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Starting Metformin

A

Annecordelia

Member
Hi Everyone
I was diagnosed with T2 3 years ago. I'm 4 st overweight. My hba1c started at 58 and is now 64, after I tried and failed to control with low carb etc. My fault entirely - I just couldn't stick to it.
I started metformin yesterday but would like some advice please. What do you all do with regards to food? Do you eat normally? Do you go low carb high protein? I know that's the ideal, but if I could do that I probably wouldn't need the medication In the first place. Can you stop if you need to for a day or two - whilst travelling, say? Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Thanks x
 
Hi @Annecordelia

My understanding of metformin is that for some people it does assist if used regularly and may help with liver dumps and insulin resistance. On its own, however, it is unlikely to be enough to reduce your HbA1C into the non-diabetic range.

If you look at some of my early posts I had a real pity party at the thought of going low carb. I really didn't think I could do it. What helped me was regular testing- sort of positive feedback my for my 'sacifice' at not eating carbs. Even today I would describe myself as a carbolic even though it's more than 2 and a half years since I ate more than 20 grams of carbs on any one day. I find it easier to go very low carb than just low carb. I don't know moderation. Now if I have a carb blow out it's maybe 15-20 grams of carbs in a day.

However, I really wanted to give controlling my diabetes a go by diet alone. It has worked I've had recent blood tests which show that my insulin resistance is now in the normal range and my HbA1C has been in the normal range for more than 2 years. I know that if I went back to eating a more 'normal' level of carbs that would change. But for me I really wanted to give controlling it by diet my best effort.

I really think that there is no one size fits all. We are all here because we have diabetes- how we manage that varies considerably and in my view there is no wrong decision as long as you have all the facts and make a decision based on your own circumstances. My mother uses insulin as a type 2. That is a choice she has made and as long as that works for her that is great. She is physically fitter than most women in their 80s actually through mostly good luck. She has been very fortunate that she has not suffered any of the complications of diabetes. My brother was not so fortunate. He was in denial for a long time with leg ulcers. He is now strictly keto and the ulcers have cleared up and he has lost probably 60 kilos. (just a guess) he looks great!

So I guess my recommendation is to start by getting a meter. Regular testing will allow you to get some information on what different foods are doing to your levels. That will allow you to make decisions based on more information. It may be that your body can tolerate more carbs than you think and you can find a level you can sustain and keep your levels down.

If you are interested in trying low carb again there is a low carb part of this forum that may help by giving you ideas on things to eat- otherwise just post asking for ideas and letting people know the types of things you like or don't like. I have found that there are a lot more options now than there used to be.

Anyway, the decision you make today doesn't bind you for the rest of your life. The saying about it being a marathon not a sprint is very true.

Good luck and please let us know how we can help.
 
I am also interested in answers to your questions Annecordelia. I am no longer able to control my diabetes by diet only and it is time to take metformin. I feel quite anxious about it and could do with knowing the best way to take it to avoid side effects.
 
Hi there I’ve been on met Forman for a year now first I started on normal release this caused slot of diarrhoea my diabetic nurse changed me to glucophage slow release this helped slot I hope this helps

Can anyone tell me how to start a thread can’t seem to do it and I have a question need advice thanks Alexander
 
I was diagnosed with T2 in Feb 2020 and offered metformin straight away. I said no. Within 3 months I got my Hba1c back down to 38 - I was equivalent to your starting point. Two plus years on I am still at 38. A low carb diet can be done and there are plenty of good guides and great food to eat. I certainly suggest getting back to it and look at Dr Michael Mosley's books.

I use a fingerprick meter to keep an eye on things. Also a good tool is the Libre Freestyle CGM.

My GP said to me on offering Metformin, that that was it and I would end up on insulin at some point and all the complications that come with being DT2. That should be an incentive to anyone to get a good healthy eating plan going and sticking to it.

You can do it. Join a support group and research the subject.
 
The key thing that helps me stick to low carb is seeing results on my meter, virtually instantly.
It means I can't hide from the fact I had cake, for example. The spike shows immediately and I cannot fool myself it didn't have an effect. Seeing those spikes and knowing each may be harming my already poor eyesight is really focusing. Thats not to say I don't have the occasional wobble, I do . But those wobblesare so few and far between they don't affect my average bg or my weight.
 
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