Just diagnosed diabetic: A1C 12%: what worked?

[Anonymous]

Just diagnosed this past week. A1C at 12%. I am shocked at the number. I am 5 ft tall and 122 pounds. I could lose 10 pounds, but otherwise healthy. I go to Orange Theory Fitness 6 times a week. I am sure genetics has to do with this: mom, dad, brother all diabetic. I know I can cut out bread, white rice, pasta, sugar in creamer, and sweetened yogurt. But what meds worked best? Dr. started me on Metformin ER 1000 mg per day and said to increase to 2000 mg per day in a week if I have no gastro issues. I want to get this under control. I have had no symptoms of diabetes thus far. Any advice? I know metformin is the first thing to try but not sure if that will work without anything else with my A1C so high. I am in my late 50s.

[Anonymous]

Test before and after each meal to see what spikes you and cut that out.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure you are T2? Metformin is for T2. I doubt it will bring it down to 7 or less. What about your family members, are they T1 or T2?

[Anonymous]

Were you diagnosed by an endocrinologist?

Adults can, and do, develop Type 1 diabetes.

Did you have ketones at diagnosis? Were you checked?

An A1C of 12 is an average blood glucose of about 298 over the last 3 months.

[Anonymous]

Please go to the drug store and get ketone test strips if you were not checked.

[Anonymous]

Metformin plus Ozempic. Brought A1c down to pre diabetic 5.9 within a year. 6 months after that A1c is 5.6 so technically not diabetic.

You need to fight to get Ozempic with an a1c that high! Even if insurance won’t pay get your Dr ti wrote a prescription and order to directly from norvo. They have cash specials of $199 to start then the monthly cost is under $500.

[Anonymous]

Before you jump to Ozempic, please see an endocrinologist to make sure you are Type 2 and not Type 1. This can be done via regular lab work.

[Anonymous]

For diet, you want to follow the motto, “no naked carbs”. I.e, eat carbohydrates as part of a balanced meal with protein and fiber.
Before I was diagnosed, I was eating small amounts of carb-heavy food—it kept my weight under control, but it was spiking my blood sugar.

[Anonymous]

What made you what to get checked out?
I’m only in my 20s, 5’4 120lbs, with a family history of type 2 diabetes on dads side ( dad, aunt, grandma, etc.) I eat very healthy but I’m still worried about developing diabetes.

[Anonymous]

Oh, and an OTC glucose monitor like Stelo can help you see patterns in what you eat vs blood sugar and is about $100.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Family members T2. Diagnosed by blood test at my physical this week. Nothing about ketones. I just bought the test strips two days ago and starting testing first thing in morning and after meals. Fasting blood sugar is about 285 - 300. I am going to make sure I cut out all sugar and simple carbs and no more bananas. I have heard of Ozempic and Mounjaro. I just don't want a lot of weight loss with any meds. I did have gestational diabetes when I had my twins decades ago, but no doctor told me that I am at risk for diabetes because I had gestational. I hadn't gone for a physical in 4 years so this is a huge wake up call.

[Anonymous]

High protein and low carb. Drink water with meals and walk after eating. See a nutritionist with diabetes experience. Try to get a cgm so you can see how different foods affect you. Also aim for gradual reduction in blood sugar...if you have been around 300 for a while, a normal blood sugar isn't going to feel good at first.

[Anonymous]

Did you have your c peptide checked? Type 1 diagnosed at 38. 12 A1C is really scarily high I thought

[Anonymous]

Hate to tell you but diet alone is not bringing your 12 down to anything reasonable. So while this is all good above advice, you will need the drugs (you are starting at a high dose of metformin so hopefully it works for you!).

[Anonymous]

Ozempic. This is what it’s for—lowering your A1C.