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[KatyB]

Hi all, having recently put on 2 stone (combination of menopause and giving up smoking, but does seem extreme) I've been looking around at what there is to know about pre-diabetes (recently diagnosed) and menopause. I came across a reference on MM to Infolic (by LJB12 here https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,35101.msg561805.html#msg561805
 being advised by Mr Panay). So I've been looking around and found some papers sounding very hopeful re this in connection with menopause and weight gain or (pre) diabetes. Its non-hormonal and vegetarian, originally intended for women with PCOS, and it seems there are distinct links in causation.. See http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/735252 re reductions in key parameters for menopausal women. See the evidence tab on the product data sheet for many more papers re use with PCOS. (Assume I can't put that link here). Or this one http://www.jamesarmatage.co.uk/gynaecology/pcos/. Think its worth adding to the low carb diet and the increased exercise (got to do something) and indeed getting my hormonal balance better with HRT if I can find the system which works for me....thought it might be useful for others too.

[Tempest]

Katy, thank you! I think there was mention about Infolic before on MM. I'm just about to have my 4 hour glucose tolerance test in a couple of weeks time (keeping everything crossed that its OK)!

Has anyone mentioned starting Metformin for you? My Endo. likes to start it early. I'm actually having regular episodes of reactive hypoglycemia, so am concerned that I'm heading into insulin resistance.

Don't forget stress reduction too - it really helps with blood sugar control and is vital for actual diabetics so worth factoring that in to your lifestyle as it can help enormously (says she - who is the ultimate stress bunny)!xxxxx

[KatyB]

Hi Tempest, thanks for the advice, I don't actually have a specialist, and indeed got very little advice other than "eat sensibly and do more exercise" so I'm in the self-education loop at the moment.  Yes, I can see that stress reduction is relevant to both blood sugar and mood control and lots of other bits too (having just eaten a doughnut!!!)https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif. And yes, I got the original reference from MM - had never heard of it, but there's also a Daily Mail article somewhere discussed....also stressed diet, not just this supplement of course.

[Libralady]

This is all very interesting.
I had PCOS diagnosed years ago and took metformin successfully for years. When I first went on metformin I lost a lot of weight and managed to keep it off. As I approached menopause the weight has piled on. I was taken off metformin but I do get high blood sugar readings and have to watch what I eat but the weight will not shift. I have been told I have metabolic syndrome, also have high blood pressure. Inofolic sounds very interesting. Has anyone here taken it?

[KatyB]

Hi Libralady, I'm still at exploration stage. Can't see an update from LJB12 on whether she took it. I think I saw a ref to it being quite expensive somewhere. Given its not prescription I guess whatever its cost is has to be met direct by the user.....

[KatyB]

Did find this article - I don't know enough about PCOS to judge, but seems to imply myo-inositol in correct dose can be helpful. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/020314p40.shtml. Hope that is helpful. Also realised that getting the non-brand name version is not particularly expensive, but the capsules readily available in UK will require several to get to the dose suggested in the papers. And might need separate folic acid (not sure if that's only for fertility treatment, but seems to come in a package in the papers I've seen).