal fasting insulin and GTT, because I have many symptoms of PCOS (although anovulation was not one of them), and because I had had 5 IUIs with no lasting success. He dragged his feet until I started doctor shopping, then he volunteered a prescription. >How long would I take it > before I might see a period show up all on its own?

Could take a couple weeks, a couple months, or not at all. Alternatives: Actos, Avandia, exercise and restricted- or low-carb regimens. Good luck . . . I hope to hear a met success story from you. I know how miserable you were earlier this year with OHSS. Hugs, Beth

Response:

I’ve heard that Glucophage(Metformin) can help balance out blood sugar in diabetics and it can also contribute to returning an anovulatory cycle to somewhat normal, meaning I could wind up ovulating for the first time. Do docs ever prescribe someone Metformin when they are considered to have IGT which is considered borderline? I just had a Glucose Fasting Test this morning. I’m anxious to hear the results. After over a year of fertility drugs, a twin pregnancy and a m/c of that twin pg. that occured 4 days ago at 13 weeks, I’m reluctant to go thru any more needles, ultrasounds and drastic ovary stimulating treatments again. I’d appreciate some help. I’m reading as much as I can find but I’m completely ignorant compared to some of the knowlegables here. Thanks in advance. Theresa

Response:

Theresa Nelson wrote in message

news:3A422B22.DD212E7@home.com… > Do docs ever prescribe someone Metformin when they are considered to > have IGT which is considered borderline?

Yes I think they do. I am an example. Kay (Edek) too. Many others, I’m sure. Theresa, I was just thinking about you yesterday, wondering where you went to. I had *no idea* you lost your babies. I’m so terribly, terribly sorry. Beth

Response:

Thank you Beth. My next question for everyone is this: my fasting glucose was only 86. Very normal according to the American Diabetes Association website and my doc’s translation. So, if I merely want to try Metformin because I do have polycystic ovaries and want to try and see if it will get me to bring on regular periods without the use of hormones (no attempts to get pregnant right now), can I convince my ob/gyn to give it to me? How long would I take it before I might see a period show up all on its own? From all we can tell, I have never ovulated without Clomid or Gonal-F. I’ve had irregular periods at long intervals. all BBT charts show no ovulation during these irregular intervals. Thank you in advance. My follow up with the doc is this coming Wednesday and i realy would like to try it to see if it works and I can actually try to feel "normal." Theresa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Beth wrote: > Theresa Nelson wrote in message > news:3A422B22.DD212E7@home.com… > > Do docs ever prescribe someone Metformin when they are considered to > > have IGT which is considered borderline? > Yes I think they do. I am an example. Kay (Edek) too. Many others, I’m > sure. > Theresa, I was just thinking about you yesterday, wondering where you went > to. I had *no idea* you lost your babies. I’m so terribly, terribly sorry. > Beth

Response:

Insulin Resistance: What's the test?

admin — Fri, 28 Jul 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Thanks so much to everyone that responded.

and Thank *you* for asking the same thing I needed to know. ,, ,—, (_,/ _/ _/__/ ,,/_/,,/_/,,,

Response:

Thanks so much to everyone that responded. I’ve been doing more reading and am positive that I need to pursue this. I’ll start with my current doctor but if I don’t get his support in getting these tests done I will seek a second opinion with an RE. Thanks so much. SueB

Response:

I don’t have PCOS, based on my regular periods, lack of very many symptoms (I am overweight, have skin tags and a few hairs under my chin, but not really hirsutism), LH/FSH ratio, etc. However, I am wondering too if I am insulin resistant. I have a problem with egg quality and I’ve heard of many overweight women going on metformin after insulin resistance was diagnosed and getting pregnant (I’ve heard metformin and getting the insulin resistance under control can improve egg quality). I was tested yesterday for fasting glucose and something called glyco-something, maybe what Kay called it. I’m wondering if I am insulin resistant and don’t have PCO. Knowing if you are can help you by hopefully preventing adult-onset diabetes in the future before it starts. — Vikki M.

Response:

Some RE’s use glucose tolerance tests and C-peptide.

Just wanted to expand on the C-peptide test; Mark Perloe http://www.ivf.com/ ) relies on it because it can detect subtle cases that elude other tests. Beth PCOS, not IR, but taking metformin anyhow

Response:

I don’t have PCOS, based on my regular periods, lack of very many symptoms (I am overweight, have skin tags and a few hairs under my chin, but not really hirsutism), LH/FSH ratio, etc.

I was overweight, had only a few hairs under my chin. I was diagnosed type 2 diabetic, but that can be for low insulin as well as insulin resistance. My insulin levels were *normal*. LH/FSH ratio was fine. No cysts seen on ultrasounds. Nonetheless, I was a *terrible* responder to both Clomid and injectibles. The RE shrugged and said it was probably because of my age, despite all good tests, passing the Clomid challenge, good E2 levels, etc. Finally was put on Metformin by my endocrinologist, as my blood sugars were edging higher despite my strict program of diet and exercise. "Miraculously", after only 30 days treatment, the same level of follistim that had given me one follicle, produced 10 follicles, all secreting E2 like mad (i.e., they weren’t cysts or empty). And I ended up hyperstimulating (which is typical of PCOS) and having to spend 2 weeks on bed rest. My RE’s comment, "Gosh, maybe you *did* have PCOS, since your body had a classic PCOS response to metformin and the stims . . . " In any event, it was a happy ending–I’m now 23 weeks pregnant from that cycle. (I continued Metformin for about a month after the ++ tests, as metformin has been shown to decrease the miscarriage rate in women with PCOS, too.) Susan H.

Response:

OK, I’ve been reading posts from so many about this subject, but I guess I never thought it applied to me, so I skimmed over them quite a bit. Now I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I should pay more attention. What type of tests are done to determine if you have insulin resistance. What type of symptoms are associated with it? I know most people seem to have PCOS and insulin resistance, but I’m not sure PCOS is a factor for me. I have *some* symptoms I suppose, but my ovaries look normal. I just don’t ovulate very regularly, didn’t respond to clomid and several years ago started having a problem with my weight, where I never had a problem. I find that now I have a very difficult time losing any weight. I eat right, exercise but never seem to get much off. I recently found out that several close family members have PCOS and am now wondering if I should give more thought to it. I just don’t want to jump the gun. Any help would be appreciated. I know there’s some info on the web, so any links to websites would be great too. Thanks! SueB

Response:

The test that I took for insulin resistance is called fasting insulin..They should also do a fasting glucose test on you also. Then I think (not for sure) it is the ratio between the two. I have PCOS and I am not insulin resistant and my ovarys look normal also. Polycystic ovaries are just a symptom, you don’t have to have them…Not all women have the same symptoms. The scary thing about it is there is so few docs IMO that don’t know much about it or they just overlook your symptoms..In my case, I have had PCOS since the beginning of puberty (no AF) which was when I was 14. I am now 30 and I was just diagnosed a year and a half ago…Some of my family members are being tested now because they have the same symptoms also… Most of my symptoms did not start until my early twenties, that was acne and weight gain (and I eat hardly anything at all) and IF, now I have all of the symptoms except the ovaries and the insulin resistance.. Their is also a NG called alt.support.pco. ALOT of very knowledgeable women…some of them have websites of thier own that have great resource links on them…Hope this helped a little bit.. Big Hugs, Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I’ve been reading posts from so many about this subject, but I guess I never thought it applied to me, so I skimmed over them quite a bit. Now I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I should pay more attention. What type of tests are done to determine if you have insulin resistance. What type of symptoms are associated with it? I know most people seem to have PCOS and insulin resistance, but I’m not sure PCOS is a factor for me. I have *some* symptoms I suppose, but my ovaries look normal. I just don’t ovulate very regularly, didn’t respond to clomid and several years ago started having a problem with my weight, where I never had a problem. I find that now I have a very difficult time losing any weight. I eat right, exercise but never seem to get much off. I recently found out that several close family members have PCOS and am now wondering if I should give more thought to it. I just don’t want to jump the gun. Any help would be appreciated. I know there’s some info on the web, so any links to websites would be great too. Thanks! SueB

Response:

Hi Sue:) I’ve been reading about that too. I’m (finally!) going to see a RE and dying too know if: I’ll be dx as PCOS and if so if: I’m a metformin candidate. I hope you’ll find some info here: http://www.inciid.org/faq/pcos4.html ,, ,—, (_,/ _/ _/__/ ,,/_/,,/_/,,,

Response:

What type of tests are done to determine if you have insulin resistance.

For me, the glucose test was normal but my fasting insulin was up anyhow, that’s how my doctor apparently knew that I was insulin resistant. What type of symptoms are associated with it?

I was always exhausted. I had a hard time digesting food, it would just hang around in my stomach literally for hours. Even when I exercised I didn’t build any muscle. And the most obvious symptom, I had a tendency to have ‘fuzzy’ periods when I couldn’t concentrate and/or couldn’t get my eyes to focus. These fuzzy symptoms would usually go away when I drank something like orange juice or a sugary soda pop. I know most people seem to have PCOS and insulin resistance, but I’m not sure PCOS is a factor for me.

My first doctor seemed to believe that I didn’t have PCOS, but that might have simply been because I had no cysts on my ovaries. I might have to check further with this new doctor. Teri

Response:

Sue, One of the first tests my RE ran last march was a glucose tolerance test. I have very regular cycles, ovulate with no problem, no acne and my ovaries are normal. When they did the test on me my glucose and insulin were both within the normal range but I had a ratio of 3.9 and they like to see a ratio of 4 or above. My RE put me on 1500 mg of metrofmin and I had diahrea for about two weeks and anytime I ate ice cream. I lost about 15 pounds with no effort at all but the nausea and diarhea was no picnic. I don’t know if it was the met, the clomid or the combo, but I am now 9 weeks pregnant. It is certainly something to check into because insulin can really mess around with your hormones. Good luck and feel free to email me with any further questions. Celia