Stacking CJC-1295/Ipamorelin and MK-677: 8-week bloodwork results
I just got my labs back after 8 weeks on a stack of CJC-1295/Ipamorelin (100mcg/100mcg nightly) and MK-677 (12.5mg daily). My IGF-1 levels jumped from 180 ng/mL to 295 ng/mL, which is exactly where I wanted to be. My sleep quality has been incredible—my Oura ring shows my deep sleep increased by about 45 minutes on average. However, the hunger from the MK-677 is still a struggle. I’ve gained about 4lbs, but it’s mostly lean mass. My fasting glucose did tick up slightly to 98 mg/dL, so I’m going to start adding berberine to keep that in check. Has anyone else had to manage glucose spikes while on this specific stack? Curious if I should drop the MK-677 dose or just keep pushing through.
It is great to see you tracking your progress with bloodwork. Jumping to an IGF-1 level of 295 ng/mL suggests the synergistic pulsatile release of GH via the GHRH analog (CJC-1295) and the GHRP (Ipamorelin) is working effectively, especially when combined with the ghrelin-mimetic activity of MK-677. However, that fasting glucose bump to 98 mg/dL is a common side effect of MK-677, as it can induce insulin resistance by increasing endogenous GH and IGF-1 levels. Since you mentioned being proactive, many in the community mitigate this by incorporating berberine or dihydroberberine with their largest meals, or cycling MK-677 on a 5-days-on/2-days-off protocol to maintain sensitivity. Given the hunger struggle, ensuring you are prioritizing complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars can also help stabilize those glucose readings. Keep monitoring your HbA1c closely; if it trends upward, you might consider adjusting your MK-677 dosage downward or taking a brief break. Always consult with your physician regarding these metabolic shifts.