Some Clarification about Pre-Diabetes

sathyguy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 03:32 AM

Friends,

Before 3 weeks i went for a blook check-up. The report came with 114 (while fasting) and 192 (2 hrs after food).

Then the doctor said you have pre-diabetes. He prescribed two tablets one is "GLUCOPHAGE metformin(500MG)" and "AVANDIA rosiglitazone maleate(4MG)."

Glucophage - 3 times after each meal

Avandia - 1 time after any one meal.

I took those tablet only one day. after that i would like to confirm whether the test result is correct or not.

So last week i went to one laboratory and i checked my sugar level.

The result was 96.5 (while fasting) and 138.4(2 hrs after food).

Now, my question is with 138.4 can i take the above two tablets for 1 month. is there any harm in that? or can i stop taking those two tablets and to control by food and walking.

Also, i heard that, if i start taking antibiotic for sugar. then i have to keep on taking the tablet is it true?

Please advice me.

Thanks & Regards,

Sathyguy

4519 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 05:38 AM

Well, first off taking three metformin and 2 avandia a day certainly is a heavy dose for a pre-diabetic. Usually when you are diagnosed diabetic and fall in the range on the very low end they don't put you on medications at all. You are below that range. The fasting test usually required to diagnose diabetes is at least 2 fasting blood sugars of 126 or more - test done on different days. There does not seem to be a particular range for pre-diabetes, other than over 100 and under 126 fasting.

The usual starting approach for pre-diabetes is correcting your diet and exercise. I don't know if walking will be enough. You are at a point where you can turn it around by making some changes in your lifestyle. It is a warning most of us did not get. Take advantage of this warning.

About having to stay on medicatins once started. That is not true. You can discontinue those medications without any ill effects.

The best advice anyone can give you is take this serious and make changes, consider yourself one of the lucky ones that finds out very earily.

Simon · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 05:53 AM

This would be a good time to get yourself a glucometer so you don't need to keep visiting a lab. You need to be able to test how you're doing regularly and casually to keep track of how you are doing.

sathyguy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 06:07 AM

So, can i continue with the tablet or not. if i continue, is my sugar will become low sugar?
what should i do now?

4519 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 06:36 AM

The name of the game is aggressive intervention. The Metformin will not drive you into low range. The Avandia can if the conditions are right, or 'wrong' I suppose.

As a pre-diabetic the medications are not necessary to correct. If you don't make correct changes then they will be, most likely, called for later. And possibly will be necessary later no matter what you do now - that is not understood all that well. I agree with Simon, get a meter and make these decisions based on what your results are over a period of time. Learn what you can and connot eat and then test at the times that will tell you what you need to do.

I think the most people would say stop the meds and control by diet and exercise only. That is the treatment approach for pre-diabetes. The key is what changes are you willing to make. We all would like to make the least amount of changes so things don't change that much. That ship has already sailed for most of us. I see it a mistake to just think that diet and exercise will solve the problem when it is more than just that. True, it is just diet and exercise at this point, but there is an attitude or understanding that does not come at first that is just as necessary. You are not dodging the bullet, so to speak, but only taking a small wound. Treat yourself correctly and make some drastic lifestyle changes now before you are forced to do so in a worse condition that cannot be turned around.

Harold · #6 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sathyguy

So, can i continue with the tablet or not. if i continue, is my sugar will become low sugar?
what should i do now?

Yes, you can. Taking them for one day did nothing for you. Takes about three weeks to see the glucophage, and atleast a month for the Avandia. Metformin comes with a hypoclycemic warning when used with other drugs, and Avandia does not. You will need a meter and sooner the better. You do not have to take the drugs, but if you want to prevent the onset or delay it you must change your lifestyle. The drugs will help, but they will not do it by themselves.

Mayo Clinic