• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Unmedicated vs a little metformin

Sorry, is this the T2 target or is this Jack's own stats?

I have no chance of sub 5.5 fasting On one metformin a day and am due a review. Maybe I need more? Managing to stay under 8 the rest of the time, but struggling with my fasting readings. Ho hum.
 
Here are what doctors currently believe to be non-diabetic readings. I happen to fall in the normal range with metformin and LCHF, if it was me I'd aim for these targets as a T2 without taking any hypo drugs
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045524.php
Fasting blood sugarunder 100 mg/dl (5.5 mmol/L)
One hour after meals under 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L)
Two hours after meals under 120 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/L)
 
Cheers Jack.

I will talk to my nurse soon. The forthcoming hba1c will not tell the whole story, but how do I explain about my high fasting readings to a woman who thinks I should not be testing at all?

For what it's worth, back on topic, I don't think taking metformin is such a bad thing as it has many benefits.
 

As a matter of interest, why would you like to be back on Metformin?
 
AndBreathe said:
As a matter of interest, why would you like to be back on Metformin?
Click to expand...

I'm running a Marathon in September, which requires me to (1) lose a lot of weight (2) be in deep ketosis between now and then. Metformin would help me with both.

(I am sure that I'll lose a lot of weight with keto + marathon training, but since every pound counts over 26.2 miles I want all of the help I can get).
 

mate it's your health, I'd tell her you are testing and why you think it might be of benefit to up your metformin because you still have high BG, when they do the A1c, they should do morning fasting BG and a complete scan, kidney liver lipids etc.
 
jack412 said:
mate it's your health, I'd tell her you are testing and why you think it might be of benefit to up your metformin because you still have high BG, when they do the A1c, they should do morning fasting BG and a complete scan, kidney liver lipids etc.
Click to expand...
Appointment made for 30th April. Will see how it goes. Thanks, Jack.

When I phoned up to make the appointment with the nurse, I was told there was a note for me to see the dietitian again. Told them that was not necessary...I am...erm...washing my hair that day
 
I'd see the dietitian and tell her/him what diet you want to do, it's their job to help you achieve your desired outcome, even if they disagree. they all want you to eat 60% carb 20% protein and 20% fat from the 70's
 
Hi since taking metformin I have felt so much better that and lower carbs
 

I've found for me that too lose weight I have to food journal and count calories.

If I plateau, I just start cutting small amounts until I lose again. Some times it amazes me that 100 less calories and I start losing again.

For both diet and BG control, I believe exercise with the focus of increasing your heart rate and transforming or building more lean muscle is paramount - this at first is not fun.

Also, I agree that not too worry about meds at first but focus on controlling your BG level to as normal as you can with the focus on reducing post meal spikes and normal A1c

I would read Dr. Bernstein's book 'Diabetic Solution' @ http://www.diabetes-book.com



Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 

Hey borofergie

What is your training method? How many miles per week? Are you running with a group? More importantly are u enjoying the training?

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 

This is why I like the shots (75/25 humolog mix 3 units in am and 0 to 4units in evening depending on Bg , exercise and dinner carbs )

I can get good control - docs want me off I've refused unless I get a c-peptide test they won't authorize

But I think everyone's disease can be different depending on ones insulin resistance and how many beta cells are dead, worn out or dying

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
runner2009 said:
Hey borofergie
What is your training method? How many miles per week? Are you running with a group? More importantly are u enjoying the training?
Click to expand...

The Marathon isn't until the end of September, so I'm starting the Hal Higdon Novice2 at the end of May.

I've been running for 3 years, but was injured for the first 10 weeks of this year, so I'm just trying to build a base in April and May. I'll run 80 miles a month, at the moment all at aerobic pace.

I'm not a fast runner, looking at about a 5 hour marathon (I hope).

And yes. I love running.
 

Your comment made me laugh (hollowly).

I went to the DN recently, for a fasting blood test. We had the following conversation:

Me: I wouldn't be surprised if I show as diabetic this time. I test my glucose with a meter, and I think my reaction to carbs is that of a diabetic.
Her: Oh, we don't encourage that. Only type 1 diabetics should test, and you have only got raised fasting levels.
Me: I find it helps me to keep my readings down, and I eat low carb because that helps.
Her: Why? What readings do you get?
Me: Well, my fasting is usually...
Her: Oh no, that amount of testing is really not necessary. Have you ever been in double figures?
Me: Yes, occasionally after my main meal.
Her: At 2 or 4 hours?
Me: At 2.
Her: Well you don't need to test. But I will do you an extra blood test (the HbA1c), and you will contact us if your fasting level increases, won't you?

Clearly, my testing gave her useful info and informed her decisions.

So why, exactly, am I not supposed to be testing? Especially since I wasn't asking the NHS to pay for the meter, the strips, or the information
 
I am really interested in this thread as I also want to try other means rather then take metformin and statins. I was prescribed metformin a month ago and I still haven't taken it as of yet and will only do so as a last resort. There are some excellent results i.e. weight loss etc from people here to give this a try. Well done to everyone who managed to keep focused, disciplined and determined to do it the drug free way. I am only stating my own personal preferences here. I would advice all people to get expert advice and continue with any meds.
 
Brunneria said:
So why, exactly, am I not supposed to be testing? Especially since I wasn't asking the NHS to pay for the meter, the strips, or the information
Click to expand...
Cos she's a thick as pigsh*t unthinking zombie IMHO.
 

I am with you on this one. I hate pills.
After my Glucose tolerance test was sky high GP recommended Metaformin statins and tablets to reduce 140/80 Bp.
I said no thanks I will try the natural way first.
Hba1c was 7.7 back in August, 7.1 in October and 6.6 last week. Bp 120/60. HDL ratio GP said should below 4 is now 3.7
I have been more active and lost about a stone and a half.
The gym is a No No so I do about 1/2 hour of exercise with the Wii games and dance games.
It has been surprisingly easy as the dietician was satisfied with my diet which is very simple so no changes there.
Try the natural way first
You can always take tablets later if you need to.
 
Thanks Millicent, you can see how I got on with the DN yesterday at http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/first-meeting-with-dn.56372/

As for exercise, at the moment I do brisk walking but I will probably get a rowing machine as well, especially for when it's dark or raining outside! The GP suggested cycling (no bike), swimming (don't like swimming) or running, might try that when I've lost more weight, but unless I can run rather than jog - which to me is a hazard to the skeleton - I'll stick with the walking, rowing machine and maybe I'll dig out the 'step' from the garage. At least the whole family can use them!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…