Yesterday I was told by my GP I’m now diabetic (type 2) I’ve been insulin resistant for some years but there’s no fudging the issue, its official.
On my drug information leaflet is says a rare side effect for MTX is increased blood sugars.
I don’t know if the MTX has pushed my sugars over the edge, and I’m waiting for a call back from the rheumatology nurse, but does any one have any insight into this.
I am not an M.D. but I believe PsA itself contributes in some interactive way with physiology that increases risk of diabetes. Also, methotexate might also. Not only always inform your doctors about your meds. but essential to remind them too.
Hi, Louise
Yep, like Dr. Marc, I suspect that this too is one of the “benefits” of PsA. Here’s just one link which suggests the connection:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3129701/
I’ve seen other articles which discuss the metabolic impacts of P and PsA. And none of them good! LOL
As you know, I was diagnosed only 18 months ago. But for almost 20 years, I had a problem with weight gain, fluctuating blood sugar and high blood pressure. Doc treated this as my own fault: I needed to eat low fat and good carbs, and exercise more. The all-over aches? The fatigue? I just needed to take ibuprofen and move more. None of that worked, and exercise hurt too much. Finally, my blood work (triglycerides etc.) went downhill, as did how I felt, and the doc wanted to put me on a statin drug. I refused, and told the doc I’d fix this on my own in three months. She rolled her eyes. I went home, researched myself into a frenzy, and decided that I had a bad insulin resistance problem. I reasoned that a low carbohydrate diet had to work.
So that’s what I did: a very low carb regime (call it Atkins, whatever). The first couple of days were tough, but within a week I was feeling better. Instead of the doc’s low fat/good carb prescription, I was doing high fat/no carb.
I went back to the doc three months later, and my weight was down 2 stone, blood pressure better than it had been for ages, and my blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides were in the normal range. No need for a statin. Doctor said she was pleased. Don’t know what she was really feeling.
Still, I hurt. Almost a year after that turnaround, I was diagnosed with erosions in my feet and, later, PsA. Now I realize that the metabolic stuff was most likely all part of the same ugly PsA picture.
I haven’t been as determined about the low-carb regime as I should be, even though I know I feel better, and have somewhat lower pain levels, on it. Gotta get back there.
I think it’s worth giving the low carb diet a try. There are plenty of resources out there to get you started, but I can recommend two authors who have some very interesting things to say: Gary Taubes and Dr. Wm Davis.
Good luck with this, Louise!
Seenie
I'm sorry to hear that Louise. That takes an adjustment in mind-set. I know that there is a relationship that starts with inflammation that connects it to metabolic syndrome, but don't understand the full nature of the relationship.
My only suggestion is that with this diagnosis, you will likely be eligible for services such as from a nutritionist or a certified diabetes educator, or whatever they are called in the UK. I wish you luck with this.
What Marc said and ESPECIALLY Seenie. All those carbs, all those meds all process STRICTLY through the liver. I don't doubt for a second that thee MTX is involved. But everything is so tied together, it hard to pull out a piece. Both books are great.
This low carb thing isn't another wacko cure your ills diet. It is virtually the same as the Diabetic diet (glycemic index thing) with the exception the diabetes diet allows 40 or so carbs per day from whole grains. great idea EXCEPT they are also high in gluten which works that liver and screws up the whole metabollic process.
There is GOOD news however..... By some strange quirk of fate both Tequila and Chardonnay are low carb drinks. Better news is I have perfected a No-Carb margarita mix.......
1 Like
you MUST share that mix recipe!
tntlamb said:
There is GOOD news however..... By some strange quirk of fate both Tequila and Chardonnay are low carb drinks. Better news is I have perfected a No-Carb margarita mix.......
Sorry for your big new, Louise. But as has been mentioned, going carb-free or GF really helps. And I think we're fortunate to be doing this now and not 10 years ago. There are some great GF ingredients out there to help transition. Courage!
I am sorry to read of your new diagnoses. I do believe though that with the right diet and exercise mix, whatever that maybe, you will be able to manage it. Keep up your positive spirit for you have been an inspiration to many here and as you know you can lean on us like we lean on you.
Lo-Carb Margarita
- 1 tub Crystal Light lemon-lime or lemonade flavored drink mix
- 2 cups water
- Juice of one lime
- dash of orange extract if you normally use Grand Marnier or triple sec (they are too high in carbs to use anymore)
Tequilla to taste (use silver for lower carbs gold for more flavor and less alcohol)
1 Like
i am sorry to hear that. I have had concerns about all my medications and what they are doing to me. Although many have helped some for PsA my overall health is pretty bad for the past year of taking them. Really starting to consider what the long term effects are going to end up. Concerned about about diabetes and Gp assured me I don't but he was also wrong about having Gout in addition to PsA, simple blood test. I guess it is why they call it medical practice. Wishing you the best on your journey Louise.
Thanks for your replies :) I must say the diet is part of why I feel so frustrated, I've been on a low carb, no wheat diet for about 3 months, as well as a low fat, low sugar diet for the last 15 years because of hyperlipidemia (both cholesterol and triglycerides elevated) and am on a fenofibrate med for this.
The diet suggestions help to confirm I'm doing the right things, so I guess its just the way my body is. I'll definitely print off the information from the link Seenie and show it to my GP as she is astounded that I've become diabetic when there is no family background, and she I am I have worked closely for years so she is aware of my healthy diet and lifestyle.
Unfortunately the exercise is a bit of a problem at the moment because of the bugger of a flare I'm in. Still walking everyday ( about a mile) and doing my tai chi, but my fitness programme can't increase any more because of painful to breathe costochronditis.
I will continue to be as healthy as possible so all I can say is........ mix me up a margarita!!!!!!
Incidentally, did you know an extremely rare side effect of MTX (as stated on the drug information leaflet) is growing larger breasts..........my boyfriend is keeping his fingers crossed!
Thanks lamb :) gonna have to give that a try when I need a lift
tntlamb said:
Lo-Carb Margarita
- 1 tub Crystal Light lemon-lime or lemonade flavored drink mix
- 2 cups water
- Juice of one lime
- dash of orange extract if you normally use Grand Marnier or triple sec (they are too high in carbs to use anymore)
Tequilla to taste (use silver for lower carbs gold for more flavor and less alcohol)
Louise
True low carbing does not restrict fat intake. You really can’t do both – as you may be finding out! The emphasis has to be on natural fats: butter, olive oil, fats from grass fed animals. It may seem counterintuitive and counter to mainstream medical “wisdom” but on that diet my HDL went up, LDL went down and my trigs sank to the low end of normal. Unbelievable, I know, but most true low carbers have similar experiences.
Worth a go, I think. I was a bit scared to try it, but figured a three month trial wouldn’t kill me. Found quite the opposite!
I feel so bad that you’ve been thrown another challenge. This disease is a fast bowler.
Louise Hoy said:
Thanks for your replies
I must say the diet is part of why I feel so frustrated, I’ve been on a low carb, no wheat diet for about 3 months, as well as a low fat, low sugar diet for the last 15 years because of hyperlipidemia (both cholesterol and triglycerides elevated) and am on a fenofibrate med for this.
The diet suggestions help to confirm I’m doing the right things, so I guess its just the way my body is. I’ll definitely print off the information from the link Seenie and show it to my GP as she is astounded that I’ve become diabetic when there is no family background, and she I am I have worked closely for years so she is aware of my healthy diet and lifestyle.
Unfortunately the exercise is a bit of a problem at the moment because of the bugger of a flare I’m in. Still walking everyday ( about a mile) and doing my tai chi, but my fitness programme can’t increase any more because of painful to breathe costochronditis.
I will continue to be as healthy as possible so all I can say is… mix me up a margarita!!!
Incidentally, did you know an extremely rare side effect of MTX (as stated on the drug information leaflet) is growing larger breasts…my boyfriend is keeping his fingers crossed!
I'm worried about developing diabetes as well. In the past 4 months I've had (nonfasting) bloodwork done twice, and both times my blood glucose was slightly above the normal range. I've had all the symptoms of insulin resistance for the past 7 yrs.
I will give it another go Seenie, what have I got to loose. I was on a diet about 10 or so years ago which was very similar to the Atkins diet, I started it about 6 months before my yearly bloods were due and unfortunately my lipids were horrendous when I had them done and so stopped it and went back to low fat. I also find i cant eat beef anymore without severe heartburn. But think I’ll have another look into it, thanks x
Seenie said:
Louise
True low carbing does not restrict fat intake. You really can’t do both – as you may be finding out! The emphasis has to be on natural fats: butter, olive oil, fats from grass fed animals. It may seem counterintuitive and counter to mainstream medical “wisdom” but on that diet my HDL went up, LDL went down and my trigs sank to the low end of normal. Unbelievable, I know, but most true low carbers have similar experiences.
Worth a go, I think. I was a bit scared to try it, but figured a three month trial wouldn’t kill me. Found quite the opposite!
I feel so bad that you’ve been thrown another challenge. This disease is a fast bowler.
Louise Hoy said:Thanks for your replies
The diet suggestions help to confirm I’m doing the right things, so I guess its just the way my body is. I’ll definitely print off the information from the link Seenie and show it to my GP as she is astounded that I’ve become diabetic when there is no family background, and she I am I have worked closely for years so she is aware of my healthy diet and lifestyle.
Unfortunately the exercise is a bit of a problem at the moment because of the bugger of a flare I’m in. Still walking everyday ( about a mile) and doing my tai chi, but my fitness programme can’t increase any more because of painful to breathe costochronditis.
I will continue to be as healthy as possible so all I can say is… mix me up a margarita!!!
Incidentally, did you know an extremely rare side effect of MTX (as stated on the drug information leaflet) is growing larger breasts…my boyfriend is keeping his fingers crossed!
Is it possible to do a very low meat or vegetarian low carb diet? I ask because I can no longer eat beef or pork without a flare-up, and only eat chicken or fish at most 2 meals a week. Each time I try and do low carb I end up gagging and flaring because of all the meat. Plus, nuts and eggs only work for me once a week at most. It's really frustrating.
Every time I've seen a nutritionist they've struggled to get my protein intake up, and my body just doesn't like the packages most proteins come in.
Amy's Pizza...... Not one thing in it is real except MAYBE the sauce, but its delicious
Try the Vegan Sections of your natural Food stores (not vegetarian its different) they do amazing things with soy protein. You can even buy a Soy turkey (they aren't bad) learn to use Heavy Cream (if you aren't Vegan) real butter (you should anyway)
You can make some amazing things with canned soybeans. I dare you to distinguish my soy Hummus from garbonzo humus at 40 times the carbs.
If desperate just make your smoothies with protein powder (soy/whey) actually if you wotrk with it, you can comwe up with a product that beats real ice cream.
What you end up is eating like a Food Channel Judge. Nothing you tastes like what it is because its "well seasoned" but now you are a gourmet and can talk about balance of flavors, acidity, and "heat"
But the funny thing is you need less food, want less food and DO concentrate on flavors. (although I refuse to accept an oversized huigh prioced grilled mushroom as a hamburger patty.......
Hi, I got diagnosed with type 2 about a year ago. I do the testing prick every morning. It was my A1C test, 7.3 that lead me to diabetes diagnose.
I go to a diabetes educator, i am allowed 8 hours of classes for this.. I am allowed so many carbs at a meal. I am to subtract fiber from the carbs, for meal planning. Fiber is important
When i had to go off Mtx, for elevated liver labs, i took high doses of prednisone, that will shoot blood sugar up.
I did lower my A1C tet ( every 3 months) to 6.4, and got a 6.0 ..perfect...Got off the meds for diabetes..metformin, for a few months...but i test my finger daily, numbers started going up, winter weight!..so back on Metformin
It does help having protein, and i read the labels..Meat, cheese low carbs. Bummer, a banana has high carbs
Yes, being too sedentary doesn't help, when i am feeling better i will try inside mall walking, got myself a pedometer
Sorry to hear that you have another health issue to cope with. It is not easy having more than just PsA. I hope that now you know you will be able to manage it and in doing that it will help you improve.