When my A1c was 88, my GP wanted to increase Metformin to 2 times two 500 tablets per day. I didn't want to, as that was the max, according to Google search, so she added dapagliflazin to my 3 Metformin per day. It didn't bring down my A1c. What did was an emergency, which caused me to look carefully at diet, even though I'm only slightly overweight. I've gone from 88 down to 62 in 3 months, so not as low as your 54. I would be thrilled with 54, but I get that it's direction that is important. I'm just mentioning my circumstance because you asked about dapagliflazin. I'm in no position to advise, but just think encouragement and motivation are so important.