• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

I wonder if I have...

DiabetesDestroyer

DiabetesDestroyer

Active Member
Messages
31
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi

I was diagnosed as Type 2 in Dec 2012.
In December 2014, I was put on Metformin. Strong family history of Type 2 and insulin-dependent gestational diabetic twice.
My HbA1c was 49.
In March this year, it was down to 43.
I had picked up my old hobby of running in the mean time and completed a few races, including the London Marathon.
My weight has decreased by 24 lbs.
My morning readings are 5.5 and below. My after meal readings are below 7.
The earliest appointment I can get with my diabetic nurse is in just over a month.
My annual review is in December. The last time she saw me (something totally unrelated) in May, she said that I should STOP losing weight.
Is it dangerous to continue taking my Metformin 500mg twice daily or should I wait for the review with the nurse?
Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks x
 
No it wouldn't actually be dangerous, but it might not necessarily be sensible to stop without consulting your nurse first. Metformin isn't a weight loss drug, but it can sometimes help you lose weight by reducing your appetite; it's main use is to help manage your glucose levels, but it looks as though you may not need its help any more. But I think you should look to the amount you're eating, as if you've starting running, you may well need to increase your intake to cover the extra energy you're burning now, and that would hopefully solve continued weight loss.

Robbity
 
Thank you so much for your reply. I will take your advice and continue on the Metformin.
My BMI is 23.4 at the moment. As I am of South Asian descent, I understand from the WHO/NICE guidelines that this is still considered overweight. Personally, I would like to lose a bit more (about a stone) and the running/eating sensibly has been bring it down gradually - no drastic weight loss.
 
BMI is a fairly inaccurate measurement of whether you are the correct weight for your height/age etc.
My son has a high BMI but he is a large muscular policeman who is fairly fit. If you feel you need to lose a bit more weight and others agree i see no problem with doing just that. it is better to be a bit thin than overweight if you are diabetic then if you do gain slightly in the future it is easier to lose a small amount of weight than a large amount.

You seem to be doing well so I am sure you will continue in the right direction.
 
Hi. Metformin is a very safe drug and only has a small effect on blood sugar. I would keep on taking it. Your right weight is really one that you are comfortable with not necessarily one your nurse may think is right. Your BMI is quite good but losing a small amount more might be right for you?
 
I would ask the nurse why she said to stop losing weight. I wouldn't think anyone should stop losing weight until they are at least under a BMI of 20, and even then, it would depend on several factors. There are people here with a BMI of 18 or 19 and they seem to be doing fine. I would love to be under 25! Oh well, I will have to keep working at it, lol.
 
CatLadyNZ said:
I would ask the nurse why she said to stop losing weight. I wouldn't think anyone should stop losing weight until they are at least under a BMI of 20, and even then, it would depend on several factors. There are people here with a BMI of 18 or 19 and they seem to be doing fine. I would love to be under 25! Oh well, I will have to keep working at it, lol.
Click to expand...

I have been a healthy weight all my abult life; hovered around 8st 8-11lbs. After being diagnosed with T2 after my free medical (thought I would sail through) I now have a BMI of 17.3 after cutting my carbs and weight 7 stone. I am fit and active although I do look rather scrawny; a bit like my ex-battery hens when I first got them!!!
 
Back
Top