Finally started on metformin

I was at Hb1AC 48, then 47, then 57, then 65, and then I had it done again, and they didn't tell me the number, but said I have to start on metformin. I will try to get the number, but it often seems that your medical records are regarded as nothing to do with you. You have to keep on asking to get the information. My first metformin was today. The nurse wants me to make an telephone appointment to learn all about diabetes - I'm dreading being given very generic information that falls into the category of general knowledge. I don't want someone to talk down to me on this subject. When I went for the last blood test, the nurse wanted a full rundown of what I eat, and told me to ditch the full-fat yoghurts and eat low-fat yoghurts instead. I tried to explain that low-fat yoghurts substitute fat for carbohydrates, but she refused to accept that, and stated that low-fat yoghurts are low in sugar too. So I had to just let her say what she felt like saying, without interrupting her. I don't like the way diabetes is a subject that every lay person has a view on, although they generally know nothing about it...

I think it is the regular metformin. There is no mention of extended-release on the box. I've been told take one tablet with breakfast for a week, and then one at breakfast and one at dinner for a week, and thereafter two at breakfast and two at dinner-time.

OK, thank you for the advice.

yes, thank you. I knew the nurse was wrong!

TriciaWs said:

Apart from full fat yogurt (and is that plain or flavoured with sugar?) what do you usually eat?

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I've started buying a leg of lamb each week, and then snacking on that throughout the week. I don't really like zero carbs, so I have yoghurts (full fat), peanuts, cheese, drink plenty of cherry juice.

It's not like I'm eating proper meals. I don't sit down to meat and veg. Because of the carb restriction, it's difficult to eat a proper meal. I might have beef slices one meal and then snack on some cheese and then have some lamb. And then have some yoghurts later on. I'm definitely not having an haute-cuisine experience.

ianf0ster said:

@Languagelearner I see you are T2 and have been diet controlled. - Do you have a Blood Glucose Meter , and do you 'eat to it'?
If so then an HbA1C of65 or more means that Low Carb Way Of Eating isn't enough and you need medication (or you are really a Type 1/LADA ).

If you don't have a BG meter, but can afford one, then you have been denying yourself your best shot at T2 remission.

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I've got a blood glucose monitor, but have only used it twice. I figured that if I limited carbs, what do I need to measure my blood sugar for?
As far as diabetes like symptoms, I can fall a sleep in the afternoon, and had a long problem with my legs, which became very itchy all the way up the knee - itchy enough to draw blood. But if I stick to eating meat, it goes away.

I'm thinking metformin may make me drink less - as diabetes is associated with greater thirst. I had less to drink today than normal.