I was just diagnosed as insulin resistant and put on Actos. My blood sugar was jumping all around from 160-180s to lows of 50-60s. (ended up in ER with bs of 43 and that put me on the path of dr appts and diagnosis) I am wondering if the weight loss will get easier once my bs/insulin is balanced out? I was doing Atkins from January until March and lost 15 lbs, much less than the 2 diet buddies I was doing this with (and I am heavier than both of them!) I basically quit Atkins because I freaked out over all the swings I was having. I have no clue as to how I should proceed now. If I go moderatley low carb, 40ish a day, will it be easier to take some of this weight now that I am taking insulin sensitizers? Thanks in advance for any replies or advice!!!

Welcome, Lianna.

I am really surprised that you had the blood glucose swings you describe when following the Atkins Nutritional Approach. This program had the opposite effect on me. As long as I follow it properly, I have almost no BGL swings.

We can't give specific medical advice here. I can, however, say that Actos (pioglitazone) does not increase insulin production, but acts to increase sensitivity in the insulin receptors while decreasing hepatic (liver) glucose production. It should, therefore, cause you no problems in terms of weight loss. Be aware, however, that unlike Metformin (an older hypoglycemic with a similar mechanism) Actos does carry a fairly significant cardiac risk. But, I'm sure you already discussed this with your doctor.

Hope you'll make yourself at home!

__________________