Wellness

[Shanus]

My fasting insulin #s are OK, but A1C are borderline. My doc wants to start me on Metformin. Opinions? Side effects?

[Buck-i-Nana]

I think that's really jumping the gun on going the drug route.

I would strongly suggest reviewing and revising your diet and exercise and modify that first and see how it goes.

I was borderline 3 years (or so) ago and went on a low starch eating plan and increased my walking.  I brought my numbers completely back into the normal range and have kept them there.  Can I ever go back to eating like I used to?  Nope, and you know what?  I don't miss the old eating habits.

[cerb]

At my last physical my MD also told me that my A1C was just starting to get a little high.  She told me to cut sugar out of my diet, eat healthier, exercise more, and lose some weight.  Standard healthy living advise.  I have lost 10% of my body weight since then.  She did not mention prescription medication at that point.  I do not know anything about Metformin, but I would want to discuss lifestyle changes with my doctor before taking the medicine.

[RedTop]

Everyone I know who takes Metformin initially dealt with the major side effect, diarrhea, until their system adjusted to the medication.   Usually the first week was the worst, and things improved after that and beyond.   This medication works well to control blood sugar, and is one of the first meds considered with a diabetic diagnosis.   

Metformin continues to be a challenge for me.  My system tolerates 500 mg fine, but I still deal with severe gastric issues on a higher dosage.   I actually processed Janumet and Tradjenta much easier, and had great A1c numbers on these newer drugs, but read articles mentioning both in connection to increased risk for pancreatic cancer.     Therefore, I agreed to try Metformin again now that I'm retired, and don't have to deal with the bad side effects while at work.   

I urge you to take your borderline results seriously, in an effort to decrease the devastating effects of progressive diabetes in the future.   Best wishes to you!

[cherry]

You might find some relief taking a probiotic @RedTop  You can buy it over the counter

[Trinity11]

Many studies are proving it prolongs life and especially in people with cancer. Numerous websites explain the mechanism of metformin.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277679.php

Hopefully, the medication will not become outrageously priced as it is the most popular diabetic med on the market. It rarely causes hypoglycemia and it has a fairly good track record regarding side effects.

[151949]

Like the OP I have not met the diabetes assoc. critera for being diagnosed with diabetes which is 2 consecutive A1c > 7.0. However, my PCP put me on metformin anyway. The newest metformin out is a timed release and I have never had any side effects from taking it.Of course I take the lowest dose - 500mg. Many people have a terrible time with diarrhea on just metformion - but tolerate the times release well.

[jaxs mom]

Why wouldn't you try diet first? Cut back on sugar, high glycemic carbs and if you need to lose weight. Also exercise. 

[RedTop]

@cherry,

I've taken acidophilus for years as a probiotic.  My digestive system is just extremely sensitive as a result of many lifelong food allergies.   It's just the way I am.   

[SeaMaiden]

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@Trinity11 wrote:

Many studies are proving it prolongs life and especially in people with cancer. Numerous websites explain the mechanism of metformin.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277679.php

Hopefully, the medication will not become outrageously priced as it is the most popular diabetic med on the market. It rarely causes hypoglycemia and it has a fairly good track record regarding side effects.

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@Trinity11  The LifeExtention foundation talks highly of it for prolonging life.  Many people have their DRs prescribe it to take  as a  supplement  without having blood sugar issues at all.