I just saw your comment on my post, so I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I have mixed feelings about the treatment I've received so far (one visit with a dietitian, 2 with Judith Townsend). I am scheduled to see Dr. Arrone in November. I've been on the metformin now for about 2 months and I think my body is adjusting to it. I also believe that my appetite and craving for sweets has diminished somewhat, but not entirely. From my 2.5 years as a participant in the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program at St. Luke's, I learned quite a bit about the benefits of metformin, or glucophage, in reducing blood glucose levels and the chance of developing diabetes. The diarrhea seems to have subsided. I currently take two 500 mg doses per day.

Despite the fact that I think there is some inherent bias against fat people even in Dr. Arrone's office (I have yet to see an overweight staff member), I do think that Judith has helped me be hyper-aware of the dangers of insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels. This "scared straight" approach works for me. I have not lost much weight - I seem to hover around the same 10 pound range for the past 5 years. However, learning to eat healthier and incorporating moderate exercise can vastly improve the internal health of your body and drastically lower the risk of developing diabetes. In this vein, I really do think that knowledge is power, and anything you do to help yourself get healthier is very well worth it.

I suggest you give Dr. Arrone and his staff a try. I believe at this point that putting up with the undesirable side effects that came with getting used to taking metformin is worth it.