a1c up a little

1234usmc
1234usmc Posts: 196 Member
Just had my first blood work since I started 500mg of metformin once a day. I am discouraged because it went from 5.9 to 6.3. After getting to 5.9 with low carb diet and exercise , I have slacked a little but have still lost a few more lbs. That on top of the 500mg metformin I thought would get me under 5.5 so to see 6.3 sucked. That is thru thanksgiving and Christmas but I did really good at both. I had some mash potatoes at thanksgiving for the first time since june and at Christmas I had a small piece of cake but other than that I am still eating pretty low carb. I have injured my elbow and the cortisone wore off a few months ago so I haven't lifted and weight in a few months. Apparently weights help more than I knew but that isn't an option right now. I don't want to up my metformin, I want to be a non diabetic

Replies

  • fangirlish
    fangirlish Posts: 100 Member
    Cortisone is known to elevate blood sugar levels while taking it and also for sometimes a long time afterwards. So that may be the reason for your increased A1c. It's generally best to avoid all steroid medications if at all possible (I know, sometimes it just isn't).
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,961 Member
    Being on metformin might not be such a bad thing.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-spector-md/a-real-antiaging-treatmen_b_6340260.html

    I stopped metformin 2 years ago after losing enough weight to reduce my hba1c back to normal levels without medication. Now wondering if I should ask to be put back on it.

    When I was in hospital on steroids a few years ago (when I was still considered pre-diabetic) my blood glucose went through the roof and they even had me on insulin for a while.
  • aztec707
    aztec707 Posts: 21 Member
    I'm in the SAME situation... i got a back injury last summer and haven't lifted since. (back then, I didn't even take my metformin at all, I just ate clean & lifted)

    My A1C went from 8 to 5, but it's now back up to 6. I have been 100% inactive in this time. This time I am taking 500mg Metformin, and doing a lot of cardio since I can't lift.

    I recommend doing cardio for now, until you can lift again.