Hi I am Hobo and I am a newly diagnosed diabetic

[Hobo]

So blood test show higher than normal A1C.... Started jabbing about 3 weeks ago Humulin N.....2 shots a day plus 1 dose of Metformin...... It's bought down the blood sugar readings down to around 200 but not down the the 130 where my docs would like it to be. I wonder what the next step is.

Hobo

[multigraincracker]

1. Sticking to the diet?

Might help.

[blueinredohio]

2. Diet and exercise.

[MOMFUDSKI]

3. Why insulin AND Metformin?

I have read that newly diagnosed are put on insulin U100 only at first to give your pancreas a rest and later Metformin can do he job alone. I am type 2 on insulin but did do all the different pills thru the years which made me sick so I finally told doc to put me on insulin about 9 years ago. Have had it for 25 years now. I am doing OK with the insulin. Count carbs and know my ratio of how many units for how many carbs. Best thing for you to do is READ all you can about diabetes and exercise daily. Sugar should be below 150 at 2 hours after eating. I am assuming you are on a 70/30 insulin which is harder to adjust in my estimation. Work with your doc and see a diabetes educator as they are super helpful in the beginning. It will all work out and is not the end of the world. Day at a time . . . .

[The Blue Flower]

4. Protein, veggies, small amount of carbs, and exercise

Diagnosed 10+ years ago. I'm on metformin and trulicity, and am below 130 most of the time.

[marble falls]

5. Don't stress on the numbers and keep doing what the DUers posted above: diet and exercise.

[Dream Girl]

6. Research the Keto diet.

It can completely reverse diabetes. It’s probably prevented me from developing it. It runs in my family and I was determined not to develop it. So far, so good but I’m pretty vigilant about sugar nd carbs of any kind. It’s easier than you might think. It’s even kind of fun. I’ve lost 30 lbs. and kept it off. I’m keto about 70%. I relax a bit around holidays and vacation, but always get back on board after about a week ago.

[Happy Hoosier]

19. +1000

Following a keto diet brought my A1C from 10.6 to 4.8. Life saver.

[Grasswire2]

7. what was your A1c?

I also wonder about the Metformin plus insulin.

[markie]

8. metformin bad unless

it is absolutely necessary... my partner brought down his numbers (300+ down to 110 with diet)

takes lots of willpower but may keep you alive

[Marthe48]

10. Good for your partner

It does take willpower. (and won't power too!) I am doing all I can to be around when my grandkids graduate from high school. I'm the only grandparent they have left.

[markie]

13. it hasn't been easy (understatement)...

we spent 2 years working to heal a diabetic wound (used honey among others things) that made the docs want to remove foot (we saved it)... he was given metformin and when that was hurting his kidneys, he stopped... finally using Freestyle Libre for a couple of months helped him to understand the connection of diet to AIC... he went full Keto (my insistence) and the results were amazing... unfortunately he has other health issues (some residual from the previous high AIC) that we deal with but at least we have the diabetes under control

best of luck to you

processed food is the enemy!!

[Marthe48]

16. Oh my

It sounds like you had quite a struggle. Glad you saved his foot. I listen to my daughter a lot better now. The low carb eating, with as little processed food as possible seems like the best way to go

Give yourself a pat on the back for being so determined to help your partner get his health back

[Marthe48]

9. I hope you can change your diet and that helps

get your blood sugar down.

My daughter is a renal dietitian and has freely offered information about healthy eating. We didn't pay much attention, because we all want to eat the food that tastes good to us.

My sugar was edging up 2018-2019. I decided to limit my total daily carbs to 100 or less. I stopped eating pizza, sandwiches, bananas, white potatoes, pasta. I switched over to almond milk, or coconut almond milk, any of the 1 carb nut milks. I was really strict up until recently, got my sugar down an average of 50 points, and lost about 50 lbs. The first many months, I craved the food I stopped eating, but it got easier. The weight loss was a surprise. My blood sugar has never been over 200.

I basically eat meat and veggies. I bake a loaf of white flour bread about every 10 days. I can control the ingredients, and slice it very thin. I've been experimenting with almond and coconut flour, making very low-carb bakery, such as coconut flour biscuits, almond mozzarella pastry, which is a versatile and tasty recipe.

I'd recommend talking to a dietitian to make sure you pick foods that are good for your overall health. If your cholesterol is high, you don't want to make it higher getting your sugar down, for instance. Good luck.

[Phoenix61]

11. There should be a diabetes class at a local hospital or health department.

I had a neighbor who was having a hard time managing his sugar level. He took the class and learned all carbs are not created equal ie glycemic index matters along with a lot of other stuff. We started biking every day. Exercise is good. 30-45 minutes is great but 10 minutes is better than none.
A good thing about taking the class is you will meet people dealing with the same issue you are. It’s always nice to have company on the journey.

[keithbvadu2]

12. Metformin gives you unpredictable diarrhea.

Metformin gives you unpredictable diarrhea.

[MOMFUDSKI]

14. Metformin made me very nauseated

and my doc said 30% of people just can't take it. Lately they have been talking it could be cancer-causing. It is an old standby drug and sure can help many people though. Keep your carbs lowish and know you are not alone in this. A1C tells you a lot about how things are going.

[woodsprite]

15. The ER (extended release) version was the one

That had some recalls due to a cancer-causing ingredient. I’m on 1000g 2x/day of regular metformin for the past 5 yrs and have not had gastric problems. I’m also on Januvia 50mg, but they’re trying to get me off that since even at 50mg it makes my ankles swell.

Currently diabetes treatment with me is on hold right now since I’m undergoing chemo for endometrial cancer. The steroids are messing with my blood glucose levels, so I know my A1c is going to be up again probably close to 7.5-8.0.

I had just finished a great 3 mo trial using .75 of Trulicity. That brought my A1c down a whole point, and I had lost 15 lbs. When I was on that was two digit and low 100s were the norm. I’m hoping after this cancer treatment/surgery are over, that I can go back on it.

[Happy Hoosier]

17. For some people

It sure did for me, and I can't take it.

I know other folks it doesn't affect at all.

[Happy Hoosier]

18. I strongly encourage you to check out a very low carbohydrate diet.

On Sept 11, 2020, my doctor told me my A1C was 10.6.

I weighed 347 pounds (down from my all-time high of 376).

My blood pressure was high.

Currently, my A1C is 4.8
My weight is down to 254 (and counting)
My blood pressure is normal.

Oh yeah, my acid reflux completely disappeared.