Are there alternatives to control my blood glucose levels besides medications, diet, and exercise?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been under diabetic medications for the last ten years. My normal fasting sugar level using a personal glucometer is 110 mg/dL, and post lunch is 180 mg/dL. I have had these readings constant for the last three years. I take Glimepiride 2 mg with Metformin 500 mg before lunch and Glimepiride 0.5 mg with Metformin 500 mg at bedtime. However, during the last two months, my glucose levels have risen to 135 mg/dL during fasting and 190 mg/dL after lunch. I try to do mild exercise as I have also had joint pain due to osteoarthritis for the last two years. To add, I also practice low carbohydrates food for meals. My current HbA1c is 7.5 %. Therefore, I request you to kindly suggest me some treatment to keep my glucose level under control.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. Your HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) and blood sugar levels are slightly high. So I suggest you increase your Metformin dosage to 1 gm after lunch and 1 gm after dinner for ten days and monitor your sugar levels again. However, please consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them and start taking the medications with their consent. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a low carbohydrate diet are essential. So please do that. Also, let me know if you have other co-morbidities like hypertension, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. I also suggest you get your renal function test done. Thank you and take care.