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Another newbie with another question!

Chiefy

Chiefy

Well-Known Member
Messages
92
Location
Kent
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
T2D!!
Hello everyone,

Firstly thank you (in advance) for taking the time to read this and for the responses. Well, a little about me; just turned 60, and was diagnosed as a T2 in early March of this year. I knew I had it (for a long time before) but convinced myself if I didn't get it diagnosed then I didn't have it - I was also very anxious, even scared about it if I'm honest. Hence I just didn't go the GP - it was easier not to. Anyway, I had to go and see the GP and the results were (as at early March):

Weight - 132 kg
Height - 6 ft
BP - 134/86
HbA1c - 82mmol/mol
Blood/Glucose - 11.6
Total Cholesterol - 4.8 mmol
Serum Cholesterol/HDL - 6.0

When she confirmed I had T2, it hit me like a brick even though I already knew. She prescribed Metformin x 3 per day and Atorvastatin 20mg x 1 per day. Although I was pleased with my cholesterol level, she said those with T2 should be under 4 and I was 4.8.

Since then, and because I hadn't dealt with it when I should have, and, having read all the very helpful and inspiring stories on this site, I decided to make a real effort to control it. So, I bought a Tee2+ where I check myself at least twice a day, at varied times. Have lost 17kgs, walk between 2 - 5 miles per day and cut 80% carbs from my diet. This has all had a positive effect and my BG has come down to 5.9 (average over 3 weeks - time I've had the Tee2). Highest being 7.8 and lowest is 4.9. I have not had a new HbA1c test but I hope that has come down too.

So, my question, even though the GP prescribed Metformin x 3 per day, I only take 2 as I feel I have made real progress. As for the Statin, I am very dubious about taking this having seen first hand some of the side effects it can cause. Firstly, should I take the 3rd metformin tablet until told otherwise by the GP and, how accurate (in the opinion of this very informed community) was the information regarding T2 and cholesterol 'should be under 4' comment from the GP (she is 'old school'!).

Thankyou in advance and I'm so glad I found this site which offers so much support.
 
Chiefy said:
Hello everyone,

Firstly thank you (in advance) for taking the time to read this and for the responses. Well, a little about me; just turned 60, and was diagnosed as a T2 in early March of this year. I knew I had it (for a long time before) but convinced myself if I didn't get it diagnosed then I didn't have it - I was also very anxious, even scared about it if I'm honest. Hence I just didn't go the GP - it was easier not to. Anyway, I had to go and see the GP and the results were (as at early March):

Weight - 132 kg
Height - 6 ft
BP - 134/86
HbA1c - 82mmol/mol
Blood/Glucose - 11.6
Total Cholesterol - 4.8 mmol
Serum Cholesterol/HDL - 6.0

When she confirmed I had T2, it hit me like a brick even though I already knew. She prescribed Metformin x 3 per day and Atorvastatin 20mg x 1 per day. Although I was pleased with my cholesterol level, she said those with T2 should be under 4 and I was 4.8.

Since then, and because I hadn't dealt with it when I should have, and, having read all the very helpful and inspiring stories on this site, I decided to make a real effort to control it. So, I bought a Tee2+ where I check myself at least twice a day, at varied times. Have lost 17kgs, walk between 2 - 5 miles per day and cut 80% carbs from my diet. This has all had a positive effect and my BG has come down to 5.9 (average over 3 weeks - time I've had the Tee2). Highest being 7.8 and lowest is 4.9. I have not had a new HbA1c test but I hope that has come down too.

So, my question, even though the GP prescribed Metformin x 3 per day, I only take 2 as I feel I have made real progress. As for the Statin, I am very dubious about taking this having seen first hand some of the side effects it can cause. Firstly, should I take the 3rd metformin tablet until told otherwise by the GP and, how accurate (in the opinion of this very informed community) was the information regarding T2 and cholesterol 'should be under 4' comment from the GP (she is 'old school'!).

Thankyou in advance and I'm so glad I found this site which offers so much support.
Click to expand...
She is “old school” says it all.

Prescribing Statins based only on the fact the you are diabetic in my non medical opinion is poor. Prescribing based on total number alone rather than ratios or triglycerides is even worse. And that’s if you even subscribe to the view that for those with no cvd history they have more than dubious benefits. It also is likely to raise blood glucose levels. I am female and a decade younger than you but have higher total level levels (Both on diagnosis and now) and no statins are coming my way. They were offered on a similar basis as it’s a tick box but I declined their “kind” offer. Over my dead body frankly as ratios are good. Hdl is good. Triglycerides are excellent.

I’ve never taken metformin having used diet to control my levels. Your numbers look an excellent improvement without the 3rd tablet. The weight loss is phenomenal. Again mine is not a medical opinion or recommendation but in your shoes I’d be getting a new hb1ac before making decisions to add medications after such drastic changes rather than risk taking unnecessary medication. Ultimately it’s your choice after their advice.

Weight loss by any method not just low carb high fat might temporarily increase cholesterol. It usually drops below the initial figure once stabilised though. This thread will teach you far more than you dr appears to know about cholesterol
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/cholesterol-and-statins.156985/
 
Keep that weight loss going ... makes a huge difference. :)
 
Chiefy said:
Hello everyone,

Firstly thank you (in advance) for taking the time to read this and for the responses. Well, a little about me; just turned 60, and was diagnosed as a T2 in early March of this year. I knew I had it (for a long time before) but convinced myself if I didn't get it diagnosed then I didn't have it - I was also very anxious, even scared about it if I'm honest. Hence I just didn't go the GP - it was easier not to. Anyway, I had to go and see the GP and the results were (as at early March):

Weight - 132 kg
Height - 6 ft
BP - 134/86
HbA1c - 82mmol/mol
Blood/Glucose - 11.6
Total Cholesterol - 4.8 mmol
Serum Cholesterol/HDL - 6.0

When she confirmed I had T2, it hit me like a brick even though I already knew. She prescribed Metformin x 3 per day and Atorvastatin 20mg x 1 per day. Although I was pleased with my cholesterol level, she said those with T2 should be under 4 and I was 4.8.

Since then, and because I hadn't dealt with it when I should have, and, having read all the very helpful and inspiring stories on this site, I decided to make a real effort to control it. So, I bought a Tee2+ where I check myself at least twice a day, at varied times. Have lost 17kgs, walk between 2 - 5 miles per day and cut 80% carbs from my diet. This has all had a positive effect and my BG has come down to 5.9 (average over 3 weeks - time I've had the Tee2). Highest being 7.8 and lowest is 4.9. I have not had a new HbA1c test but I hope that has come down too.

So, my question, even though the GP prescribed Metformin x 3 per day, I only take 2 as I feel I have made real progress. As for the Statin, I am very dubious about taking this having seen first hand some of the side effects it can cause. Firstly, should I take the 3rd metformin tablet until told otherwise by the GP and, how accurate (in the opinion of this very informed community) was the information regarding T2 and cholesterol 'should be under 4' comment from the GP (she is 'old school'!).

Thankyou in advance and I'm so glad I found this site which offers so much support.
Click to expand...
Not a fan of statins... They clash with my other conditions, and I didn't need them at all, just a "you're diabetic so here, have some statins" thing, like you encountered. They raise blood glucose more often than not, but hey, who needs logical thinking? (And for me, they also caused joint pains). With low carb/high fat or Keto, my cholesterol's just fine. And yes, your HbA1c will have come down considerably on the regime you're on now. So well done you! As for metformin, keep this up and you won't need it. Usually is a good idea to go over it with your doc though, before ditching it entirely... Seeing as they're "old school", they might not be very supportive. I know my endo thought my being in the normal range was all due to a smidge of medication. (Not like it's possible a patient does something proactive and effective herself eh). Thankfully, my GP was a bit more open to the LCHF idea. ;)
 
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