No metformin

If the HbA1c indicates a low level why bother with Metformin ? Stay diet only if you can keep good control. Are you having a problem with your levels ?

Seems sensible to wait and see before going onto any Meds unless you need to.

Yup - Metformin is the first line treatment for T2 Diabetes. Your initial dose will probably be 500g once a day, but this will be increased based on the results of your HbA1c, and how well you tolerate the Metformin.

If you're worried about the way you feel at the moment (tired/sleepy/sluggish etc...) you can drasticaly reduce these symptoms by cutting out/reducing the sugar and carbs you eat. Try avoiding:

Bread
Pasta
Rice
Cereal

for a few days and see how you feel.

Clairslloyd said:

Dont know about levels because they also wouldnt give me a monitor - only reason I thinks its too high is the headaches and falling asleep

Click to expand...

If you don't have a monitor then buy one....we are talking about your health here and you need to know what your Bg levels are especially after meals, you can't go around just guessing. You can also get one free by phoning up any of the manufacturers. Buy strips off ebay if you can't get them on prescription.

As for 'first stage' treatment for Diabetes ......diet alone is actually the first 'treatment', then if that doesn't work you get put onto Metformin. If you have tried the diet approach and it isn't working then you will have to have some Med's. Fact of life.

How long have you been on diet only, it can take a while for the effects of high Bg levels to come down and sometimes symptoms will continue until the levels normalise. Then you may start getting more energy back.

I also notice that you are on other non-Diabetic meds which can also cause lethargy and possible tiredness, so it isn't always the case that it is Diabetes related although it may be. Thyroid and other problems can also give similar side effects. Never assume it is always Diabetes related.

Get a meter and see what the readings actually are when you are tired. See your GP about the headaches as well.

Here is a link to the Community page guides to Blood Glucose meters :

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care ... guide.html

I have had a number of meters over the years and they are all much the same but various ones do different things. You probably just need a simple meter. Contact each manufacturer by phone and just tell them you need to test a lot as you are newly diagnosed....... :wink: Most will usually be happy to provide one free.

This business about the headaches is disconcerting.....have you had any investigations into this ? Mention it to your GP when you go, it isn't something you should have to put up with. My ex had constant headaches and was prescribed medication which completely got rid of it. Bp and headaches including tiredness can also be a problem. Do you know what your BP levels are running at ? Eyesight can also be a factor if there is a headache problem. Get it checked out.

162/123 is very high........I think you might need your BP meds increased. As Diabetic's the medical consensus is that we should try and keep BP below 130/80. Have you spoken to your GP about this ?

I am on BP meds and I know that if I forget to take them and BP goes high I get all sorts of problems, ringing in the ears, headache, sweating etc. Just a thought. My BP is usually around 110/70 most days with medication, forget and it soars.

Let us know how you get on with a meter etc.