I'm doing all the right things (eating right, exercising) and my A1C was 10 after going on lower meds.?

Question

I've lost about 30 pounds with 100 more to go. But I feel depressed. I've changed my eating habits. My question is this: is this a reflection on me and the control I have over diabetes if my A1C went up after the doctor changed and lowered my meds? I was having lots of low-blood sugar incidents, so my doctor took me off sulfoneureas (sp?). With just the glucose control, my A1C shot back up. Is this a sign of poor control or just that my body needs certain drugs to work right?

I am continuing to lose weight and I am continuing to exercise. I'm also continuing to eat right. Everything else -- cholesterol, kidneys, eyesight, nerves -- are all okay. Is it possible for me, a 38 year old woman weighing 330, to lose the weight and get off medication? That's my goal. How realistic is this?

How many people out there are afraid to check your sugars because you fear the reading on the meter? That bothers me too. When I check it and the numbers are high, I feel like a failure.

Answer 1

You are doing great with the weight loss! Congratulations for losing 30 pounds! I'm not sure about the diabetes stuff, but I know it gets better when you lose weight and get in control of what you eat, but I'm not sure if it ever can be completely diminished. Are you taking a multi vitamin? it will aid in losing weight by getting you all the nutrients you need. Good luck and again, congrats, you will get the rest off :)

Answer 2

Are you on Metformin ER? My Dad just got out of the hospital with a heart attack. He is type II diabetic. He couldn't go on the Metformin for a while because his kidney function tests were off. For about a month his blood sugars would keep running in the upper 200's. Now that he's back on the Metformin with a higher dose his blood sugars are now as low as 78 and no higher than 180. Metformin isn't supposed to get the blood sugars too low.

Another thing that could be causing your high A1C is carbs. Cereals, breads, pastas, potatoes, rice, and noodles all turn to sugar in the dody. I keep reminding my Dad this when he has an elevated blood sugars. If you are going to eat these foods, make sure you are only eating one serving. So many of us are actually eating 2-3 servings.

Answer 3

I am 46, very overweight and have recently lost 5 stone (70lbs) since being diagnosed diabetic in june last year.
Im due for my first 6 month blood test (lipids and HBA1C) this week and hoping that it will have gone down from 7.1% which it was at diagnosis.
I was put on meds at diagnosis (metformin) and over the months the weight loss and exercise has had the desired effect. I am now off meds completely with the doctors blessing.
If you are eating right you should not fear the numbers. I keep mine very tightly controlled, around 5 mmol/l (90 mg/dL). You CAN control it, you just need to get the balance right. If you want specific advice and support mail me via profile. I am in touch with another lady also in the same position and would like to get a support goup together!;

Answer 4

An A1C of 10 is too high. Sometimes a change in medications will take some time before a judgment can be made. It is not unreasonable to present this information to your doctor and ask for further advice or adjustments to your medications. It is possible for you to lose weight and take less medication but even if you can't get off medications entirely, it is realistic for you to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. You need to check your sugars- good or bad numbers. You do not want to risk complications from diabetes. Many factors can contribute to high glucose readings so evaluate your readings over a period of time-look for patterns.

Answer 5

I'll give this too you without a sugar coating (pardon the pun).

An A1bc or 10 is too high. It's a sign of very poor control on your part, and it is not your doc's fault. Your exercise is not enough; you may think it is enough because you are losing weight, but it is really due to lack of insulin with the same or possibly more food intake. You are burning ketones. You are probably skipping meds sometimes too. You will continue to get more depressed, as high blood sugars lead to depression.

You doc's meds for insulin or insulin production stimulant reduced your hypo incidents, but you have not reduced your eating enough. Either exercise more vigorously and eat the same, or eat less and exercise the way you have been to keep your bg's reasonable. That way you will lose weight without damaging your internal organs.

Answer 6

with the question 'how realistisc is this?' i answer
"with the spirit you got- very, and you will be able to acheive it!"