In 2012 at age 17 I was diagnosed with prediabetes with an a1c of 5.7 due to PCOS. I then started Metformin and trying to figure what diet was best (doctor wasn't much help, didn't really explain how insulin resistance works etc.) and exercise. I was an athlete all through out middle school and high school so I tried upping exercise even more.
With Metformin, no matter what dosage we tried or extended release, I had horrible, horrible side affects, such that it kept me from being able to exercise, the very thing that helps insulin resistance and gave me cravings that made sticking to the diet very difficult. When I would go off metformin, I could to stick to diet and exercise with no problem.
After going through this cycle a few times, and getting an a1c of 4.9 in May of this year, I decided to try and go off metformin but stick to a very strict diet and exercise regimen. For the first time in a while I could stick to zero sugar, minimal dairy, very low carb, extremely perfectly healthy without wanting to cheat while exercising 5-6 days a week. My fasting numbers came down to the 80's, so I assumed things were fine.
Today I had 20 grams of total carbs for the day, which is low for me, but my blood sugar went up. I had also skipped a period. I did a home a1c test kit, which in the past has been about the same as my lab results. It said 5.3. Which I know, isn't bad, but it went up from 4.9 in may/june.
Back in may/june, I was on metformin but the side effects made it hard to exercise and the cravings from the drug made me want to eat more carbs (just from veggies and fruit). And my fasting numbers were between 95-105 depending.
I guess I don't understand how I could be having lower fasting numbers, eating healthier and exercising more, and my a1c go up, where as I was eating more carbs and had higher fasting numbers with an a1c of 4.9.
I know metformin is a life saver for a lot of people and people preach its wonders, but no matter how many ways I tried to fit it into my life, it just made sticking to a heathy life style worse. And I've always been told that diet and exercise are the biggest difference. It just doesn't make sense. That being said, preventing full blow diabetes is my ultimate concern, and so if that means I have to take metformin, I'll do it. But I've been trying for 5 years now and when I come off it its so much easier to stick to healthy decisions, and I feel approximately 1 millions times better.
One thing I will say is that since I cut carbs I've been eating more protein, and I think maybe even over consuming it? I'm 5'4'' and eat 120 grams or there abouts a day, sometimes more, which I know is a lot, but I was being active and trying to build muscle, and it's just an easier replacement for carbs. I tried keto in the past and all the fat made me feel awful, although I do eat a healthy amount of fat as well. Protein tends to be my highest macro nutrient. So could that by causing highs?
Any input on this situation would be seriously appreciated. I know none of these numbers are diabetic but I've had borderline diabetic number in the past, and only prevent them bc I try to eat healthy, but I could land in the diabetic zone if I ate whatever. I know it may not seem like a big deal to have numbers like this, but I've had concerning numbers in the past and really don't want it to progress. So that's why I'm trying to be proactive. And I am technically pre diabetic, so I was hoping it would be okay to post here. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. Thank you.
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