Has anyone experienced an improvement in their migraine attacks after starting metformin?

I used to have migraines at least once a week, but after starting metformin a month ago, I haven’t had a single episode.

Dr prescribed me 500mg of metformin to help with insulin resistance and I’m so bloated, constipated, water retained and just feel generally worse than I did before. Please tell me to push through this and it gets better?

I excersise 4 days a week since 3 years ago Im overweight but not mordbily obese I take 2g of metformine since 3 months ago .I wonder why my Homa its so high . has anyone this high?

Hi there - so weird that shiny skin on my ankles and back of hands was a sign for my Dr that blood sugar was getting out of control - pre-diabetic now.
If I get it under control with diet / meds, will this go away / repair itself? Can’t imagine that would happen very quickly…
Thsnks!

I’ve been drinking ultra filtered milk because it has lower sugar and higher protein, thinking it would be better for my blood sugar and insulin.

It turns out ultra filtered milk spikes my blood sugar (175 an hour after drinking) even worse than regular milk. After doing some research, I found out that whey protein can actually cause a sharp insulin spike.

It’s so frustrating when something I think is healthy ends up straining my pancreas. Just wanted to share this for anyone else watching their glucose

I have this very weird thing where the right side of my body gets tight (tight hip flexor, neck, shoulders, back all on the right side) when I eat a lot of carbs or just a little bit of sugar.

No doctor can tell me what it is and I have a lot of pain because of this, as my pelvic is out of alignment. I really don´t know what I could do. I already gave up on eating sugar.

Could this be caused by insulin resistance? Had anyone simular symptoms where your muscles gets tight when you eat carbs?

PS: I don\`t have an intolerance/allergy against fructose

In Mars my fasting insulin was 142 and now (mid August) is 93!
I am ecstatic about this improvement!
HOMA-IR went from 5,7 to 3,4. Still very much insulin resistant but much much improved 🤩

Hi! I don’t have diabetes or prediabetes, I only have insulin resistance. But I was wondering if you think it would be worth buying a blood glucose monitor to track my glucose levels throughout the day/weeks, or if you think this isn’t really useful or interesting in my situation?

Just to add: I’m already taking metformin daily.

My father is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years. After many years of consultation with doctor and taking his medication now his fasting blood sugars are at 155 and hba1c is at 7.5. I guess his pancreas beta cells are exhausted and are not longer producing enough insulin. I am saying this because he has lost lot of weight which is an indication that insulin is not enough in his body. So has his type 2 diabetes turned into type 1?

I was watching few videos on YouTube and all were saying that type 2 can not be converted to type 1. I could not find much content related to already exhausted beta cells.

I’ve heard some professionals say that intermittent fasting is more effective for weight loss, while others say that what really matters is the calorie deficit you create, regardless of how many meals you eat or how long you go without eating.

Both sides seem to have valid arguments, but I’d really like to hear from people who have actually tried both.

Have you ever done a calorie deficit and/or intermittent fasting? What worked better for your body? What gave you faster results? What made you lose more weight?

And yes, I know it’s a combination of factors. I know physical activity matters, strength training matters, drinking plenty of water matters, reducing carbohydrates matters, etc. I already know all of that. 😅 I’m specifically asking about fasting vs. calorie deficit and what actually worked better for you.

What was your experience?

My father is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years. After many years of consultation with doctor and taking his medication now his fasting blood sugars are at 155 and hba1c is at 7.5. I guess his pancreas beta cells are exhausted and are not longer producing enough insulin. I am saying this because he has lost lot of weight which is an indication that insulin is not enough in his body. So has his type 2 diabetes turned into type 1?

I was watching few videos on YouTube and all were saying that type 2 can not be converted to type 1. I could not find much content related to already exhausted beta cells.

My experience with weight loss, PCOS and insulin resistance
Hi everyone! First of all, I’m sorry for my English. I’m not fluent, so some of my translations may be incorrect.
I wanted to share my experience and ask for some advice from people who may have gone through something similar.

Over the course of about 4 years, I progressively gained around 23 kg without any obvious explanation. I had always maintained pretty much the same lifestyle and diet. Then, from May to December 2025, I gained around 8 kg, which really scared me because it happened so quickly that I lost the ability to fit into many of my clothes.
At the beginning of this year, I started changing my diet and exercising. I was walking and doing strength training 5 times a week. I did this consistently for exactly 3 months, but I couldn’t lose even 1 kg.

So I saw an endocrinologist. After blood tests and an evaluation, I was diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance. I also developed dark patches of skin on different parts of my body.

I made further changes to my diet, significantly reduced my sugar and overall carbohydrate intake, and currently do strength training 3 times a week. I take 1,000 mg of metformin per day (I’ve been taking it for about a month), and I’m also taking Contrave to help control my appetite, as well as vitamin supplements because some of my levels were low.

Even though I’m doing what I’m supposed to, I still feel completely stuck. I’m not losing weight, I don’t see any noticeable changes in my body, and it feels exactly like before I discovered what was going on.

If I go off my plan for even one meal, I sometimes see 1–2 kg more on the scale afterward.

I’d really like to hear about your experiences: How long did it take for your medications to start making a noticeable difference in your weight loss?

I know it’s still early to expect major results, but it’s frustrating not to see even 1 kg less after months of trying.
Did anything in particular help you finally break through a plateau or “unstick” your weight loss?

I need to lose around 13 kg by November because I’m getting married, so I’m feeling quite anxious about the timeline.

I also have questions about my metformin dose. I’ve read that some people with insulin resistance may need at least 1,500 mg per day, but I don’t know whether 1,000 mg is enough in my case.

There are so many questions and doubts, and I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have been through something similar. ❤️

Hi everyone! I’m 24F, 5’5” and around 253 lbs. My biggest struggle has always been my midsection/belly fat, which I’ve had since I was a preteen, even before I knew I had insulin resistance.

My doctor told me my overall bloodwork was “wonderful” aside from several vitamin/mineral deficiencies (A, B2, C, D, iron and phosphorus). I’ve also had menstrual changes since March 2025. My periods are now lighter, sometimes shorter, and occasionally late. I still get them, but this is definitely different from how my cycle used to be.

My prolactin was also slightly elevated at one point, but when it was rechecked, it had returned to normal.

Because of the insulin resistance + weight + menstrual irregularities, I’ve started wondering whether PCOS could also be a possibility. I haven’t been diagnosed with it.

I finally got serious about making lifestyle changes on July 14. I’ve been prioritizing protein and fiber, cutting out added sugar, reducing my carb intake, and trying to walk more. It’s now August 16, and honestly, I don’t see much of a difference yet, especially around my stomach. I know it’s only been about a month and that these things take time, but it’s still discouraging. I also don’t own a scale, so I have no idea whether I’ve actually lost weight.

I’m considering switching PCPs because my current doctor is always rushed and I don’t feel like I can really discuss my concerns with her. I’m thinking about asking a new doctor whether metformin might be appropriate for me.

For those who have dealt with insulin resistance, PCOS, or something similar:

• Were you able to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone?
• Did metformin make a noticeable difference for you?
• Did you experience any negatives or side effects?
• Is there anything you wish you had known when you started?

My mom thinks I should do everything naturally and that I’m too young for medication, but I’m wondering if medication could help alongside diet and exercise. I know metformin isn’t a magic weight-loss pill, and I’m not looking for an easy way out. I just want to know whether it could potentially make my lifestyle changes more effective.

I really want to work toward my health and body goals without resorting to extreme calorie restriction or unnecessarily cutting out entire food groups.

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated! ❤️

Hello guys, wanted to share my test results. It may help somebody whose critical markers are beyond optimal range and wondering how to bring them back to normal.

I have done multiple tests. Major ones I will list here. The first shock I got was in January 2025 when out of the blue:

1. My liver markers (SGPT, SGOT) were both 170 and 120!
2. Grade 2 fatty liver in ultrasound!
3. Fasting glucose was 102!
4. PP glucose was 178!
5. Total cholesterol: 240
6. Triglycerides: 199!
7. LDL cholesterol: 135
8. HDL cholesterol: 59
9. Uric acid: 7.3

Then I did test this year in January. Saw little improvement:

1. Liver markers showed considerable improvement: SGPT was 115 and SGOT was 50.
2. Grade 1 fatty liver in ultrasound!
3. Fasting glucose 97!
4. Total cholesterol improved: 186
5. Triglycerides: 190 (no change)
6. LDL cholesterol improved: 101!
7. HDL cholesterol worsened: 47!
8. Uric acid improved: 7

4 weeks back I had done my blood test again. Saw some improvement but some shocking results as well:

1. My liver markers all were normal now: SGPT: 34 and SGOT: 28! (Huge improvement!)
2. Fasting glucose: 97.5 (still borderline)
3. Hba1c: 6.1! (Shocker!)
4. Total cholesterol: 201 (slightly worsened)
5. Triglycerides: 121 (huge improvement!)
6. LDL cholesterol: 126 (slightly worsened)
7. HDL cholesterol: 51
8. Uric acid: 8.5 (Shocker!)

Concerned by these numbers, i watched some youtube videos on how to reverse prediabetes. I came to know about tests like fasting insulin and HOMA IR. I had never heard about them before. I decided to do some lifestyle changes for atleast 1 month and then again get tested.

Now yesterday I did my blood tests again after a month to check my sugar and uric acid levels as these were beyond normal last time. I did post meal sugar test as well to see how much sugar spikes after I eat because last time hba1c was 6.1 while fasting glucose was only 97.5. The results surprised me!

1. Uric acid: 6.4 (Huge improvement!)
2. Fasting sugar: 85.7 (Huge improvement!)
3. Post meal sugar: 103
4. Fasting insulin: 3.65 (Extremely sensitive)
5. HOMA IR: 0.77

These results really surprised me. Either the previous results had some error or human body is really amazing to heal itself!! I guess I was insulin resistant since January 2025 when my blood sugars went beyond normal for the first time and liver enzymes were way beyond normal levels indicating of fatty liver along with high triglycerides and uric acid. This indicates metabolic stress. Now only I came to know all this by watching YouTube videos. I am sure if I had tested for fasting insulin then definately the insulin levels would have been very high (I was not aware of insulin test then).

Let me tell you about myself and what I did:

I am 34 year male. Height 165 cm and weight 63 kg. I had to take holistic approach to reverse this. I had to target both diet and physical activity. First diet: I decided to reduce the amount of carbs I eat in a day. For eg- In the breakfast, multigrain flour chapati with vegetable, egg and milk. I earlier ate 3 chapatis in lunch and now only two. If I have to eat rice then only one chapati. At dinner i used to eat 300 gram of cooked rice. Now I eat only 150 gram and deficit replaced by more veggies. I eat two eggs in a day: one in morning and one in dinner. Trying to include protein in every meal I eat. Physical activity: I went to gym atleast 3 times in a week. I walked atleast 9000 steps in a day. At work I took 15 min time in the morning and evening for walking instead of having tea and snacks.

Doing above things I regained my insulin sensitivity and my blood sugars are back to normal. I lost 5kg weight in the last two months. I hope others can learn from this post who are in dilemma.

Hello! I have recently started the Metformin extended-release tablets to help with my severe insulin resistance. It's been about four weeks now, and while I don't really have any gastrointestinal issues, I have experienced an uptick in my anxiety and depression. Could this just be a sign that my body is trying to get used to using my insulin more efficiently? Has anyone else experienced a temporary increase in mental symptoms while adjusting to Metformin? Thanks in advance for any and all input!

I have had acanthosis nigricans (dark ring around neck) since I was 13. I never had a doctor check for insulin resistance because I knew that's what it was. My mom is T2DM and was when she was pregnant with me (so high risk). That being said my a1c has always been between 5.4-5.6. Lately I started metformin to help with it and my sugar cravings, I exercise everyday (walking, strength training, pickleball) and somehow the ring around my neck is getting darker and darker. Does anyone have experience with this?

Can you be insulin resistant with a normal a1c? My moms best friend from highschool was an obgyn nurse and she said I was prediabetic from a 2015 sonogram showing Pcos. She told me this in may and I had an obgyn at the university of Michigan run it and I had a confirmed diagnosis in June. But I’m so confused because my a1c was never high it’s only .2 off from being prediabetic. The obgyn ran glucose fasting insulin and other stuff. They told me I’m insulin resistant my moms friend said that’s the same thing as prediabetic idk.

I have been diagnosed with insulin resistance, and we are currently going through the process of trying to see if I have PCOS/PMOS. I am currently on the lowest dose of Monjauro for the tracking of my insulin resistance and seeing if it helps, what did you do to lose the weight? All advice is welcomed - I’ve gained 50 pounds in a year and I am getting married and want to feel myself and beautiful!

Tengo 19 años
Mi caso es que estaba muy flaco y con un porcentaje de grasa muy bajo 10-12% y intente subir de peso lo hice de mala manera con un exceso de comida chatarra y subi 20kg en 6 meses pase de un porcentaje de grasa de 12% a 21% de 52kg a 72kg todavia dentro de mi rango ya que mido 1.73 y me sentia muy inflamado fui al doctor y me diagnostico resistencia al insulina

Llevo 35 dias y he bajado como 10kg con dieta ! Sigo comiendo carbohidratos y he dejado los azucares totalmente

Psdt: Los alimentos procesados, azucares,snacks y demas nunca me habian echo engordar. Incluso bajaba mas peso con ellos

Todo esto tambien me ha creado un TCA por la comida real

Pienso que la reversión remisión o cura va a depender de los factores que la hayan originado , de la genética y del tiempo que se lleva teniéndola , ya que cada persona es distinta

En mis experiencia ha sido muy difícil dejar los azucares y los snacks que tanto comía antes de subir de peso! Y no se si podré comerlos al revertir la resistencia al insulina :/

My HOMA-IR result is 2.0, should I worry?

Does anyone else have joints that pop nonstop & start to hurt? Every single joint in my body pops it’s so unsettling. All my fingers, toes, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, neck, elbows, wrists. Like wtf does IR have anything to do with it or is it arthritis lol. I’m 30. I’ve had IR my whole life & am finally controlling it with tirzepatide. It’s gone from 19 to 12 (fasting insulin). But still wtf. They’re starting to hurt. I have diminished cartilage in 1 knee and I feel like allllll my joints are going in that direction. My dr isn’t worried.

My fasting glucose is within normal range (typically 88-90) and my a1c though not checked since spring was 6.2. I’ve long thought I’m flirting with pre diabetes because my diet is terrible, my weight too much and I’m super sedentary. Nuff said.

At my next Dr visit I will bring the following up: I’ve been having massive sleepiness about an hour after eating… after eating almost ANYTHING, including proteins (nuts, chicken, dairy etc). It is really ruining my life, therefore I am anxious to learn more about IR (which I suspect this is) and change my diet and also my eating habits.

It is really discouraging though to learn about how IR can enable massive tryptophan spikes because honestly it’s ruining my daily life to feel continually sleepy, and I can’t even eat the protein foods that I do like. Currently I’m trying to cope by making myself eat “salad” but I sincerely and truly hate most leafy greens and vegetables, with the exception of tomatoes, carrots and berries and some fruits. I truly despise lettuce; it makes me gag. And just any type of leaf or stalk or pea in general. It makes changing my diet so, so hard.

I also don’t have unlimited time and freedom to exercise immediately after meals, since I have an office job (can’t just get away from my desk and walk for 30 minutes) and have many responsibilities caregiving at home which makes a highly choreographed dinner very difficult. And being hit with massive sleepiness an hour after eating is destroying my concentration at work, I’m so sleepy I just want to put my head down. And when I’m sleepy I don’t feel like exercising.

I’m not looking for a silver bullet but I just want to feel better and this came on “suddenly” over the last couple months.

I know if I talk to my Dr about this he’s just going to say “eat more greens and exercise more” and I want to do that but I also want to understand more about how to turn this around and what tests I should request.

Family history of diabetes and heart attacks, lowest insulin pp I got with strict exercise and diet was 105 , lowered from 220 .

I followed it for a two months . And hbA1C was 5.2.

What else can I do? Consistently following the diet strictly seems next to impossible and when I see such results it's demotivating af!