Sort of Type 2

[Steve Waistcoat]

I've been pre-diabetic for about 15 years and have had HbA1c levels in the top 40s for a long time. I've just recently had a reading of 52 and was called into the surgery to see the diabetic nurse. As far as I understand I'm not technically diagnosed with type 2 until my next 3 month test (and dependent on it's result). However I've already been referred to the Ophthalmology clinic (which I already attend - indeed the Ophthalmologist had a good look on Tuesday when I told her - everything seemingly OK at the moment) and have since been asked to take Metformin twice a day which I'll pick up tomorrow. I understand this is a serious condition, but are they jumping the gun somewhat or is there some kind of agenda trying to ensure I'm not formally diagnosed? I assume if my levels go straight back down, I'll be on Metformin and still pre-diabetic. After a lot of inattention I'm now feeling a bit rushed. Sorry for feeling a bit suspicious...

 

[rebrascora]

Hi Steve and welcome

As I understand it, a reading of 52 makes you officially diabetic. It may be possible to push it into remission via diet and exercise without the Metformin but if you have not managed to prevent it reaching this level during the past 15 years when you have been pre diabetic then maybe the Metformin is needed now. If you are able to get your levels back down and come off the Metformin and make the necessary dietary changes to keep it below 48, then that would be the ideal scenario.
Have you made any lifestyle adjustments prior to this to try to reduce your blood glucose levels. ie Cut back on your carbohydrate intake and increased your exercise? It is hard in the beginning to get your head around it and I know that sadly I needed the kick up the pants of that Diabetes diagnosis to take serious action to improve my diet and it certainly helped that I was right in at the deep end with my reading of 112 putting me at very high risk, so I couldn't ***** foot around it, but once you get the hang of a new way of eating, it becomes easier and you find new things to enjoy to replace the things you now need to avoid or reduce.
Good to hear that your eyes look OK. Hopefully you will be back below the threshold in no time, with a bit of extra effort and the Metformin. Be aware that the Metformin is not, on it's own a miracle worker, and often comes with side effects, so if you can manage via diet, it is preferable.

 

[Drummer]

When I got a single Hba1c of 91 I was just told I was a very bad diabetic and given a prescription for tablets. No mention of another test to confirm it - though as I went straight into low carb I soon knocked it for six.
I'd recommend reducing your carb intake now as after so long hovering on the brink I would hazard a guess that your metabolism has been creaking for years - and it might take more to fix it than for someone with less history. Only a guess, but I think that I have been glucose intolerant most of my adult life, but did low carb to feel better - now, although I am more strictly low carb than ever, my Hba1c seems stuck at the top end of normal. I might resort to stern measures before the end of summer, just to try to lose more weight but I would recommend you act now, rather than wait for your status to be changed.
From my own experience low carb is very effective in reducing blood glucose, and you might well not require medication and drop down into the normal range when next tested, if you cut the carbs. I would recommend getting a meter and supply of strips to help you sort out how to eat for normal levels of glucose.

 

[grovesy]

Top 40's and 52 is definetely Diabetic.