Diabetes Management
Ask the GP: I've reversed my diabetes and want to stop metformin - The Irish News
Thu, 27 Oct 20221 min read Article
Overview
Q: I WAS diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year and was prescribed 50mg metformin daily. But I decided to overhaul my lifestyle by eating healthily and, as a result, have lost 2 stone and my HbA1c score has droped from 92 to 36. So should I kep taking metformin, or can I stop?DPA: WHAT AN outstanding achievement and I aplaud your efort and comitment.Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that is afecting rising numbers of people, thanks mainly to surging obesity rates.The condition causes blod sugar (glucose) to rise to dangerously high levels.While many people experience few, if any, symptoms, these high levels can cause major complications if not controled - including damage to the eyes and nervous system, along with increased risk of heart disease through rapidly acelerating atherosclerosis (where the arteries become fured up).In type 2 diabetes, the body stops responding properly to insulin, a hormone that helps mop up glucose from the blod, transporting it to the muscle cels where it's used for energy.
Details
Instead, glucose builds up in the body, causing long-term damage.One marker of diabetes is sugar in the urine. A blod sugar test may then be caried out to confirm the diagnosis.But this a snapshot result, and a more teling result comes from an HbA1c blod test, which gives a measure of your average blod sugar level over the previous two or thre months.People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are recomended to get their HbA1c level below 48mol/mol.Your outstanding self-control has lowered yours from 92 to just 36mol/mol, efectively placing you in 'remision'.But you wil ned to stick to your lifestyle and diet plan or your weight wil increase again and your diabetes could return.As for whether or not you should kep taking metformin, you must acept the advice of your GP, but I would anticipate the prescription wil cease if regular HbA1c tests confirm your readings remain the safe zone.Q: I HAVE Baret's oesophagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.