Genuine question

[jay hay-char]

This may sound like I'm being disingenuous, or even smug, but I'm not - I genuinely want people's opinions.

Went for my diabetic review today and the results were very pleasing - lipids OK, everything functioning well and HBA1c, well.....

Just to backtrack a bit, on T2 diagnosis last May/early June, it was 88 but probably artificially high because I was in the final throes of a vile bug/infection/virus of several weeks' duration. By the time it was tested again, in September, it had dropped to 48, a testament to the benefits of the bug clearing up, metformin (2X500 per day), regular exercise and a reduction in carb intake, though probably not as extreme as some people on here. Today - well, to be exact, last Monday when the blood was taken - it was 32. I am extremely pleased (this is Classic British Understatement, btw )

But, being a glass half empty type, my question is this: Have I come too far too soon? Could I be doing myself damage with such a quick drop? OK, that's two questions .... but I am a classic British worrier. The DN seemed unfazed though she did ask me if I'd ever felt any hypo like symptoms (I haven't). She also gave me a 'flu jab which I had not got around to arranging in the autumn, so that's one less thing for Mrs Hay-Char to nag me about.

One more question: I didn't raise the subject of dosage, but should I be raising the question of whether or not I'm necking too much Metformin, or should I leave it a while to see if my HBA1C does what Stockbrokers refer to as a "dead cat bounce" at my next review?

TIA

 

[novorapidboi26]

I think a drop from 88 to 48 is significant, but as you say, it was likely artificial due to to your illness...........also the time between the tests wasn't that short, a few months had passed......

A quick improvement in overall blood sugar can cause some damage I suppose, my quick improvement back in 2009 I believe was responsible for the manifestation of my retinopathy........

I don't think you have anything to worry about though......

Also I think if you find yourself having hypos and that the hypos are giving a lower HbA1c, then you should maybe talk about reducing the medications, but if all is well with it, just keep doing what your doing.....

 

[Squire Fulwood]

As I understand it any damage that will occur is when your blood sugars are high. Therefore getting them lower quicker is good and I have never heard of harm ensuing from a rapid drop.

Metformin never made any difference to my blood sugars. Dieting and exercising made a dramatic difference. I stopped taking it since I felt I was wasting my time. One day I might regret that but so far it is just one less pill.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. I agree that reducing BS fast shouldn't cause any problems other than perhaps a 'false' hypo until the body re-adjusts. Metformin only ever has small effect on BS and for many people whether you are on 500mg or 2000mg it doesn't make a lot of difference so I would't worry. Discuss when you next see the nurse if necessary.

 

[Lamont D]

As I understand it any damage that will occur is when your blood sugars are high. Therefore getting them lower quicker is good and I have never heard of harm ensuing from a rapid drop.

Metformin never made any difference to my blood sugars. Dieting and exercising made a dramatic difference. I stopped taking it since I felt I was wasting my time. One day I might regret that but so far it is just one less pill.

I agree about damage caused by high blood sugars. But having experienced plenty of hypos, they would cause long term damage if not treated properly medically.

You are doing ok Jay!

 

[Brunneria]

There have been several posts on this forum and some links and studies given, suggesting that if blood glucose levels have been elevated for a while, a sharp drop may reveal/trigger retinopathy.
If you search the forum, you should be able to find the links.

I'm not sure if that retinopathy is resulting from the sustained high levels, or the sudden drop.
But it is a risk, not a definite - and as such it will depend on a number of factors. And I should imagine if you haven't already seen a problem emerge, then you may be free and clear...

In addition, there have also been posts on the forum about how lowering bg levels and keeping them at non diabetic levels for a sustained period, where eyesight has improved, and retinopathy has (to some extent) repaired.

My own experience is that my night vision has improved significantly after lowering my bg to non-diabetic levels.
Dr Bernstein's experience has been a much more dramatic improvement from far more serious complications (see Dr Bernstein's Diabetic Solution)

I suspect that there is really no way of knowing if a sharp drop in bg levels will cause a specific person a specific problem.
Whereas, getting bg down to normal levels, and keeping them there is a sure fire way of improving health prospects in the long run...