This is harder than I thought

Bit of background: diagnosed Type 2 in April 2015, straight onto Metformin, discovered LCHF diet, lost loads of weight, got HbA1c down to 5.0 so came off the meds two-and-a-half weeks ago.

I kept to the same diet as when I was on Metformin, to see exactly what effect the meds were having on me and have found that they were actually being quite helpful. My BG levels are definitely higher than before - they're up to the 7's and 8's, which I know isn't horrific, but I'm much more comfortable with 5's and 6's! I've therefore reduced the carbs even more and am keeping better track of them, but am finding it hard. I've ramped up the testing again and my fingers aren't thanking me! They'd got used to me knowing how different foods affected me whilst on the Metformin, but it's a different thing without it!

I don't have a problem with going back onto the meds, but if I can do this by myself, I'd be much happier.

I guess the reason I'm posting this is to acknowledge that it's not plain sailing and to see if any of you who have been there, seen it and done it, have any recommendations. For instance, is measuring ketones worth doing?

I hope you don't mind me posting this on the LC diet forum rather than one of the meds ones as I feel I "know" you guys better!

Edited to add that I didn't expect it to be easy and am not whining about it, just getting my head around it!

ExD said:

Good for you - losing weight - I haven't.

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I've always struggled with losing weight - I'm a naturally "padded" person with an hourglass figures, it's just that there are too many hours in my glass! I found it much easier on the LCHF way of life - I don't feel denied of the things which are no longer in my life, which obviously helps! The fat part really helps me. Hope you find a way as well. (((hugs)))

bulkbiker said:

You haven't really given any details of how LC you were or what you are eating.. I didn't think metformin was supposed to be very good at lowering sugars anyway so am a bit surprised you have had such a strong reaction to coming off it.

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I have to be honest, I was winging it - I wasn't keeping detailed track of the carbs, but at a guesstimate, would say no more than 50g per day. I think I realise now that I need to be a bit more precise with it and get down to 20g or 30g. I'm a pescetarian and had stopped eating all underground vegetables, pasta, rice, grains, wheat etc, as well as no sweet stuff, fruit etc. Part of the problem may be that my husband has had an accident (not serious) which means we're not getting the same excercise as before. He's on crutches at the moment, so I'm staying close to help him. I think I need to get off my wobbly bum and get some excercise!

I was also surprised at the reaction to coming off the Metformin, but the glucose levels really did change almost immediately. (Actually, so did the "bathroom habits" - much happier now! Sorry if that's TMI!). Thanks for your interest @bulkbiker .

Edited for shocking spelling!

muzza3 said:

Hi @Pink_Minx

Congratulations on getting off the meds and the weight loss. This is a huge result that is rewarding you for the hard work you have put in. Probably not a bad idea keeping the carbs lower in the short-term but also be patient as I believe the BG will come down even if you maintain the diet that has got you these great results. Its not a whinge as we know it is hard work but look at the tremendous results you have achieved by taking control yourself. Well Done and keep posting your BG's

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Thanks, @muzza3! I've found this forum to be so motivating and helpful, so huge thank you to all of you!

bulkbiker said:

I'm a lazy git so don't do much exercise at the moment..

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Well, at least you're honest! I don't take any great pleasure in it and need to be prodded. Now, if I lived by lovely warm sea, I'd be swimming all the time, but there's not an awful lot of warm sea in Bromley!

Thanks for the tip about coming down with something - I've keep an eye out for bugs.

That's really helpful - thanks very much @Brunneria. There's so much I don't know that I don't know! Every time I think I know something, I find a whole load of things I still don't know!

Thanks for all the info. I think I may have taken the HF part of LCHF a bit literally as well!

I do like the Diet Doctor site, but have found that most recipes are meat based, so not necessarily for me. I do like his ideas though - he makes it make sense.

Thanks all for the pep-talk - I feel inspired now!

Bluetit1802 said:

What Metformin doesn't do is reduce post meal spikes. If you know what your post meal spikes were before stopping Metformin (the actual rise from before to after) after a particular meal, try having the same meal again a few times and look at the rise. If it is much more than previously experienced, it isn't because you stopped Metformin, it is something else, possibly your portion sizes increasing.

Metformin does, however, help to a small extent with the Dawn Phenomenon liver dump, so that may explain why your fastings are higher.

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Thank you, @Bluetit1802 - I'll give it a go. I do think the Metformin had an appetite suppression element, so will keep an eye on the portion sizes as well!