Low carb wirh or without metformin

[Lizzypier]

I'm looking for some advice so here's the back story in brief.
Diagnosed Type 2 in 2016. Put into reversal/remittance with in 8months by losing 20kg, yoga and low carb/cal at 40g per day. No meds. HaB1c 38 from 64
Last year thing started to slide and HaB1c started rapid rise. I kept thinking I would sort it. But the carbs crept in..
Early 2024 a small lump was found near my thyroid (which functions fine). It has follicular cells which requires it to be removes. Surgery day and my pre op Hab1c hit 85. Eek.
Anaesthetic not possible so I was sent home. Lump to be monitored until range is good. Does need out asap though.
GP prescribed Metformin over the phone. Couldn't answer any questions except to say thousands take it, you will probably feel awful for a bit and read the label.
I am now 10 days into low carb again.
So far lost 2 kg . Waking reading 8.8, pre meal 7.9. I'm happy its going the right direction. Still reluctant to take meds.

Now questions for the team please.

Low carb and metformin.... do I speed up the process and take them? Or low and slow. I would love some thoughts here. Thank you.

 

[Pipp]

Hi @Lizzypier , welcome back.

We cannot advise on going against the advice you have from your GP on prescribed meds. However, nobody is forced to take prescribed meds if they choose not to.

In your situation, I would probably want to lower my BG as soon as possible to enable the surgery to go ahead. I am, in fact, due to have parathyroid surgery soon, so being very vigilant about my own BG levels.

Metformin will possibly help, but not as much as altering your diet. I still take it, along with low carbing, and maintain for several years HbA1c of between 41 and 46 apart from a high of 55 when I was very ill a few years ago.

It could help to get opinion from your surgical team. Such as info on the timescale for the expected surgery, and criteria for the BG HbA1c they require. That might help you decide on your method of lowering those levels.

Your GP could have been a bit more helpful. Some people do get abdominal issues with Metformin, so need a slow release type. I have been fortunate not to have those symtoms and get along just fine on the standard version.

Best of luck, whatever you decide, and please keepus informed of your choice, and your progress.

 

[MrsA2]

Surgery day and my pre op Hab1c hit 85. Eek.

Was that really a hba1c? Or a finger prick?
It could well be the stress of the day, and the lead up.
As well as improving bg control try adding in some meditation, yoga and another calming tricks

 

[Resurgam]

@Lizzypier If you do decide to take the Metformin do arrange to be at home for a few days until you know if you can cope with it.
Some people have no problems at all - others have moderate disturbance to their gut - some are unlucky enough to experience explosive faecal incontinence which can really spoil your day, I can tell you.
Fortunately I have been eating low carb and seen fairly normal HbA1c levels year on year, so I don't need medication.

 

[Lizzypier]

Was that really a hba1c? Or a finger prick?
It could well be the stress of the day, and the lead up.
As well as improving bg control try adding in some meditation, yoga and another calming tricks

It was an Hba1c. But I've had a pretty stressful few months too. It really shocked me a bit. Working at being calm now.

 

[Chris24Main]

The meditation suggestion may seem a bit left field, but I would totally back it up, I've been really surprised at the difference that ten minutes a day makes to your whole life.