I have pre-diabetes (A1C is 5.8), and have been able to keep it under control with diet and exercise. But the past few months my fasting blood sugar in the mornings has been reading high (between 130 and 140). Should I be taking medicine?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Elevated fasting glucose is a sure sign of problems. Many physicians advocate the use of metformin (glucophage) in low doses (500 milligrams twice a day) to optimize glucose utilization. Control for many with pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is easily achieved with this agent.
Be sure to avoid sweets and have a dietician review your diet to be sure this is not producing the change in readings. You should also have your cholesterol checked and try to have an LDL of 80 or less. Have your doctor check to see if your thyroid is functioning properly. And make sure your weight and blood pressure are within healthy ranges and not putting you at risk.
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