I have struggled with weight problems and insulin resistance for a long time. It’s one of the reasons that my insulin to carb ratio is outrageous. It’s almost 1 unit of insulin for every 2-3 carbs.
So for me, it’s been a viscous cycle. I take a lot of insulin which makes it more difficult for me to lose weight. I don’t care what the happy go lucky people try to tell you, if you take a lot of insulin, you will gain weight
Now, the large amounts of insulin are also due to eating high carb foods and unhealthy foods and not exercising, so that is also tied into it.
When I exercise consistently, my insulin ratio jumps to about 1 unit of insulin for every 5-7 grams of carbs. A big, big difference.
Unfortunately, I’ve never exercised or ate healthy consistently.
So, I think I need some help.
One of the things that my endo recommended to me on my last visit a few months ago was to start on Jardiance. This would help with all of the issues that I stated above.
Benefits of Using Jardiance with Type 1
I know that Jardiance will help me lower my insulin needs by increasing my insulin sensitivity.
Jardiance would help me lose weight. I don’t like the way that Jardiance would help me lose weight, which was described to me as having a smaller appetite and potentially feeling nauseas. I don’t want a chemical in my body affecting my appetite. I’d much rather control it on my own, which has obviously not worked for the last 10 years.
I know that Jardiance will also help prevent and lower heart disease. I am already on blood pressure medication, cholesterol medications and also triglyceride medication.
I am always afraid to add another pill into the mix.
But, I tried to stay off of BP and cholesterol meds as long as possible as well until I realized that my body just needed them. I was at a disadvantage living with Type 1, so I had to level the playing field some how.
Now, of course there isn’t just the positives when it comes to adding another medication into the mix.
Possible Side Effects of Jardiance
The first and biggest side effect is DKA. You could go into DKA without any notice. Your blood sugars could be perfect, but still be going into DKA, so it is important to constantly be checking for ketones.
I don’t know if that’s something that I would be willing to do, because I know that I won’t remember to check frequently.
Another side effect of Jardiance that I don’t even like the name of, is higher risk of yeast infections. Another thing that I don’t know if I’m willing to deal with.
So, as of now, I am torn. I don’t know if I should give it a shot or not.
Ultimately, the final decision will come down to me. My doctor can prescribe it, but I have to be the one who takes it.
So, I’m asking anyone in the community, have you taken Jardiance as a Type 1 before?
If so, what has your experience been?
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Chris, I have never taken one of these but I know some who have. I have heard mixed outcomes. Most like taking them. I do hear those who take it reduce insulin amount used by about 20%. That makes me interested in trying it.
I started it last month (you know I’m T2, so I can’t tell you about the T1 experience), but I do like how quickly it dropped my fasting numbers, which were running very high. In 2 months my A1C dropped by .5 (just found that out yesterday). It increased my trips to the bathroom to every 2 hours at some point in the day. I’m also down nearly 5lbs in those 2 months, but I just got braces too so I can’t Jardiance all the credit.
Thank you so much for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated. It seems that the weight loss has worked for most who have used it.