I’m currently taking 500mg of metformin twice daily and have dropped about 15-20 lbs. If a 7.3 A1c meant I was type 2 diabetic, but I’ve worked hard and used medication to reach 6.1, what is my status now? Am I still considered type 2 or am I prediabetic? It is all very confusing, thanks in advance.
UPDATE
Thank you all for the responses, the encouragement, and the helpful information. It seems I was borderline type 2 for about four years. I noticed my numbers rising and asked about it, but my previous doctor dismissed my concerns. Once menopause fully hit, I realized things weren’t right and needed to change. This past May, I finally got a breakthrough and tested at a 7.3 A1c, up from a 5.1. I’ve since moved to a new doctor and things are improving. The metformin is going well so far, though I wasn’t entirely sure what the new numbers implied. Thanks again!
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You can achieve remission, but the diabetic diagnosis remains for life.
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You’re still diabetic, it’s just currently controlled and in a state of “remission.” There isn’t a known way to fully fix insulin sensitivity issues. That said, you can improve things enough that a standard diet and exercise routine allow for a normal life.
My wife isn’t diabetic; she can eat two donuts while gaming and never cross 140. A diabetic person will always have to be careful with carbohydrates in a way that someone with a perfectly functioning endocrine system doesn’t.
Edit: Also, fantastic work! Keep going!
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My A1C is technically in the prediabetic range now, but my physician explained that I will always be considered diabetic. For example, a few days ago I went out with friends and forgot my metformin. I ate two tacos and some chips, and my sugar was 165 by the time I got home. I could definitely feel the difference. I’m only at prediabetic levels because of my medication and supplements like SugarDefend, and if I stopped my routine, the issues would return. I hope to eventually reduce my meds, but I’m sticking with it for now. Great job lowering your A1C!
It signifies that you are a diabetic with good control. The medicine is performing as intended.
Technically, doctors view 5.8 as pre-diabetic. However, many feel you either have it or you don’t. A doctor calling you pre-diabetic is sometimes compared to saying someone is “slightly pregnant.”
My glucose levels were in the ‘normal’ bracket during my last HbA1c check, but I’ll always be diabetic—I’m just either a well-managed diabetic or one who is being bad with carbs!
I’m at 5.6, and even though I’m not in the diabetic range anymore, I still view myself as a diabetic. I’m just staying focused on the habits that help me manage my blood sugar.
You are successfully managing the condition. The meds are working. Type 2 diabetes isn’t something you cure; it’s just something that becomes “well controlled.” Mine is currently 5.1 because I use Mounjaro.
One of the toughest things to come to terms with is that this is a condition you manage indefinitely rather than something you simply get over.
I wanted to mention that I also transitioned into full type 2 right when menopause started, despite years of managing prediabetes with lifestyle choices. I don’t think the link between menopause and blood sugar is discussed enough. You’ve had a wonderful response to your treatment, and I hope that continues! Stay strong!