A1C and HRT

[ImagineKate]

I am going to seek my doctor's advice on this but I was wondering what the experience was.

I am diabetic but it is managed through diet and exercise, and my doctor is happy with that. I have heard that HRT can make it worse? Just how much really? My A1C now is around 6, which is managed (anything below 7) and actually prediabetes level but before I went as high as 7.4 when I had a really unhealthy lifestyle and did not exercise. Unfortunately I have crappy genes with both sides being diabetic, so eventually I'll have to take meds but I want to delay that as long as possible...

Anyone?

[ImagineKate]

Alrighty then. I think I'll just let you guys know what my doc says. 

[Jessica Merriman]

Hi Kate! I know pre HRT my blood sugar would spike to over 650 requiring Metformin and frequent E.R. visit's for insulin. Since beginning transition and HRT it stays at a steady level of 120ish without Metformin. My Endo thinks I had blood sugar issue's because of all the stress my body was under physically, emotionally and mentally. I took 12 daily meds for everything from blood pressure to depression, chronic pain (job caused), etc. I have been off ALL 12 for 16 months now and I really have not changed my diet too much. I don't know if this helps in any way as it is just my personal experience and showed the stress Dysphoria, depression, anxiety, etc, put my body under. 

[mrs izzy]

I have friend that is a type 1 from childhood.

She is 30 something and is on HRT and also had her GRS.

She was on all Spiro, Progesterone and estrogen

So guess its up to your doctor?

[Tessa James]

Hi Kate,  My A1C has been elevated since on HRT but I cannot rule out my sometimes indulgent diet and lack of exercise.  I have gained weight and that is not helping anything but my bust line.  Perhaps the changes in muscle mass and metabolism are less helpful to women in general?  We work harder to make progress;-)
"Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Associated With Better Glycemic Control in Women With Type 2 Diabetes" is the title of an article from The Northern California Kaiser Permanente Diabetes Registry.  That is cisgender women and an older 2001 study however.

Guess we better put down the brownies and get back on the active life trails?

[KayXo]

My A1C is perfect and I'm on a high dose of estrogen and progesterone. Bio-identical. Estrogen taken intramuscularly, progesterone orally.

[ImagineKate]

Thanks ladies. I have an appointment next week for regular blood work review/med check and I'm going to mention HRT and ask. Hey I'm paying lol. Last time I was on it I had more energy, more "get up and go" and I was over the moon with life in general, actually. When I was not on HRT I used to fall asleep on the sofa and that's what led to the doc visit and diagnosis.

[- Rachel -]

I'm type II, thanks to genetics. My A1c is controlled and hasn't changed after starting HRT. I'm on Metformin and Glypizide. On days I ride my bike, I don't have to take the Glypizide.

[ImagineKate]

So I finally saw him, explained what I was going to do and he said E could make it slightly worse. Not only that, spiro could also have a bad effect.

Anyway now they also told me I have to find a new doc because apparently they went out of network. 

I really did not want to go on metformin but it looks like I may have to sooner rather than later.

[Sarah Louise]

I am Diabetic and take insulin, I also have low Thyroid and take meds for that.

I went on estrogen, spiro, etc and had no changes in my A1C readings or thyroid readings.  Most Doctors panic when you tell them you want to start hormones and they really have "no" idea what will happen with your pre-existing conditions.  Its a build in "safety" response, "Oh, you might have a worsening reaction".

[Rachel]

My A1c is between 5 to 5.2. I have had no change with HRT. My doctor said I no longer have diabetes which I just do not believe.  I believe exercise and eat right then my A1C stays low and consistent.

Dinner tonight was a sliced green pepper and egg whites ( salt and pepper to taste) and grape juice. After I walked the dog, a sliver of white chocolate, 6 whole grain chips with Cholula sauce.

[KayXo]

Diabetes is a sugar problem due to insulin production. What causes excess insulin production? Carbohydrates, not fat. Think about it...Insulin is produced when carbs are ingested, to keep blood sugars stable so that the incoming sugar (carbs) does not elevate blood sugar too much. Insulin is known to promote fat storage and increase weight. Ask anyone who takes insulin, the more you take, the more you gain weight. Food for thought...I ain't a doctor though...just an educated reader/thinker that has still lots to learn!

I had also read in a book written by a doctor about hormones that estrogen helped normalize insulin production and make receptors to insulin more sensitive, reducing the likelihood of insulin resistance and eventual shortage of insulin production from pancreas.