First Doctors Appt Since Diagnosis

[LeftPeg]

So my new hba1c - taken 3 weeks after I started LCHF - is 90. My previous hba1c was 103; however, this was taken back in August, 2 months prior to me starting LCHF, so I imagine it got much higher in the meantime.

Had my feet checked ("wonderful" according to the doc), and had it confirmed that my kidney & liver are still functioning well. I've been referred for retinal screening, so fingers crossed that's all clear and I've avoided any serious damage. I've lost 2 stone since diagnoses (I don't weigh myself so was pleasantly surprised).

She set me a target hba1c of 54 at my next test in Feb, and I've told her I'm going to smash it

Only downsides are that she paid no attention to the fact I'd been self-testing and was now reporting non-diabetic FBGs, and tried to push Metformin on me. She also went on about how I should eat a plate containing protein, meat and carbs! No thanks.

Here's to what is hopefully my last ever diabetic hba1c reading!

 

[Guzzler]

You are off and running! Well done.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

Only downsides are that she paid no attention to the fact I'd been self-testing and was now reporting non-diabetic FBGs, and tried to push Metformin on me.

Only 3 weeks, so a good start really. As for Metformin, your decision, but don't hold out if low carb is not the whole answer. It goes a long way towards keeping BG down and making medication unnecessary, at least you're monitoring your progress, so will know how things are going, save the HbA1c from being a complete surprise.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

I've told her I'm going to smash it

I'm sure you will. All the best.

 

[LeftPeg]

Only 3 weeks, so a good start really. As for Metformin, your decision, but don't hold out if low carb is not the whole answer. It goes a long way towards keeping BG down and making medication unnecessary, at least you're monitoring your progress, so will know how things are going, save the HbA1c from being a complete surprise.

Cheers - don't mean to be dismissive of what is a helpful drug for many people. I'm hopeful that a low car diet, and the subsequent weight-loss, will put my hba1c back into safe territory, but if it doesn't I'd consider medication.

 

[ringi]

Personly I consider metformin to be helpful, few people get the side effects for more than a few days provided they slowly increase the dose and have it with food. There is nothing preventing you stopping it if you do get the side effects and it does help a little with weight loss and reducing how much sugar our livers make.

Also regardless of what a GP says you are not signing up to take Metformin for life, as once your A1c has been below 40 for some time and you are happy with your weight there is limited benefits in keeping taking it.

But if avoiding metformin motives you to radically reduce your carb intake, then keep trying to avoid it.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Well done, you are on the way down and that is excellent after such a short time.

One piece of advice. It is best not to take your doctor's word for it that your liver and kidney functions are OK. You need to see what the results were for yourself. Too many doctors and nurses think we won't understand real numbers so say "fine" or "OK" when they may well be teetering on the edge of normal. This happens a lot. Ask for print outs. If you don't understand the figures we will help you. The same goes for your cholesterol and cholesterol breakdown levels. You are entitled to print outs - the receptionist can sort them out for you. Also, if you are in England you can ask if your surgery puts test results on line as they are supposed to do, and how to register for this.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

don't mean to be dismissive of what is a helpful drug for many people.

No worries, it's all I take at the moment but to be honest, when I get a spike in the morning after no food for 12 hours after a low carb dinner the night before, I have to question it's efficacy.

 

[LeftPeg]

Well done, you are on the way down and that is excellent after such a short time.

One piece of advice. It is best not to take your doctor's word for it that your liver and kidney functions are OK. You need to see what the results were for yourself. Too many doctors and nurses think we won't understand real numbers so say "fine" or "OK" when they may well be teetering on the edge of normal. This happens a lot. Ask for print outs. If you don't understand the figures we will help you. The same goes for your cholesterol and cholesterol breakdown levels. You are entitled to print outs - the receptionist can sort them out for you. Also, if you are in England you can ask if your surgery puts test results on line as they are supposed to do, and how to register for this.

Thanks, I’ll take that advice and see for myself what my liver results are. Cholesterol-wise I know my numbers as I’ve got FH and get tested regularly. In fact it was the lipid clinic who first spotted my hba1c creeping up over the years!