Annual review and worried

[trisha53]

Hi. Just had my annual review and my metformin has been increased from 1000 mg to 1500mg as my Hba1c has gone up to 56. I have also been told there is a problem with my kidney function and need another blood test in two weeks. This has really worried me and I wondered if anyone could give me some advice on how to lower my Hba1c and control my diabetes better.

 

[Diabetes UK]

Hi Trisha, sorry to hear you are feeling worried after your review. I saw from a previous post that you test your bg levels. Have you found that helpful at all, or have you used testing to see if any foods in particular impact your levels significantly?
You have also mentioned in other posts that you enjoy potatoes. There are quite a few potato alternatives that can be lower in carbs or calories, like making mash with other veg, or a mix - such as celeriac/potato mash, swede or parsnip? Or having sweet potatoes instead of potatoes?

It may also be that you just simply need more than your current dose of metformin and D&E, perhaps an increase in the metformin may be what is needed to reduce your bg levels at the moment. The main thing is that whatever you are treating your diabetes with, is working for you. I am sure more folk will be along to give their own advice on reducing your HbA1c, and others who have had experience with concerns around kidney function.

 

[CathyB]

Hi Trisha, I wouldn’t see the increase in metformin as something to worry about, if it’s what your body needs then it’s a good thing as it will help you 🙂 I can understand your concern about your kidney function but try not to stress about it, for now they are checking you out, that’s a good thing too as if there is a problem they will identify it and look at how to help. I don’t know how you manage your diet, but I chose to go low carb as my bg was 22 at the start so I cut all potatoes, rice, pasta and fruit, the only bread I eat is Burgen, a soy and linseed low carb option. I can honestly say I have never felt better, my bloods are under control. My weight is dropping and I’m enjoying cooking again and trying to be creative 😉 Maybe if you share some of the things you eat, we might be able to offer some thoughts? Do you test regularly?

 

[trisha53]

Hi. Yes I do test regularly but I have trouble with the carbohydrates I eat. I have since spoken with the doctor about the kidney function test the receptionist told me about and he said it wasn't kidneys it was low potassium. I have recently retired so I'm going to increase my exercise and limit my carbohydrate intake. I realise I need to be careful about what I'm doing.

 

[Ruby/London]

Reducing carbs has been a successful strategy for me, trisha. I aim for about 35/40g a day and this is keeping things steady. You will have to factor in your meds. I don't have the expertise to advise on that. However, I have been astonished at how even a small amount of rice, pasta, bread or fruit can spike my results.

Good luck🙂

 

[trophywench]

I think there's potassium in bananas as well as zinc, both of which we need but there's also shedloads of carbs in them so I've steered well clear of them since actually seeing what they did to my BG.

Here's a link to a reliable source that gives a list of non carb foods with it. http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/salt/Home/Howtoeatmorepotassium/Otherfoods

 

[CathyB]

Trisha, something I found invaluable was keeping a food diary for a few weeks and tracking that to my blood testing, it was then quite easy to see which meals caused the worse reaction, then I could look at that meal and tweak or swap things and try again. I learned so much this way!

 

[trisha53]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've been told that strawberries are a good source of potassium. I'm determined to lower my BG and I know with your support I can do it.

 

[Ruby/London]

welcome on board🙂