Houston, TX
A 53-year-old female asked:
At what a1c level is metformin given. i am 6.1 or 6.2 every testing. am afraid of metformin causing low blood sugars. i run low often as well as high?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Yash Khannaanswered
Family Medicine 59 years experience
Diet/Exercise/Metfor: Your aic is not in diabetic range which needs to be >6.5 to be called diabetic
your aic of 6.1-6.2 make you in the pre diabetic range.Most physician will start you on a diabetic diet.Weight loss if overweight/obese, and exercise programme
some do recommend low dose of metformin.And metformin does not cause hypoglycemia
discuss your case with your family doctor or endocrinologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Diane Minichanswered
Family Medicine 39 years experience
Discuss with your: Doctor. You may need to see a dietician to help avoid the high and low bs levels. Not knowing your history makes it difficult to comment on the medications each patient is different.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Jessica Allananswered
Internal Medicine 25 years experience
Do not be afraid: Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugars. It is not insulin. The drug can sometimes cause GI side effects like nausea usually transient. Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency doctors tend to start metformin as first line therapy for early stages of Insulin resistance, diabetes or when life style modifications have failed to control the sugar the glucose levels. Ha1c 6.5=dm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 4, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.