Hello, NDNOutlaw, yes, I have both. Because Diabetes requires such stringent diet
maintenance to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range, the removal of things like caffeine, grains,(especially wheat, rye, barley) and sugar have had a very strong positive effect in reducing biplar, type II illness. In fact, I take only 10 mg. Prozac daily and probably could get by without that if I struggled more about keeping the wrong foods out of my diet--you know, fried foods, milk products, cheese, etc.

I couldn't take Metformin either, but get along well with Amaryl (or Glimepiride) 1.5 mg in A.M. and 1.5 mg in P.M. In some instances people are really able to control the Diabetes so well that the bipolar aspect of our illness is really the lesser of two unfortunate situations--both probably inherited.

I like Victoza, but it's expensive in comparison to just changing the diet to get the same results. Lamictal and Abilify are expensive, as well.

Diabetics are missing an enzyme in the stomach that breaks disaccharides and that's what Victoza replaces.

It's easier for me to just eliminate from my diet what is causing the problem--fast-acting carbohydrates.

Frankly, I did a little research myself on this and found that the mineral molybdenum was extremely helpful to me in controlling the blood glucose levels. It has to do with sulfur thiols in the body. (Some of the diabetic medications are sulfonylureas and they can cause problems.) Less problematic is Glimepiride (Amaryl) than other sulfonylureas for me. With molybdenum (about 50 mcg. once daily) my glucose range is almost normal. BUT! What works for one might not work for another. Please check with your doctor.

I see no reason why you might not be able to remain active and happily employed if you are willing to make the changes in your diet that will enable you to have milder emotional reactions and fewer negative feelings. It's really the sugar and caffeine and wheat for the most part that are so detrimental.

You may learn all about that by going to such places as DoctorYourself.com and looking down the left-hand column until you see "Caffeine Allergy" by Ruth Whalen.
Please read that. Then, when you have time, read Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons works
called "Potatoes, Not Prozac" or "Radiant Recovery" or "The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Program".

She's the first woman ever to be awarded a PHD in addictive nutrition and is responsible for the final recognition of the medical field's acceptance of "sugar sensitivity". I recommend her work highly. Applying her advice is almost a miracle for serious people who wish to improve their status-quo.

Good wishes.