Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 52 and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with an A1C of 9.2, and I am feeling overwhelmed with all the dietary changes I need to make. Despite taking Metformin for two months, my morning blood sugar readings are still between 180 and 220.
I have been trying to follow a diabetic diet, but I am not sure if I am doing it right. So my questions are -
Should I be worried about complications already, or is there still time to get this under control?
Do I need to start Insulin, or are there other medications that might work better?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes with an HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin) of 9.2 % does mean your blood sugars are running relatively high, but the good news is that complications typically develop over years, not months, so there is definitely still time to bring things under control and prevent long-term damage.
Since you have already been on Metformin for two months and your fasting sugars are still in the 180 to 220 range, it suggests that Metformin alone may not be enough.
Many people with an HbA1C above 9 % often need combination therapy, which may include adding another oral medication (such as an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor or a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, both of which not only lower sugar but also protect the heart and kidneys and can help with weight loss).
If sugars remain very high or if you have symptoms like weight loss, blurry vision, or frequent urination, your doctor may recommend temporarily starting Insulin to bring blood glucose under control quickly, then possibly transitioning back to tablets once things stabilize.
As for complications, while your risk increases with higher and longer-lasting blood sugar, controlling levels now can dramatically reduce that risk, even if they have been high for some time.
On the diet side, focusing on reducing refined carbohydrates (white bread, rice, sweets, sugary drinks), increasing fiber (vegetables, whole grains, legumes), controlling portion sizes, and spreading meals evenly through the day can make a big difference.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but with the right combination of medication, diet, exercise, and regular follow-up, many people bring their A1C into the target range and live healthy, complication-free lives.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
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Answered byDr. Ashraf Ghani
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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