So I've been on the Dex for nearly three weeks now. My blood sugars have never been in better control. The machine is mostly reliable and I've learned how to feel like less of a robot with a second thing plugged into me. I've got one complaint and it's a complaint I wouldn't have (I don't think) if I wasn't a marathoner:
I've gained 4 pounds.
Before I sound hopelessly anorexic, I know that this gives me a theoretically "ideal" BMI. I also know that my wife also likes this me at this weight and no longer feels she's "cuddling an ironing board."
But if you've run marathons, you know what I'm getting at. Carrying 4 extra pounds (on top of the 4 I planned on shedding at the start of marathon season) means I've got 8 pounds that are gunning to keep me from a sub 3:15 Allentown marathon, and the Dex is somewhat to blame.
The reality is this: insulin causes weight retention. The more insulin you use, the heavier you'll be. (In one line, I've told you what the Atkins diet is all about.)
When I went on the insulin pump, it was a far more efficient use of insulin. My insulin requirements went down and I dropped 12 pounds without doing anything.
But it stands to reason that if my A1C is 6.5, the only way to get it down lower is through a bit more insulin. And the Dexcom has been telling me when and how to take that insulin. And in return, I've found 4 pounds.
This isn't a panic post, mind you. Based on my diet and my forty miles a week, I doubt I'll gain much more. And I'd also bet you my next A1C will be substantially less than 6.5. But in the meantime, I've got 4 (ideally 8) pounds to consider. And it appears the Dex won't necessarily be helpful in shedding them.
Of course, I could start by cutting out the beer, but it's too early to get silly. In the words of Lance Armstrong, it might be time to start "skipping lunch and drinking shakes."
Oh, wait. I do that now. Marvelous.
Well there's always "light" beer.
In other news, you know what I just realized? June was the first month in I don't know when when I didn't miss a single workout. I planned on running five days per week and I did that. I moved a couple workouts around but didn't flat out miss a one. Most months life gets in the way 1-3 times, but not in June. That's mighty cool heading into a mileage-full month or two.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
interesting... For me it seems to have the reverse effect. I have fewer lows and so don't have to eat as much to correct for them.
That's the weird part... I bet if I counted calories, I'm actually down a little. But I've inched the basal rates up, mostly in the overnights, when I used to be too scared to.
ah. very interesting. any chance the 4 lb is pure muscle? :)
YES! That's it, exactly. :)
You said:
"The reality is this: insulin causes weight retention. The more insulin you use, the heavier you'll be. (In one line, I've told you what the Atkins diet is all about.)"
Dang! Why didn't you tell me this before I spent hundreds of dollars on low-carb diet books?
Add cayenne pepper to your diet. Cayenne has been shown to contribute to increased metabolism, and weight loss. Through my own experimentation I have found that the more cayenne I eat the less insulin I need. I eat about 6 teaspoons of raw cayenne powder a day. My long lasting insulin is down to 5 units a day and I only take about 2-5 units at mealtime of humalog.
Thanks, Jed - that's a great idea. I actually just started re-taking my other supplements earlier this week, and they're having a similar effect (but not as dramatic as what you've had w/ Cayenne).... looking forward to trying it out.
Post a Comment