Reducing Weight to Qualify for Islet Cell Transplant Study

[Guest guest]

Chrissy,

You wrote, " You have to have 3000 islet cells per kg. That's

probably why they were so strict with the weights. To make sure

they could implant enough patients for better study results. "

I know, it does take a lot of cells transplanted. It is also true

that having good results in the study are really quite essential to

ensure further studies.

I spoke to Dr. Sutherland when he was here and he spent a long time

explaining the difference between the islet cells from obese

individuals and those from who are thin. The cells, themselves,

change. He said that an individual getting a cadaver islet cell

transplant would need fewer islets cells if the cadaver was thin and

more islet cells if the cadaver was obese.

The changes primarily have to do with insulin resistance. This is

one thing that worries me tremendously. My insulin requirements are

going higher and higher. If I am able to do physical activity after

an insulin injection then I need less. If I inject insulin and do

nothing but sit or return to bed due to pain, there is absolutely no

effect on my blood sugar. In my reading I found the following:

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).

CLA is a potent insulin sensitizer, thus lowering insulin resistance

and consequently insulin levels. By activating certain enzymes and

enhancing glucose transport into the cells, CLA acts to lower blood

sugar levels and normalize insulin levels. CLA is also anti-

diabetogenic: it helps prevent adult onset diabetes. CLA reduces

body fat, and increases muscle. CLA is an inhibitor of tumor growth

and may prevent some cancers such as breast and prostate. CLA

decrease fat deposition, especially in the abdomen and enhances

muscle growth. Suggested CLA daily dose: 3 to 6 grams.

Chromium and Magnesium.

These elements have been shown to help break down cellular insulin

resistance. Magnesium deficiency is another cause of excessive

weight gain. Magnesium may protect against heart attacks and

stroke. Chromium can lower cholesterol levels as well as serum

glucose levels. For chromium to be effective, it needs to have

niacin present. Suggested daily dose of chromium (with niacin):

200 mcg before meals. Suggested daily dose of Magnesium: 500 mg

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Lowers glucose and insulin levels, reduces insulin resistance and

improves insulin sensitivity. Lowers cholesterol, protects LDL

against oxidation, and is beneficial in preventing and treating

Syndrome X/diabetes. As little as 250 mg daily of alpha lipoic acid

may be sufficient in healthy individuals if used with a full

spectrum antioxidant.

Vitamin C

Lowers blood glucose and CRP levels, inhibits glycation, prevents

accumulation of sorbitol, protects against free radicals. Vitamin C

reduces C-reactive protein (CRP), a predictive factor for diabetes.

CRP is higher in individuals with clinical evidence of insulin

resistance. Administering vitamin C in amounts of 1,000 to 3,000 mg

daily (in divided doses) has been shown to significantly improve a

diabetic's prognosis and lower insulin resistance.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress, enhances insulin sensitivity and

glucose transport, and prevents complications arising from

inflammation. Anti-diabetic/insulin resistance value has been

observed using from 400 to 1200 IU of vitamin E/day.

DHEA

A DHEA deficiency is associated with a higher rate of obesity,

insulin resistance, and diabetes. Suggested dosage: 15 mg to 75 mg,

taken early in the day. (50 mg represents a typical daily dose).

I have an appointment with a pain management specialist who is well

trained on herbs and vitamins. I also finally have an appointment

with Dawn Ayers, MD, an Endocrinologist, to see about a pump, as I

heard this helps.

We'll see.

Karyn , RN

Exec. Director, PAI