On diagnosis for some reason I looked up metformin and did some simple sums, I would not have questioned the medication suggested by a doctor in the past. If I went to the doctor with diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and headaches I would hope that they would suggest that I had food poisoning in some form. From the figures released by the drug companies most people report experiencing at least one of these symptoms and some more than one (the percentage figures add up to over 100% and some people will not have any symptoms). Then I read that metformin works in the liver but quite how it works is not known but checks need to be kept on kidney function. I would like my liver and kidneys to carry on working for as long as possible and if my body responds as if it has been poisoned I take note. I have controlled my bg by lifestyle changes and without any medication for two years. Think how much money I have saved the NHS without risking my health, in fact improving my overall fitness. Then multiply that up by the number of people with early stage diabetes or pre diabetes and the saving could be substantial. I appreciate that it will not work for everyone and may not work long term, also that it is quicker and easier for a busy GP to prescribe a tablet, that most people will expect some form of medication as a result of an appointment. However a self help group set up attached to a surgery would encourage people to walk in the area, exchange food ideas, need not be onerous and would have more benefits. I made a choice, others have made a different choice depending on their circumstances, I am happy to live with my decision.