Blood glucose #s

[Winnie94]

My elderly mother of 94 years was just diagnosed with diabetes. Her initial # was 39 and was put on 1 pill/day of 500 mg Metformin. The level immediately dropped by half (20-22) then has been very slowly going doing for the last 6 days. She is healthy, somewhat active, and we have changed her what was an already reasonably good diet to decrease her sugar intake. How quickly should this Metformin be working? I am not worried as I think 16-18 (so far) is still meaning that it is on a downward spiral, which is good. But others in the family think she needs to have a quicker drop in numbers and want her meds increased. I see the doctor again in one week.

 

[mo1905]

Steady drop is better. Also, it's not just sugars that need decreasing. Look out for carbs, pasta, bread, rice, potato etc. Hope your mother feels better soon ! Mind you, if I managed to make it to 94, I doubt I'd take any dietary advice off a forum lol ! Respect to her

 

[Bluetit1802]

Metformin is a good safe drug, but has limited effect on blood sugars, so it is unlikely this is the reason why your mum's glucose levels have dropped by such a lot. It does help, but not by a lot. It helps the liver and has some other good qualities. I believe it is mainly an appetite suppressant. To get her levels down, as Mo said above, she would need to reduce her carbohydrates as they all turn to sugar once in the system. Being active will help, especially if she can increase her exercise a little. One thing for sure, Metformin alone won't help a great deal. It is down to diet and exercise. I can't help feeling this sounds cruel for a lady of her age! I wish her all the best.