Bummed About Latest Blood Results

[BryanM]

I have been on PP since 12/31/07 and I just got my latest blood work back. The only prescription med I take is 1000mg Metformin at night and 500mg Metformin in the morning. I also take all the supplements recommended by the Drs. Eades.

A1C 7.0
This is better than when I was taking twice daily shots of Novalog 70/30 before I started PP (I was also taking 1000mg of Metformin twice per day), but I thought I would be doing better by now. I stopped taking the Novalog shots when I started PP on 12/31/07.

NOV 07 - Meds above plus Lovastatin and Altace
A1C 7.9
Total Chol. 172
Triglycerides 173
HDL 44
LDL 93
Total/HDL 3.93


May 08 - 1000mg Metformin at night, 500mg morning. 1000mg No Flush Niacin 2x day. Supplements recommended by the Drs. Eades.
A1C 7.0
Total Chol. 221
Triglycerides 122
HDL 45
LDL 152
Total/HDL 4.91 :mad:

This is the first time my Triglycerides have been under 150 in forever, so that is a good thing. I have read enough to know not to freak about over my 221 total cholesterol, but my ratio of total to hdl isn't good.

My weight loss has plateaued and I actually gained a few pounds between my last two doctor visits. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Belfrybat]

I'm sorry you are struggling right now. I don't have much wisdom to offer except I know it's quite possible for one's total and LDL to go up at first. Randy (Ottawa) has a post somewhere about his experience. If I remember correctly, it took almost two years for him to see a significant positive change.

The cardiologist I see recommends 3 grams niacin (nicotinic acid) for those not taking statins. Just stay away from the hexanicotinate type as it doesn't work. Niacin also raises blood sugar, so it's benefits have to be weighed closely by diabetics. She also recommends 1800 mg omega 3 oil. Can't remember what the Eades' recommendations are.

Even though I low carb, I have to take metformin 1000mg X2 daily and in the last 6 months have added 8-10 units Lantus. You might need to re-assess whether you need either a higher dose of metformin or some insulin to keep you bs lower.

[BryanM]

I am taking 1000mg of Niacin twice a day, and I was thinking about adding bumping it to 3x per day. After everything I have read and heard what Dr. Eades say, I am not willing to take a statin. What do you know about the no-flush Niacin not working? I thought I read in one of the PP books that they recommended that variety.

[Seymour Spectacles]

Important info of "no-flush" niacin.

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-flush-niacin-kills.html

One other comment for you, Bryan. Please keep in mind that you not only switched your diet, at the end of last year. You also got off of some very powerful medications (that artifically lower your lipids).

So, my take on your program is this:

+ Your numbers likely reflect that benefit of your new diet and supplementation. But, they also reflect your getting off of powerful medications. And finally, the numbers also illustrate that the niacin you're taking isn't the ideal form (for managing lipids).

BTW, I'm not a doctor. So, this is just my best opinion. I just wouldn't want you to get discouraged without cause. :)

[Belfrybat]

I am taking 1000mg of Niacin twice a day, and I was thinking about adding bumping it to 3x per day. After everything I have read and heard what Dr. Eades say, I am not willing to take a statin. What do you know about the no-flush Niacin not working? I thought I read in one of the PP books that they recommended that variety.

The Drs. Eades recommend it in Protein Power, but please realise that the book 10 years old now. Newer research has discovered that no-flush niacin (hexanicotinate) has much less effect on cholesterol than nicotonic acid. It had no effect on me and I took it for over a year. I use Carleson's Niacin Time, which is time released and if I take 1/2 asprin 30 minutes ahead of time doesn't flush at all. If I don't take the asprin and don't take it with a meal, I get a mild flush, but it doesn't last long. Some of the products that are time-released nicotonic acid are also called "no-flush" or "flush-free" so it is important to read the ingredients list before purchasing. Here's a couple of links you might find helpful.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/heartdisease/3924/dont-be-taken-in-by-no-flush-niacin/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2091999_use-niacin-treat-cholesterol.html

[lczeledoc]

A1C 7.0
Total Chol. 221
Triglycerides 122
HDL 45
LDL 152
Total/HDL 4.91 :mad:

Bryan,

The only concern I see is the HbA1C value. I wouldn't worry about the Lipid values. tell us about your diet, Are you exercising?

[BryanM]

The only concern I see is the HbA1C value. I wouldn't worry about the Lipid values. tell us about your diet, Are you exercising?

Yeah, I wasn't excited about the A1; however, it is better than it was when I was taking shots twice a day. I am doing really well on staying away from most carbs. I have gone and eaten mexican food several times and stayed away from the chips and salsa. That is an accomplishment for me since chips and salsa used to my my favorite food group. :D I was snacking too much on peanuts and almonds, and I have decided to monitor my nut snacking much more closely and make sure I account for the carbs.

I was playing tennis or playing at tennis 2-3 times per week then I changed jobs and it kind of messed that up. My exercise bike has also been terriblely neglected. :(

[BryanM]

The Drs. Eades recommend it in Protein Power, but please realise that the book 10 years old now. Newer research has discovered that no-flush niacin (hexanicotinate) has much less effect on cholesterol than nicotonic acid. It had no effect on me and I took it for over a year. I use Carleson's Niacin Time, which is time released and if I take 1/2 asprin 30 minutes ahead of time doesn't flush at all. If I don't take the asprin and don't take it with a meal, I get a mild flush, but it doesn't last long. Some of the products that are time-released nicotonic acid are also called "no-flush" or "flush-free" so it is important to read the ingredients list before purchasing. Here's a couple of links you might find helpful.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/heartdisease/3924/dont-be-taken-in-by-no-flush-niacin/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2091999_use-niacin-treat-cholesterol.html


That's a great point about PP being 10 years old. I hadn't really thought of that. I am going to check out the links you gave me and another one earlier in the thread for the different niacin info.

[BryanM]

Important info of "no-flush" niacin.

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-flush-niacin-kills.html

One other comment for you, Bryan. Please keep in mind that you not only switched your diet, at the end of last year. You also got off of some very powerful medications (that artifically lower your lipids).

So, my take on your program is this:

+ Your numbers likely reflect that benefit of your new diet and supplementation. But, they also reflect your getting off of powerful medications. And finally, the numbers also illustrate that the niacin you're taking isn't the ideal form (for managing lipids).

BTW, I'm not a doctor. So, this is just my best opinion. I just wouldn't want you to get discouraged without cause. :)

Thanks for the encouragement. I know this will work, but like most people, "I want it all and I want it now!" I am going to check out the niacin link, thanks.

[lczeledoc]

I was snacking too much on peanuts and almonds, and I have decided to monitor my nut snacking much more closely and make sure I account for the carbs.

I was playing tennis or playing at tennis 2-3 times per week then I changed jobs and it kind of messed that up. My exercise bike has also been terriblely neglected. :(

Yeah, too much peanut snaking will do it. Exercise will help, specially resistance training

[BryanM]

From Doc's latest blog, it looks like both nuts and cheese are diet killers. I did slow down on the nuts, but it looks like cheese will need to be seriously curtailed also.