Who's been taken off their meds....

[MJB]

.....and how long are/were you off them?

I've had the big D for 3 whole months now and my A1C went from 9.8 at dx down to 5.6 in early January. Rumor has it that when I see the doc again in early April if my A1C is further down he will take me off meds.

The prospect is both exciting and scary at the same time. :cool: :cool:

I know I'm not "cured" but I wonder how long some have gone with good control with diet and exercise alone.

[slipperyelm]

I did 10 years by diet and exercise.

Started at 13.2, went down to 5.4. Still at 5.4 today but it takes two meds plus very low carb diet. If I can get my A1C down further (and it looks like I can!), I'm going to trial going off one of the meds.

[Dan Gato]

MJB, I would say don't go off the meds entirely, do some experiments first.
Reduce the dosages, or cut one.

I tried cutting Glipizide but my BG's were too high, so I went back to it.

Have the doc do a test of your pancreas, I think is called C-Peptide, and see how much of your beta cells are still producing insuline.

Not all doctors know what is best for the patients. you should know what's best for you.

[Harold]

Have the doc do a test of your pancreas, I think is called C-Peptide, and see how much of your beta cells are still producing insuline.
Excellent idea! Asked for one myself about 10 months after dx. It was done when fasting for lipids, and showed a normal level. The beneifit of this in the future will come when my fasting levels climb. Another test comparing my results will show if it's from increased insulin resistance or loss of insulin production. My opinion all type 2s should have this test, and it is not that expensive.

[ladytaz]

Excellent idea! Asked for one myself about 10 months after dx. It was done when fasting for lipids, and showed a normal level. The beneifit of this in the future will come when my fasting levels climb. Another test comparing my results will show if it's from increased insulin resistance or loss of insulin production. My opinion all type 2s should have this test, and it is not that expensive.

I know I will never be off meds, unless/until they find a cure. Even with being strict on my diet and taking meds I'm having trouble now :(

Anyway ... Does anyone KNOW how much the C-Peptide test (and even the GAD test too) actually cost? I don't have insurance, and I'd like to have the tests, I'm curious to know what they say, but paying for them, well, that's another story! If I have an idea, I might be able to save up for them. ;)

[MJB]

I'm taking Actoplus met 15/500 twice a day, so he may have me cut the dose in half we'll see what he suggests.

My 2 hr postprandial is often under 100mg/dl so it seems I have some leeway.

Of course whatever the outcome I'll keep a close watch on my levels and I won't have any qualms about resuming meds if I need them.

Thanks for the replies!

[Dan Gato]

Melissa, The C-peptide cost around $35 - $50, Google it. for labs in your area.

MJ, under 100 BG's !! that's excellent ! :congrats:
maybe you can afford to reduce the meds.