Any help appreciated

[jupiterconjunct]

My diabetes reading from the Dr has come back at 72, not sure what the next step is. The Dr has asked me to get in touch with the surgery.

At first, I was pre-diabetic with readings of Alc 5.8, and 6.4. And put on Trulicity injecting once a week and 500mg of Metformin.

Dr then increased the dose to 1mg a day Am/pm because the readings increased to 80.

Has of today I am taking 2mg Am/Pm and the reading is 72.

Two weeks ago Dr asked for a sample of which I had a UTI ( never had one before) having taken the antibiotics it didn't shift so a week later I did another sample to be told that I had sugar in the urine, not sure how you can get sugar in urine within one week.

Also, I've had a lot of forgetfulness and totally different toilet patterns.

I have never had problems with my heart or kidneys and have always had good cholesterol levels, but I'm now worried what this drug is doing to me

It seems to me that since taking Metformin my numbers have elevated instead of decreasing ( now at 72) and that Metformin isn't working. I feel I would like to try Berberine.

[Gambit62]

My suggestion would be to talk to a pharmacist about the alternatives to metformin as it doesn't seem to be working for you and then go to the GP armed with that information.

It is also possible that there is more than diabetes going on as in some instances blood sugars can be affected by other conditions.

[PNE53 in reply to Gambit62]

I think you are saying your HB1AC is 72 in mmols per mol? Not 7.2 in old units as that wouldn’t be too bad? You seemed to swap to % units later in the post. I also had a problem with Metformin and my GP swapped me to linagliptin. One reason being I have CKD and not excreted through kidneys but I saw very good improvement in HB1AC quite quickly. I had never heard of it but agreed to try it. It is one tablet a day and doesn’t have to be taken with food. Might be worth a look. I had a sudden problem with UTI’s x 3 as well. I’m post menopausal so now on Ovestin cream as a preventitive measure. I hope you get sorted soon.

[jupiterconjunct in reply to PNE53]

Thank you.

What is CKD? I will suggest that drug to the Dr there’s also another drug by the name of Tradjenta.

Sorry for the confusion, yes it's HB1AC is 72 in mmol.

[PNE53 in reply to jupiterconjunct]

Yes linagliptin is the same as Tradjenta. It does say there are some side effects like all drugs I would read up on them so you are aware. Sorry CKD is chronic kidney disease. Metformin is hard on kidneys so doctor took me off it and also like you it didn’t seem to work for me. I’ve read your profile and see you have a lot to deal with. I have a good lady GP who listens , that’s what you need. Good luck with everything.

[jupiterconjunct in reply to Gambit62]

Yes, you are correct.

Back in June 2021, I had a private Adrenal Function Profileis done.

In the written laboratory results, the Dr suggests that I show the results to my GP because further investigation needs to be done.

My GP ignored that letter.

It said that I had stage 3 adrenal dysfunction and that such adrenal hypofunction should not be confused with Addisin’s disease.

The cortisol and DHEA are very low.

Back then I didn't have the funds to see a private Endo. Now I have and I'm not sure where to go or whim to go to.

All I can say is that for the last five year I've had no energy and no get up and go to see to anything ( not depressed though) and just given in.

[bionicjohn]

My experience with Metformin is that huge amounts are needed to have any effect. Huge amounts however seriously disrupt the digestive system, with several bowel movements a day very common. I had rows with my diabetes nurse, and after threats that was going to stop taking it, I was put on 10mg of Empaglifozin, which is a sophisticated diuretic. I am much happier with it.

Metformin is very crude and there are much better medicines.