How can HbA1c be lowered without insulin?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am only 42 years old but I feel like I am 80 years old. I can barely play with my kids anymore. I have type 2 diabetes, which was diagnosed five years ago, but I have been ignoring it. Now my feet feel numb and I feel constantly thirsty. My wife's threatening to leave if I do not get it under control. I work night shifts at a factory, so eating healthy is tough and I have beers on weekends. My last HbA1c value was 11.2%. The doctor has suggested insulin but I am terrified of needles. I have tried Metformin but it gives me awful diarrhea. What can I do? Is there a way to reverse this without medications?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It sounds like you are facing a tough situation, but the good news is that by taking steps now, you can start turning things around.

Type 2 diabetes is serious, and your symptoms such as numb feet, constant thirst, and a high HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) of 11.2% are signs that it is affecting your body significantly. Ignoring it can lead to more severe complications, such as nerve damage, and heart disease.

While it may seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to manage your diabetes. They are:

Lifestyle changes are crucial. Although your night shifts make it difficult for you to eat healthily, focusing on small, manageable changes like reducing processed foods, cutting down on sugary drinks (including beer), and increasing your intake of vegetables and lean proteins can help manage your condition.
Planning meals and snacks ahead of time could make it easier to stick to healthier options at work.
Exercise is also essential, even if it is just short walks or stretches during your breaks.

As for medication, insulin might sound scary, but it could be life-saving and may not be permanent. Some people are able to reduce or stop insulin with lifestyle changes, but it is crucial to manage your blood sugar now to prevent further damage.

Share your FBS (fasting blood sugar) and PPBS (post prandial sugar) levels. Kindly make a consultation through chat or video call for further instructions.

I hope this helps you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.