#21

I cannot be sure but I don’t think the metformin is doing anything. I have added Berberine, and in the past couple of weeks, 3 mg Rybelsus and about 100 mg Harmine HCl. Started titrating the 3 mg Rybelsus – 3mg is not a therapeutic dose, just a “starter” to get you used to the meds. I’m pretty sensitive and since Rybelsus has a half life of about 5-6 days decided to do every other day for a little while, and then move to 7mg. Also hope to get some input from an endocrinogist.

Have not computed the averages but when I look back at FBG starting early July until now it does look like it is coming down a little. Still not where it should be. I believe I am insulin sensitive-- but not making sufficient insulin.

#22

We likely have a similar condition. My fasting insulin is in the mid to low 3s. My most recent HOMA-IR was 0.9. That indicates very good insulin sensitivity, but low insulin production.

You should join the RADIANT study. They will help diagnose you. I think you will find that very few endocrinologists have much to say about low insulin producers who do not have autoimmune antibodies. They will shrug their shoulders and suggest you eat less carb, exercise more, and try all of the diabetes medicines out there until one works.

I would not expect metformin or berberine to do anything for you if you are not insulin resistant. You should try Ozempic. Rybelsus is lame for bioavailability. It might work for you, but the weekly injection of Ozempic is easy, painless, and way more effective. But, if you are going to do Ozempic, you should just go straight to Tirzepatide. The GIP in Tirzepetide stimulates insulin production. I just switched and saw about a 10 point drop in average blood glucose. I’m on 10mg now and will consider upping the dose to 12.5 next month.

BTW, I also take Acarbose every so often with meals. I might try one of the SGLT-1 drugs if I don’t get the result I’m hoping for with the Tirzepatide.

#23

Jacob, thank you for your response. I tried to get on to the Radiant study but since I am prediabetic and do not have a diagnosis of diabetes and do not have official labs showing high (enough) glucose, they said I could not be a participant. (they do not accept finger sticks as measurement). I suspect you are correct – I – we – are pretty much on our own here. That’s why I have gone ahead with the Rybelsus and Harmine. But even before seeing your note was thinking I should get Tirzepatide. Where did you get yours? Did you have a script? I am going to see the endocrinologist on 9/25 – aassuming I am not bumped from the schedule yet again. I guess I don’t hold out a lot of hope but will wait to see what he says. Testing to rule out other possible pancreas issues? But meanwhile you have helped me feel even more convinced I should ditch the Rybelsus and move to Tirzepatide, so thanks –

#24

I would start by trying LillyDirect which is the direct sales operation at Eli Lilly. They make the drug. I don’t know if they will prescribe to you as a pre-diabetic, but maybe.

I also saw that HIMS and HERS is offering legit compounded Ozempic. They do their own prescribing as well. That might be a good angle.

Given that your blood sugar condition is not life threatening, I would suggest limiting to trying one thing at a time and starting with the things that are best proven. Jumping the gun on Harmin, for instance, is rife with risk, whereas Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are pretty well proven.

I’m also curious – what is your main motivation:

  • heading off long term high blood sugar?
  • addressing general metabolic health or weight?
  • concern for other risk factors long term?
  • something else ?
#25

Thank you: it is reassuring to know there are sources.

Have you watched Dr. Stewart’s presentation? (It is linked at the top of this thread) I ask because you said that Harmine is risky. I am generally quite risk averse but after watching the presentation several times, felt fairly confident in proceeding. I have found I can take up to approximately 100 mg without feeling anything. Subjects in the research have taken 2-3 times that amount with no ill effects but I will stay at 100mg. Per the research, this is ample to have the benefits; taking too much (I read in a different paper) can actually have the opposite effect.

My glucose is not life threatening, but is not good and going in the wrong direction. My objective is to avoid having to take insulin entirely or at least for as long as possible. There is research going back at least 10 years pointing to GLP-1 agonists as stimulators of insulin. Stewart’s work is the first I’ve seen to combine a DYRK1A inhibitor (Harmine) with a GLP1. There is also research pointing to GLP1 having a neuroprotective effect, and since Alzheimers is a big concern going forward, I am pretty certain I want to be on the GLP1.

I would like to see the ITP study Harmine and other DYRK1 inhibitors, both by itself and in combination with GLP1.

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#26

I have been wearing Libre 3 glucose monitor for a few months now. It shows that around 6 am (while I’m still sleeping), my glucose is in the 70ies range and slowly goes up for 2 more hours. When I get up at 8 am, it’s usually between 80 and 90. Then an hour later, it 105-110. If I didn’t wear Libre 3, and measured it manually before breakfast, I would think that it’s elevated (105+). Your reading of 114 could look high because you measure it too late after waking up. Just a thought.

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