Update on my diabetes

@KunsanVeteran why would i need to discuss the meds? I mean i have it under control so even then i will need meds? If lifestyle is working better than meds then whats wrong in it?

@bill117 You asked for guidance going forward and said that 3 months ago you had an extremely high Hb A1c of 12.6. Presumably you have DM type 2 with insulin resistance. When the beta cells in your pancreas begin to fail, you can bounce back acutely with adjustments to your lifestyle. How sustainable those improvements turn out to be is variable.

Glucophage is generally the first line medication for those with insulin resistance and can prolong beta cell function.

Also, there is a lot of research into Glucophage as a possible agent for life extension.

@KunsanVeteran yes i needed this. Thanks for taking out time to explain.

Even if i am able to sustain the kind of lifestyle i had for the past three months then also i will need to look into it?

@bill117 Bill—one important piece you haven’t mentioned is your weight. Do you know your BMI? If not, tell me your weight and height and I’ll get your BMI.

If you want to lose some weight, Glucophage can help with modest weight loss.

Yes, I would still discuss Glucophage with your health care provider. It can be helpful, has few side effects, and can prevent or significantly delay the onset of type II DM.

@KunsanVeteran I have lost a lot of weight. BMI is between 19-20. I just thought and read as well that maintaining a careful diet with exercises and everything else will let me keep off the meds. Whats your experience?

@bill117 That weight loss is great! Your BMI is spot on! The weight loss will be a huge benefit going forward!

Try to get moderate exercise every day. I personally do a minimum of 10,000steps per day which I can easily get in by walking my dogs. Most days I average about 14,000 steps.

I was diagnosed with pre diabetes with insulin resistance at age 58. Through diet (primarily plant based, chicken & poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, plenty of vegetables and fruit), no alcohol, never smoked); began Metformin (Glucophage) and brought my Hb A1c down to usually 5.4 which is at the upper end of the normal range. I retired at 62 and I have been retired for five years.

I have a very strong family history of type 2 diabetes.

So it can be done and it sounds like you are well on the way. I don’t have a continuous glucose monitor, but that may be added soon.

I hope that you can control it with diet and exercise—basically lifestyle changes, but I would have that discussion with your health care provider about whether Glucophage may help by preserving your pancreatic function.

Best of luck to you!

@KunsanVeteran Thank you. This helps a lot.