Expert: Eric Brandt - 5/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have diabetes which I treat with diet and exercise.  A1C is usually between 6 and 6.5 (US measure).  My body temp ranges from 94.5 to 97.5.  My thyroid (t3 and t4) are both normal.  I have the syptoms of low thyroid (fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain despite exercise) but when treated for that I just get worse.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Ellie,
Are near age of menopause? Are you anemic?
Have you had your estrogen levels checked?
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

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QUESTION: I am 39.  My estrogen levels were great last time I checked (last year).  Not anemic.  I eat clean proteins and vegetables about 85% to 90% of the time.  No wheat, rice, potatoes or corn.  Extremely little fruit (once a week), almost no sugar.  I am doing IV treatments at the moment to help the energy levels. I eat between 1200 and 1400 calories a day.  The weight gain is really frustrating.  Any ideas?  Thank you for the help!

ANSWER: Hi Ellie,
I really can not explain the weight gain. Can you list for me what medications you take?
Thank you for using Alexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. pharm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am only taking fish oils, a multi-vitamin, chromium, vitamin D (2 times a week).  I used to take metformin (caused 24/7 nausea).  I tried Januvia for a month and started to have heart and sleep issues.
Long time ago I was on Dilatin (11 years on, went off in 1983), various anti-depressants.  I've been off those for 7 years.  Everything in tests look great, cholesterol is low, almost too low.  Blood pressure is great.  Cardio crp was a bit high in my last test.  Everything else is dead normal.  I work out about 45 min to 1 hr every day.  Thanks for looking this into this for me. Ellie

Answer
Hi Ellie,
I am still not coming up with any great ideas. Do you know what your body mass index is? Working out as much as you do builds muscle which weighs more than fat. Also the liver makes glucose if you are not consuming enough. It thinks you are starving and makes glucose. Some carbs are good, just watch the glycemic index.
I too beat Type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. Congratulations
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm