Tuan Tran's Journal
A Vietnamese-American Experience

My Journey Without Risky GLP-1 Drugs

Why I Share This

I want to help people get healthy safely. After nearly dying from a liver blood clot caused by GLP-1 medication, I realized that drug-free strategies can be far more effective and safe, especially for people with unique metabolic histories or past malnutrition. This page shares my story, lessons learned, and practical strategies that helped me control diabetes, lower insulin, and lose weight — all without dangerous side effects.

My Experience With GLP-1 Drugs

I was prescribed GLP-1 therapy for type 2 diabetes:

• Injection form: severe nausea and vomiting
• Oral form: a liver blood clot that could have killed me

I also grew up during wartime Vietnam, with chronic food scarcity. My metabolism was adapted to survive famine — making appetite-suppressing drugs extremely dangerous.

Key takeaway: Drugs that are safe for some people can be life-threatening for others, depending on their metabolism and history.

Lessons Learned

1. GLP-1 drugs are not universal appetite blockers
◦ Designed for adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes
◦ Can cause nausea, dehydration, liver stress, and blood clots in vulnerable individuals

2. Dose is not everything
◦ Higher doses do not guarantee better results
◦ Even standard doses can overwhelm a famine-adapted metabolism

3. Food and lifestyle come first
◦ Well-designed diets and safe medications often outperform risky drugs
◦ Nutrient-dense foods support long-term organ health and metabolic balance

My Safe Diabetes Strategy

I switched to a plan that works with my body, not against it:

Medications:

• Toujeo (long-acting insulin): steady blood sugar without affecting appetite or stressing the liver

• Metformin: improves insulin sensitivity safely

Diet: Low-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber, mostly plant-based

Daily Menu

Breakfast:
• 1 cup oat milk + 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Lunch:
• 4 oz seitan + 3.5 oz tofu
• Large salad with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp cider vinegar, 1 tbsp liquid aminos
• Supplements: 600 mg algae oil, 600 mg calcium + D3, 1000 mcg B12

Dinner:
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds + 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 2 Brazil nuts + nori seaweed
• Tasty Bite Madras Lentils

Results after one month:
• Fasting insulin: 135 → 44
• Weight loss: 10 pounds
• No life-threatening side effects

Why This Works
• Blood sugar control: Protein and low-glycemic foods prevent insulin spikes
• Natural satiety: Fiber, protein, and healthy fats help you feel full safely
• Organ protection: Nutrients support liver, heart, and thyroid health
• Sustainable: Can be maintained for long-term health without drugs

Advice for Others
• Be cautious with appetite-suppressing drugs; they are not safe for everyone
• Focus on diet, lifestyle, and safe medications first
• Listen to your body and personalize your approach
• Education and whole-food strategies are often more effective than drugs alone

Final Thoughts
This page is part of my mission at www.tuantran.org to share safe, evidence-based approaches to diabetes and weight management.
My goal is to help people get healthy without unnecessary risks, relying on nutrition, science, and awareness — not just drugs.

© 2001 Tuan Tran