Prospects for coming off meds

Sirius

Member
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As I explained in my introductory post (link below) my HbA1c has been down to around 5.4 or less for around a year or so (from over 10 at diagnosis), and my latest reading was 4.8, although as I explained in the other post I'm a bit sceptical about that!

Anyway, I'm still on 2x500mg Metformin per day, so does anyone have an opinion as to my prospects for coming off the tablets, or am I just as well to continue with them as I have no obvious side-effects from them?

BTW, you may be interested to know that my BG has never been tested other than when fasting, and since a couple of tests at diagnosis (which were around 16 or so) I've only had it done once, which I think was in the low fives, which was around the same as my HbA1C at that time.


http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=11958
 

FordPrefect

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139
Well ultimately its down to you personally to decide and you are always at liberty to decide to no longer take medication. I think a lot of doctors prefer to keep you on medication however as its down in the guidelines from the specialists. Don't forget that metformin also protects various organs from the damage that high blood sugar causes even if you only have relatively short spikes. My specialist but it quite bluntly to me. Diabetics who take metformin regularly live longer its as simple as that. Metformin has also been linked to a reduction in the chance of contracting some cancers too. But dont forget I am no doctor just another diabetic like yourself. If you are really unsure talk to your GP for more advice.
 

cugila

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Sirius stated, Anyway, I'm still on 2x500mg Metformin per day, so does anyone have an opinion as to my prospects for coming off the tablets, or am I just as well to continue with them as I have no obvious side-effects from them?

Yes, it is perfectly possible to come off the medication providing you can still keep good BG control. However as FP has stated, there are also other benefits atributed to Metformin which you might also need to consider.

I was on 3g Metformin and 320mg Gliclazide for years. I gained great Bg control and gradually was weaned off both meds. I eventually got down to the point where I stopped taking both meds with my Consultant's guidance and support. My Bg control remained stable without the meds.

Unfortunately, due to an unrelated non-Diabetic condition, I have had to re-instate some Metformin and some Glic at odd times, a temporary lapse I hope. But to sum up, the meds do not have to be for life.....
 

Sirius

Member
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10
Thanks FP and cugila - interesting about the possible protective effects against cancer.

The diabetes nurse who does my blood test did mention reducing me to one tablet a day, but I haven't seen the doctor since then and as I'm not that bothered about it I haven't asked to see him and vice versa. And my previous GP has moved on to pastures new so my recent results were reviewed by another GP thus I'm starting from scratch with him and haven't seen him yet.

But since it's not really any hassle taking the Metformin then I'll just play it by ear at the moment.