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Metfiormin reluctant

D

Don Lee

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello all
New here just interested what people think.
I’ve been prediabetic for 10 years. My last hb1ac was 52. My Doctor said I should go on to metformin. I do not want to do this. I would sooner adjust my diet and see what happen.
Does the group agree with me or think Doctor right.
Thanks
 
What length of time will GP give you to get the numbers down? You might not need to be put on Metformin if you get the numbers down quickly. See what the GP says.
 
3 months. But he give me prescription already. He not my regular doctor.
When I got hb1ac they said no action required.
I seen this doctor about different issue and there was sugar in my wee. Hence why he put me on meds. Think I need chance to adjust my diet personally.
Thanks for reply.
 
Metformin can help so it can be useful, although dietary adjustments may still be needed.
And many of our members have lowered their hba1c by adjusting their diet without metformin, it's up to you.
Don Lee said:
I’ve been prediabetic for 10 years. My last hb1ac was 52. My Doctor said I should go on to metformin. I do not want to do this. I would sooner adjust my diet and see what happen.
Click to expand...
What changes do you plan to make to your diet?
 
To be honest I gone off the rails last 6 months. I will be going back to my old diet. Low carb breakfast lunch tea no snacks.
 
The dr can’t make you do anything nor place any time restrictions on you. They advise, you act or don’t act. And different drs will recommend different options as you’ve already seen so don’t feel guilty about choosing the advice from the one you agree with rather than the other . Plenty of us have reduced levels this high and much more with diet alone. Are you referring to low carb which works really well for most of us.
 
I would simply do a 10 minute brisk walk after each meal.

List of Pros:
Proven to lower blood glucose and insulin rise in all cases (and more than Metformin)

Aids digestion

Get generally fitter

No side affects
 
Hi Don - it’s a personal choice. I’ve been on Metformin and on my 3rd week. Already I’ve seen my blood glucose and HbA1c drop dramatically which is good. It’s means I’m getting control. There are side effects - diarrhoea being the most common and the heightened risk of lactic acidosis but these can be controlled via regular hydration. I’ve also noticed that if I do very active exercise then my blood glucose crashes and I’ve been concerned about going hypoglycaemic.
Diet & exercise do have a positive impact but you need a fair amount of self discipline. Also regular blood checks will be needed to check your renal function. If your GP manages you properly then Metformin can be an asset. Consider getting referred to a Specialist Diabetic Nurse as well. Hope that helps.
 
Hi. Starting low-carb diet is normally the best start point for T2. Metformin can be started later if needed. Metformin is very safe but never has great effect. You can be prescribed Metformin SR (Slow Release) if you have short-term bowel issues with the standard version. I've been on SR for 20 years with no issues.
 

Thanks for your input. I hope all works out well for you.
I think I’m gonna try and get my diet back on track and see where I am in 3 months
 

Thanks for reply this was my thinking.
Yes low carb diet what I was doing. Til I went off rails. Think I give it 3 months back on diet and see how it goes
 
I don't think it is factual that Metformin is safe in the long term, it is only circa 27 years since it was approved, so not even a generation. Any claim is guess work, we are still in a virtual trial period as far as I am concerned.
 
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