Metformin and confused

I thought I was well educated in diabetes since my mom and sister are both Type 2 as well as my aunts,uncles, and cousins

( my mom's family ). But now that I've been diagnosed, I feel I know nothing at all.

A little history: I've been monitored for the past 3 years for T2. Had the 3hr GTT. Quarterly A1c's and have never been placed on meds until now. Original A1C was 6.7. ( Don't remember results of GTT ) . My MD told me I was "flirting with diabetes" and gave me the diabetic diet, etc. I cut out a lot of "white's ". Eat only wheat or whole grain bread. No pasta, no sugar in tea or coffee. In other words, if I have bread I leave out the potato. My A1C's came down to 5.4 then to 5.7 to 5.5 and now 6.0. Still very conscience of what I eat. Exercise moderately.

New MD now says there is no such thing as "borderline diabetic" and has me on Metformin 500mg 2x's day. ( I read a post where Warren said that was a "baby" dose ) so that eases my mind ( I guess). Anyway, the current MD says metformin is extremely safe won't lower my bloodsugar ( Hypoglycemic ) and that it is not necessary to "prick" my fingers although I am anyway. Says it helps the liver to break down sugars and will extend the life of my pancreas. ( Not real sure I understand everything she said )

I check my BS with the at home monitor. Fasting this am  was 76. Two hours after eating ----104. The only difference I feel is a little shakey if I don't eat regularly  and really irritable at times. Feel a lot better after I eat but then get hungry within 1-2 hours after a full meal.

So, with all this being said, I think I was in complete denial. Had the medicine for 5 days before I started taking it and now have been on it for only 3 days. Trying to understand how all this works ( blood sugar vs glucose, pancreas, liver ) is driving me crazy. ( I also have OCD ) Is it necessary to check BS every day? Can diabetes be controlled with diet only? Dont know what to do or what to eat anymore. Like I said ,I think I am in complete denial.

Please help. 

 

I take Metformin, too ... 2,500 mg per day.  I was diagnosed with Type 2 in 2003 and this is the only medication I've ever taken.  I've had no side effects whatsoever.  And, for those on a fixed income, this is an inexpensive drug compared to many others.

Good Luck! 

I take Acto+Met (15mg/500mg) 2x/day and 1000mg Met at night. I have had no problems with it other than an upset stomach for the first few days. Some folks report that they lose weight from taking it - I was not one of the lucky ones - sigh_ most likely because of the the Actos which causes weight gain and edema.  It's really easy to have  a 'good' understanding of something until you actually get it - then you get a terrific understanding of the situation. It's normal to be in a kind of denial when you get the news that you are a diabetic. The more you learn about your diseaseand how to manage it, the less fretful you'll become. Best of luck to you! sandy

Patricia,
You aren't in denial at all... You have come to a forum of your own free will to learn what you can and get help from your new diabetic friends. I have company coming soon so I can't write now... but I want you to know you're doing very well. Just stick with it. I'll remember you in my prayers... Loss of a close sibling hurts so much.