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Will I need medication?

B

bertj

Member
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My morning fasting test has gradually crept up over the last year or so. It's now between 6 and 7 most mornings compared to 5 - 6 a year ago. I'm pretty careful with my diet and very reluctant to start medication but I suspect my GP will suggest this on my next visit.
I'd be grateful for members thoughts. Thanks
 
Fasting BGs are only one measure. Your HbA1c is a perhaps better measure of your overall control as it gives you an average BG picture, and is what your doctor would use to decide if you need meds. Don't be over concerned though; metformin is the normal first line drug and lots that are denied it would like to be on it. It only has a small effect on BGs but is a good preventative against cardio problems in the future, a common complication of diabetes. It doesn't cause the pancreas to work harder, doesn't induce hypos and has no real downside at all. It can cause some tummy upsets initially in some people which normally wear off, but if not there's a slow release version that doesn't do this. It's a very safe drug that's been around for decades.
 
Bertj
You have contol over WHAT and HOW MUCH you eat. It's likely you could bring your numbers down by making changes there. If it's something you would like to try, read up the low carb threads
Hana
 
Hi. As Grazer says, the Hba1c will be a better guide than morning tests and it's what your GP will use as a measure. When you do your own tests I would go for 2 hours after a main meal lunch or evening as morning tests can be affected by overnight liver glucose dumps. Also, yes Metformin will normally be the first tablet offered and is very safe and well proven. It does help reduce your appetite if that helps. Meanwhile tweak your low-carbing and you may be able to avoid any tablets.
 
Thanks for the help. I'm due to see my GP in June so I'll check my Hba1c then and see what he says. I'm already taking quite a few tablets for other problems; that's why I'm reluctant to add to the collection!
 
I agree that HbA1c is the test you need and this will indicate whether or not you need help. Don't worry as I pretty much managed a good couple of years or so on diet and exercise alone. If put on medication, it's just to help you stay healthy. Although you take charge over what works and doesn't work for you.... don't do what I did and suffer unnecessarily just because a doc said I should be taking some pills. One thing I've learnt is that management of your diabetes will need adjusting from time to time as life goes on.... be prepared for that. Sometimes what worked just stops working... so you have to trial something new. :D
 
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