should it be going lower

[staceyc]

ive been on metformin since 17th nov just one a day. i do random days of testing but ust lately my b/s seem to be getting higher rather than lower even though i have gone back to healthy eating since my blip at xmas.
should it be going lower now that im on metformin for do the readings not really matter will it just the the blood test at the drs that count

thanks 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Hi Stacey, you are on what I believe is the minimum dose of metformin. Normally, the doctors start you off on this low dose so that you can get used to any side-effects and then increase the dose. Have you got another appointment coming up? If not, then it might be worth making one to discuss what is happening and if the dose needs to be increased.

When are you doing your tests? Is it first thing in the morning before you have eaten? This will probably be the most reliable indicator of whether you need more medication. Are you getting much in the way of exercise? This can really help to bring your levels down - perhaps you haven't got quite so much over the holiday period?

 

[staceyc]

hi thanks for replying i am always 9.5 or abouve int the morning before breakfast and just lately i seem to be creeping into the 12's after brekfast (have plain readybrek) i have just started back to work after maternity leave and the nurse has given me some paperwork to send off for a free gym membership as i am still abit overweight. so as soon as that comes i will be going there.
not sure when i am seeing the nurse i think she said she will send out a appointment for me . give give it a few weeks if i havent heard anything i will give them a ring

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

hi thanks for replying i am always 9.5 or abouve int the morning before breakfast and just lately i seem to be creeping into the 12's after brekfast (have plain readybrek) i have just started back to work after maternity leave and the nurse has given me some paperwork to send off for a free gym membership as i am still abit overweight. so as soon as that comes i will be going there.
not sure when i am seeing the nurse i think she said she will send out a appointment for me . give give it a few weeks if i havent heard anything i will give them a ring

Hi Stacey

Readybrek (as a sort of porridge) has a reputation for being fairly slowly absorbed, but it isn't for everyone - sadly you have to work out for yourself which carbs (and at what quantities) your body can cope with at different times of day as everyone is different - and mornings are notoriously difficult for T2s.

Porridge generally is slower if it's not so finely milled (so coarse rolled oats might be gentler). Have you tried a breakfast with lower carbs (a couple of boiled eggs with one slice of Burgen soya and Linseed would be 12g carbs, I suspect your bowl of readybrek is more like 30-50g) and the higher level of protein should make you feel fuller for longer.

Great news on your plans for exercise - that will help loads too 🙂

 

[Northerner]

hi thanks for replying i am always 9.5 or abouve int the morning before breakfast and just lately i seem to be creeping into the 12's after brekfast (have plain readybrek) i have just started back to work after maternity leave and the nurse has given me some paperwork to send off for a free gym membership as i am still abit overweight. so as soon as that comes i will be going there.
not sure when i am seeing the nurse i think she said she will send out a appointment for me . give give it a few weeks if i havent heard anything i will give them a ring

I'm sure once you can get some regular exercise your levels will improve. No need to wait for the gym though, just a brisk walk each day, and trying to be as active as you can would help a lot 🙂

As Mike says though, one of the other main things you can do to lower your levels is to start testing before and after eating and recording the results, plus the carbohydrate content of the food and what it was. This will help you determine what foods send your levels too high and what don't. Have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S for a simple, structured approach to testing.