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Metformin - risks and benefits

L

Loisw

Newbie
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I am a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic - my hbA1C was 6.7 which I was quite pleased with!! Not sure whether I should have been.
I was wondering what the risks and benefits of metformin are, and if I would need to start taking it. I don't want to take medication unless necessary , on the other hand I don't want to risk my health by being reluctant to start medication.l
:?:
 
Welcome here, a good place (in general, just the odd bit of controversy).

6.7 is quite good, but you might be able to get it down a bit more in time. It takes time you know!

A meter is essential in my book, it will allow you to see what foods push your blood sugars up.

I am on Metformin and it enables me to keep my HbA1c at around 5%. (Coupled with diet and excercise).

Metformin is a safe drug in the main and many Doctors consider it suitable for all T2 diabetics, it has some protective benefits and may enable the pancreas to recover to some extent by "giving it a bit of a rest".

You should discuss the benefits of Metformin and whether it is suitable for you with your Doctor.

H
 
Hi Loisw,

A warm welcome to the forum. There are plenty of experienced people here who will help you with any queries that you have.

There is a general information sheet about Metformin here,
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=12124

It is also a good drug for heart health so it certainly has benefits.

There is some dietary information that you can read up on that is given to newly diagnosed. If there is anything that you don't understand then please ask away. Someone will answer. viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17088
 
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