Metformin Type Diabetes Information

Metformin Type Diabetes

Metformin Type Diabetes in Answers

Can the type two diabetes drug Metformin cure insulin resistance? I was resently prescribed this drug by my doctor to treat my apparent insulin resistance ( pre-diabetes). Does this drug cure this ailment, or does it just prevent me from developing Type 2 diabetes. Just trying to get a better understanding of the meds Im taking..

itsmeofcourse replied: "Metformin cannot "cure" insulin resistance. All body cells need glucose to functon. However, the glucose molecule is too large to pass through the cell wall. In order to allow the glucose to pass through the cell wall, insulin is needed. It binds with the cell wall and causes little openings in the cell wall to open further to allow the large glucose molecule to get into the cell. For some reason, cells can become resistant to insulin and won't allow it to bind with the proteins in the cell wall and the glucose cannot pass through. Metformin is a drug that acts on the cell walls directly decreasing the resistance to insulin and allowing the insulin to do its job. Insulin resistance is not very well understood but maintaining a healthy weight has a huge impact on insulin resistance. So eat sensibly and keep the weight off through gentle exercise. Walking is one of the best exercises around - it is cheap, doesn't require any equipment and easy to fit in with your daily routine. If you take the bus to work or school, get off a few stops before your usual stop and walk the rest of the way. If you drive to work or school, park further away. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk during your lunch break. Walk with a buddy - it is fun!!!"

TeamHolt replied: "type 2 diabetes is when your pancrease does not respond correctly to your blood sugar levels to move the sugar from the blood to the cells....this is the short version. metformin is a drug to help your body transport the sugar into the cell. if you are pre diabetic, are you overweight? or do you eat alot of white refined carbohydrates? you can do alot for your self if you diet and exercise to help prevent diabetes. If you can, if you cant then the drug companies will help you out."

mnvikes replied: "it can do both.... it mainly treats high blood sugar, but if youre pre diabetes or early diabetes, it can sometimes prevent, reverse or delay onset if you accompany it with a good diet, weight loss (if overweight) and excercise."

Emyline Yvonne replied: "Learn more about meformin at this web. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin webmd.com/drugs/mono-7061-METFORMIN+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=11285&...+Oral"

Metformin & Type 1 Diabetes? I've been told recently about people with Type 1 diabetes using Metformin to help with their resistance to long acting insulins. I was just wondering if there was anyone out there with Type 1 who has been on this regime and how they feel it is helping them?

capt_yah000 replied: "METFORMING IS NOT A FORM OF INSULIN, ITS ONLY TO HELP THE INSULIN YOUR BODY MAKES NATURALLY, I CANT SAY ITS DOING ANYTHING FOR ME EXCEPT GIVING ME THE BACKDOOR TROTS"

sue replied: "Yes, some type 1 people become insulin resistant and are put on Metformin to help them regulate their glucose levels. to prevent the gastric attacks that may be caused by the Metformin, have some antiacids, some Pepto, or something like that to take if the side effects are not nice. Metformin is a systemic drug. It has to build up in the system for about 30 days to become fully effective. Most Endos recommend taking it with the first bite of breakfast and first bite of dinner if you are taking it twice daily. It must be sneaked up on also!! Very small dosage a couple of weeks, larger dosage a couple of weeks, and then the effective dosage. An initial large dosage will definitely for sure give you the bathroom trots!!! Metformin is also prescribed for PCOS!"

Curry replied: "My husband's first endocrinologist had him on this regimen, along with 70:30 Insulin. He felt absolutely awful from the Metformin, and his blood sugar levels fluctuated unpredictably with numerous lows. He now sees a well-known endocrinologist/research physician at a NYC hospital who told him that research shows no benefit from metformin for Type 1 diabetics, unless they have concurrent insulin resistance. He now has an Insulin pump, excellent blood glucose control, an A1c lower than 7 for the past 2 years, takes no oral diabetes meds, and feels wonderful."

Is Metformin sustained release tablet better than Metformin hydrochloride for type 2 diabetes patients? I'm a diabetes patient my fasting blood sugar levels are not under control any more. how can I control it?

Gary B replied: "Take your medicines as indicated by the doctor. THEN . . . Take control over your life! the problem is YOU! you have slipped out of the proper practices necessary to control diabetes -- you are eating the wrong foods, and/or not getting enough exercise. Get your life under control FIRST, then ask you doctor about possible changes in medications."

crazyowl replied: "It may be but you need to talk to your doctor and discuss why your levels are no longer under control. Then follow hid advice"

Oscar C replied: "It is easy to say that Meformin sustained reliease is better than Metformin hychloride and to try it and adjust your medication subsequently, but that would be simply trying to cure the symptoms rather than the actual condition. So, my advice is go to your doctor and tell him that your FBS is not under control anymore, and tell him also other issues that are going on. Maybe you are not following all the diet, the exercise, or the medication that he has been recommending. Please see the doctor now."

Diabetes type 2, taking Metformin near 1 year but now stop due to feeling tired, can I take Actos instead of? Metformin, Thanks?

Angie replied: "WHY ASK US? ASK YOUR DR!!!!!"

Sgt. Fletcher replied: "dr"

Nancy C replied: "Actos and Metformin act differently in the body. The best person to advise you on changing your presciption medication would be the healthcare professional that prescribed it for you. Let you doc or NP know the problems you are having, and be willing to listen to suggestions."

Why is Metformin better for Diabetes type 2? Both my endocrinologist and doctor prefer that I take this instead of glyburide or gliclazide because its 'better'...how so? I'll ask them next time I see them but for now, I'm just curious.

Zam replied: "By statistics is safer and rarely if ever will cause hypoglicemia."

TheOrange Evil replied: "Metformin improves insulin resistance, rarely causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and has much fewer side effects. The other two drugs you mention are sulfonylureas that increase your pancreas' insulin production. There's some theory out there that sulfonylureas wear out your pancreas faster, but the real problem with them is the hypoglycemia. There's also a greater risk of damage to the kidneys and liver. Metformin's main side effect is stomach upset, but that usually goes away or lessens with time. If you can have success on Metformin, then you'll be better off for it."

Edie B replied: "It also helps you to lose a few pounds. I had lost 10 pounds that I have yet to gain back in the few years I've been taking it."

Tin S replied: "Metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug taken orally and in widespread use for more than a decade has been found to have distinct advantages over nine other, mostly newer medications used to control the chronic type 2 diabetes, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins. In their report, published online July 16 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the Hopkins team found that metformin, first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995 (and sold as Glucophage, Riomet and Fortamet), not only controlled blood sugar levels but also metformin was less likely to cause weight gain and more likely than others to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Researchers say these health benefits are important because they can potentially ward off heart disease and other life-threatening consequence from diabetes. More than 15 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. "Sometimes newer is not necessarily better, says lead study author Shari Bolen, M.D., an internist at Hopkins. "Issues like blood sugar levels, weight gain and cost could be significant factors to many diabetes patients struggling to stay in good health, says Bolen, an instructor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In what is believed to be the largest drug comparison of its kind, the scientists showed that all of the commonly used oral diabetes medications worked much the same at lowering and controlling blood sugar levels, and were equally safe. But metformin stood out because it offered the same level of effectiveness without lowering glucose measurements too much, and metformin did so for a lower price. Metformin was found to lower LDL or bad cholesterol by about 10 milligrams per deciliter of blood, while newer medications studied, such as pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia), or so-called thiazolidinediones, were found to have the opposite effect, increasing levels of the artery-clogging fat by the same amount. Researchers say the main drawbacks to metformin are digestive problems and diarrhea. Previous reports have found evidence that metformin leads to the buildup of lactic acid in the blood in people with moderate kidney or heart disease, and they note that metformin should not be prescribed to anyone with either of these conditions. The main advantages to both newer thiazolidinediones were a small increase in HDL or good cholesterol, and less too-low blood sugar levels than three other older, cheaper drugs studied -- glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, DiabBeta, Glynase PresTab) -- known as second-generation sulfonylureas. Annual diabetes treatment with metformin or the sulfonylureas, they note, costs on average $100, roughly one-fourth the cost of oral diabetes medications FDA-approved since then, including the two newer thiazolidinediones, both approved in 1999. (Their price is expected to drop once generic versions become available.) In the study, Bolen and her colleagues reviewed the scientific evidence from 216 previous studies and compared each drug for its clinical effectiveness, risks and costs. In addition to metformin, the thiazolidinediones and sulfonylureas, drugs included in their analysis were repaglinide (Prandin), miglitol (Glyset), acarbose (Precose), and nateglinide (Starlix). Among the teams other findings were that glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide led more frequently to too-low blood sugar levels than the other drugs. The sulfonylureas and acarbose appeared to have no effect on bad cholesterol. And except for metformin and acarbose, drug treatment led to an increase in weight from 2 to 11 pounds. Researchers also noted the increased risk of heart failure, albeit small (less than three people in a hundred), in people taking thiazolidinediones who did not have a history of heart disease. They also caution that despite recent reports about the potential for increased risk of heart attack from rosiglitazone, there is not yet sufficient information to verify the finding. Researchers say further studies are needed to compare the long-term effectiveness of one treatment to another and to compare drug effects on quality of life and life expectancy. Additional research will also be needed to compare these findings with results for injectible medications for diabetes, most notably insulin, which was not included in the latest report. The study, conducted solely at Hopkins, was supported with funding from the federal Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. The agency has posted the analysis, along with a question-and-answer document, on its Web site. And the consumer watchdog publication, Consumer Reports has posted a related report. Metformin cost me 2 cents per 500 mg. WOW!"

Jennifer M replied: "it helps keep ur blood sugar down so u r not going up and down and it doesnt make u gain weight"

Is flax seed oil soft gels healthy for someone with type 2 diabetes, on metformin, statin? I been diagnois with type 2 since 08. I recently joined a gym, trying to eat healthy etc etc. I also been drinking apple cider vinegar, just today start taking 2 soft gel flaxseed oil. Is this all healthy, for weight loss? no sweets, sodas just water. THANK YOU ALL !

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type 2 diabetes metformin question ?? i have type 2 diabetes and take metformin - i have severe episodes of weakness and muscle twitches and feels like i can barely control my arms, also my legs and arms get shaky, all this while my blood sugar is within normal range, my doc says these are not diabetes symptoms and the neurologist says theres nothing wrong with me?? does anyone else get these weird symptoms with diabetes?? i have been on it four months and still have extreme upset stomache and diarrea constantly also...

karen h replied: "No I am on Metforim three times a day and I don't get those symptons. Please check with your doctor."

jan w replied: "I just started on metformin a week ago...had to cut down to one pill at nite rather than two a day...because of severe stomach bloating and diareah....also, I was waking up in the middle of the nite with foot cramps, and my arms and legs felt really funny....it scared me.....so now I'm just doing the one a day, and it is better.....I will probably try that a week or so, then try easing back into two a day....but I may never be able to do the two a day, we shall see. So, based only on my limited personal experience, I would guess your symptoms are related to the drug. Have you tried cutting the dose?"

Az R replied: "Agreed, metformin does not do this. It is common for Type 2 diabetics to have poor circulation, as well as some weird neurological symptoms. The weird neurological symptoms occur from either periods of uncontrolled blood sugar, or from bouts of diabetic ketoacidosis. Otherwise, honestly those do sound like symptoms of hypoglycemia. Are you certain you're not having some short term fluctuation?"

Chris replied: "This is a shot in the dark, but it does apply more than you think. Do you get enough sleep and feel rested in the morning? You should not feel tired or sleepy late in the afternoon or right after work when you slow down. A restful sleep is very important for a diabetic. I even take a natural supplement that helps me get a restful sleep and I burn the candle at both ends. I do not recommend a sleeping pill! Check how restful your sleep is. Ask you doctor for help. Your weakness is not good. Best Wishes."

aceofspd replied: "Sounds like statin side effects. Are you also on cholesterol meds? Why not eat a low carb diet and completely forget the medication? It works."

Has anyone else with diabetes type 2 experienced problems with metformin? When first diagnosed 7 years ago I was prescribed metformin, then a couple of years ago for no apparent reason it stopped working and I was prescribed Avandamet, a combined metformin and rosiglitazone. A month ago a blood test showed my overall sugar level to have risen from the usual 5 to 6 and my doctor put me back on metformin only. (I know there was some concern about rosiglitazone at the time so that could have been the reason for the change) Now it is, again, as if I was not taking any medication at all. I am due for another check up this week, and wondering what the doctor will suggest next. Is it that the metformin is not suitable for me and what alternatives can I expect. My doctor is not a great one for discussing anything with patients, so it's a case of being forwarned is forarmed.

wcanoodle replied: "You could go to an endocrinologist. They might be better informed about diabetes than a general practitioner."

martin m replied: "Apart from my kite flying improving due to wind ,no . The only thing i do notice is that when i collect my medication from the pharmacy ,if the brand of metformin is different it can some times upset my stomach for a few days."

Aurora replied: "My spouse has been taking metformin for about six years now, but has had to increase the dose, as diabetes is a degenerative illness. He now takes gliclazide as well, which seems to work very well. Gliclazide can cause hypos though, so if the doctor gives you that, take care until you get used to it."

skeet replied: "Get a second opinion don't you have a diabetic nurse"

tracieisland replied: "metformin is no good.......its all about willpower when u lose weight or want to........or not in some peoples cases."

SteveB replied: "Hi Florence, I have had type 2 for quite a long time now. I have been on the maximum dose (6 500mg tablets per day) for a while. It seemed that the only prolem that I had was quick run to the loo, but that was solved by only taking them with meals. However I have now found that I have kidney diese which i have been told is probably due to the metformin. I have been moved onto slow release insulin (1 shot per day) instead of the glicnoside i was on, but still take the metformin at the moment, mu control with the insulin is great (wish i'd done it years ago) not sure about the metfomin yet as they are delighted with the ciontrol and do not want to change it. the clinic are trying to control the kidney diese, if they can then maybe the metformin will stay. good luck with your problem, hope it works out for you"

Fluffy Ewe replied: "there are 7 classes of diabetes 2 medications to be experimented with by you and your doctor. You have only been exposed to 2 of them. then there are the insulins. You may be able to take some of the other things available in pill form before the doc decides time is right to try insulins. I bless the day my doc suggested the long acting insulin!! But this is not an excuse for not watching every bite of food and strictly limiting carbs!! Over indulgence puts it right onto my tummy area!! Wishing it were on my butt as I could use some padding in that area!! the metformin XR is a great med!! it doesn't mess with my digestive system as some of the regular met did. Not sure it is still working as it should. But will continue to take it as directed."

BOB PHX replied: "Yes, you should consider seeing an endocrinologist if you are in an area that has one. I have been taking metformin for years, but when my blood sugars started running high for no apparent reason, my doctor added Byetta, which is an injection. Been on it for 45 days, and seems to help."

Mr. Peachy replied: "I have only when I consume dairy products. As long as I stick to my diet, continue to exercise, keep my weight down, and avoid dairy products, my sugar is easy to manage... I only take two 500mg tabs a day. Sometimes less, when I'm going to be exercising for more than an hour. Don't feel lonesome about pigheaded doctors.... they're abundant. Nurses too, in some cases. They get kinda funny when you blow them away with facts and figures though. Go out and learn more than your doctor... it only takes a few weeks to accumulate more knowledge about diabetes than 80% of all doctors out there. This stuff is not kept hermetically sealed in a mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnall's porch, either. There's tons of info readily available:=&article_id=218392748 For starters. Let me know if you need more."

Jo Greendragon replied: "Yes, I have. It simply does not reduce my blood sugar levels at all. Even after 3 months it still does not work. But the GP simply won't accept that. I want to see a specialist, at least to start with and get this diabetes under control. I am currently trying to change my GP because of a refusal to refer me and GP insists that Metformin should work, therefore if it does not then I must not be taking it properly.. My problem is high morning levels of blood sugar, before I even start eating. I tried eating more vegetables, but unless I stop eating all carbs, my blood sugar is still well above normal. Wholemeal bread etc does not seem to help. Fruit sends it through the roof."

Calexi R replied: "I HAVE. Oh it was the worst! My stomach was so bad, and lost so much weight i just had to stop taking it, I am not obese, nor did i need to loose that much weight, and certinaly did not want to loose it that way ( living in the bathroom). I was switched to a combinationof pills before being put on 2 insulins, and actos, and am now about to have the insuilin pump. I was daignosed 2 years ago, and I am only 32 ! Not obese, and was otherwise healthy and am already having so many complications. Sometimes your body resists the meds ( like mine) and they have to find the right combination for yours give it some time they will get it right."

Janet K replied: "The obvious answer would be to wait until your HbA1C result confirms any abnormality. I presume you have been continuously taking metformin for at least one clear month so it may be advisable to have another HbA1C three months after discontinuing the rosiglitazone. Your blood glucose levels do not indicate any cause for concern and could easily be attributed to changes to your normal routine of diet/exercise/health/social factors. Examine these possibilities and ask to speak to the Diabetes Nurse at your G.P. practice if you need another sounding board other than your Doctor."

How can I get glimpiride and metformin without a Script. Lost my insurance but still have type 2 diabetes? I am trying to save on a trip to the doctor. Is there a way to recieve meds for type 2 diabetes. And is there some kind of vitamins that produce the same result? I've been taking fish oil daily.

TheOrange Evil replied: "I know of one website that doesn't require a prescription, but I couldn't find those particular drugs. I'll still give you the link in case you find a comparable substitute. You don't need insurance to go to the doctor, of course. Wal-Mart sells very cheap prescriptions, like $4 per prescription. So, you might spend a lot on the doctor visit ($150-200), but you could save on the medication. Good luck to you. I hope you find a way to avoid the doctor."

ernst m replied: "As someone with over eight years in the medical field(emergency medicine) the money you save will be great in going towards the renal dialysis, seeing eye dog, artifical limbs, wheel chair..... getting the picture? Diabetes is not something to mess around with you can live a long and amputation free life if you take care of yourself. Contact the health dept in the city ypou live in to see if there are programs for people who are income challenged. TYou may be able to get the help you need at a reasonable rate or payment plan."

girl_in_vernon replied: "For me this is such a timely question. I have done many papers in college and written to many congressmen about this situation (people with diabetes not affording health care). I have always used my aunt 72 last month as an example of how economically it is more beneficial to provide medication to someone on an ongoing basis vs. the greater health risks that they have. On a day when I myself was struggling with a bizarrely out of range BSL I was called by my mom to find out that my aunt had passed away. She had been in and out of nursing homes for the last ten years because she never took care of her diabetes. You must do whatever you need to do, find local clinics that see people for minimum or free. Call drug companies asking how to get a grant for your medications. Call the local ADA."

JMK45 replied: "Check to see if your local health department offers a free clinic. If not, call the dr that you have gone to in the past and explain that you do not have insurance and if they might have a discount fee for people without insurance, if they don't ask them if they could recommend somewhere that you could get medical care for your diabetes at a low/no cost - they may know the locations in your area. Walmart has both of these drugs for $4 for a one month supply, and many other stores are also offering $4 prescriptions - check with your local pharmacist."

Tim W replied: "Try the county hospital. They have programs for people without insurance."

my sister is 33 and takes Metformin 4 diabetes.is it type 2? CURABLE????? My sister is 33 and takes metformin tablets twice/day. is it type 2 diabetes? can she cure it completely by exercise etc? pls advise. we are really worried

crew06chief replied: "Negative! There is no known cure for any stage of diabetes. sorry =("

Lynda M replied: "There aren't any known cures for diabetes as yet. If her doctor says to exercise, then she should but you have to remember you can't control anyone or make them do anything. Your sister should know what type of diabetes she has."

kimiq_ca replied: "Yes your sister will have type 2 diabetes. With proper diet and exercise and regular testing of your sister's blood sugar she may be able to come off the medication if she is doing really well. Diabetes isn't really curable but it is controllable."

lizzy replied: "yes. Metformin is taken by those who have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 does not have a cure yet, but has a better chance to get the cure sooner than type1."

dukefan86 replied: "I used to take metformin twice a day, and now I no longer have to take it. My blood sugars are normal! I've worked hard to get to this stage though. I've lost 86 lbs so far, 66 of those on the Rice Diet (www.ricediet.com). I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I'm still going. I also exercise every day. (I rarely miss a day of exercise.) There are two books out about the Rice Diet, The Rice Diet Solution (now out in paperback), and The Rice Diet Solution Cookbook. I would recommend both books. Also, I attend the diet facility in NC, because I happen to live nearby. (Most people travel to the facility from out of town, though.) On the Rice Diet's website, there's a message board that's quite active. (Click on the Rice Diet Forum link on the left hand side on the webpage.) There are also a couple of Yahoo groups about the Rice Diet, with people doing the diet at home. That being said, the doctor there has told me I will always have the predisposition for diabetes. (I'd been taking meds for it since fall of 2000.) I won't say that I am cured, because there isn't a cure yet, but I no longer show the clinical signs of diabetes. I will have stay diligent about my weight and exercise, this I know! My diabetes got to the stage where I had to take insulin (after getting very sick), but with the Rice Diet and hard work, I was able to get off insulin and back on metformin, and then off of metformin altogether. The RD isn't a magical diet, it's real and it's food you can fix yourself. It does take discipline and hard work, but to me, the complications of diabetes would be harder. I'd suggest getting plugged into diabetes education. That was helpful for me, too. Good luck to your sister, and make sure you take care of yourself too, since diabetes runs in families. Maybe you and your sis can exercise together!! :)"

Go Pats!! replied: "A lot of people who are morbidly obese who have type 2 diabetes have lost symptoms after weight loss, or weight loss surgery. One of the best surgeries that rid the body of diabetes, cure it, or lessen the symptom is called the Duodenal Switch. It's used in Europe on a lot of people (obese or not) for diabetes relief. Your sister can look here : for more info on Duodenal Switch."

gy650 replied: "Might be able to eventually reduce or eliminate the meds by complying with a low carb diet. Blood Sugar Management Wal-Mart Testing Supplies Calorie Consumption"

Rock Quarry replied: "I have been med free for seven years.If she is interested have her E-mail me, and i will tell her how i do it.It just takes commitment and a little effort."

Peachy replied: "Yes, it is type two... I have had it just over three years now and am also taking two 500 mg Metformin tabs per day. I'm doing fine. If by "CURABLE", you mean not having to take medication, absolutely possible. Easy? Not for most folks. People are doing it all the time, however. What they're not doing, though, is returning to the diet and sedentary lifestyle that got them there in the first place. They're eating healthier and exercising regularly. Many type twos enjoy a nearly normal life simply by eating a healthy vegetable based diet, with a few whole grains, some fish and chicken, and some fruits, combined with moderate daily exercise. We do have to avoid sugar, too many carbs, and excessive drinking. In fact, if you are on Metformin, you shouldn't drink any alcohol... it can be quite toxic. Please don't worry. I always advise worry-warts to stop worrying and do something about it. Here's what you do... read my diabetes info page, tell sis about it, and relax... type two diabetes is not that big of a deal once you learn the ropes: Oh, btw... you might be a candidate for type two also. If you take good care of yourself now, as I suggest here, you should not have to worry."

Mulder replied: "From the information you've provided, yes, your sister has type 2 diabetes. As to your question "is it curable?', I'm afraid the answer is No. Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is not curable, only treatable. It is possible that she can control her type 2 diabetes with proper diet and exercise, at least for awhile. But, this is control and treatment, not a cure. The disease will not just "gop away". In addition to seeing a physician, she should consider seeing a registered dietitian, who could assist her in formlating a meal plan that would greatly help her in controlling her condition. Hope this helps!"

John W replied: "Hi there, FIRST THING STOP WORRYING!!!! Yes if she is taking metformin hydrochloride, she is likely to be type 2 diabetic, however.. it is not curable at present, but it is managed very easily as long as she follows her doctors advice.. Main points to watch for : 1, Weight - is she heavy? If so, her Dr will want that to change. 2, Food - She will need to eat healthy, low cholesterol diet etc 3, Feet - Believe it or not be VERY carefull with feet as a diabetic, Diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet causing numbness, not a big problem in itself but can lead to infections from cuts not noticed.. in severe cases this can lead to amputation.. DONT TAKE CHANCES! 4, Eyes - your Dr will want her to go to a retinopathy clinic once a year for a painless test, its literally a digital pic of the retina, as this can be affected by Diabetes, but again is treatable if found early.. 5, Heart - She will get her blood pressure checked more often as this can also be affected - again easily controlled if found early enough. Also her cholesterol will be monitored closely. At the end of the day, if your sister listens to her Doctor, she will lead a very healty life with little or no problems at all.. Her Doctor will look after her! Dont worry.. Please E-mail if i can help any further.. (Can be done via profile) Also see diabetes.org.uk (Mega Good Site! loads of good info and help!)"

Anupa S replied: "Well I am not exactlly equipped to give u the exact answer for your question...but i read an article on curing diabetes...I am sure it will help...so I am sharing it with you... How is Diabetes treated? Treatment is aimed at controlling the elevated blood glucose without causing an abnormally low glucose level (hypoglycaemia). An important aspect of your treatment plan will involve eating a healthy diet (low fat, salt and sugar and high fibre). You should also monitor your blood glucose levels. * Type 1 diabetes mellitus is treated with insulin, exercise, and a healthy diet. * Type 2 diabetes mellitus is first treated with weight reduction, a healthy diet and regular exercise. * In type 2 diabetes, if the above measures fail to control the elevated blood glucose, oral (by mouth) medicines are used to try to boost insulin production, improve the bodys use of it, or reduce the speed at which glucose enters the blood. Treatment with insulin will be considered if these other medicines are insufficient. * Gestational diabetes is usually controlled by a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some women may require treatment with insulin. Treating high blood pressure and controlling the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood are also very important in patients with diabetes as they are at greater risk than the normal population of developing serious cardiovascular diseases. * A group of medicines known as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors are sometimes used to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications in diabetes and can also reduce the risk or progression of kidney and eye diseases. Although there is currently no cure for diabetes mellitus, it can be controlled successfully with an active treatment plan. The potential benefit of pancreas transplants and islet cell transplants in type 1 patients is being investigated. Any medical information on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional."

Jim W replied: "She IS a diabetic for the rest of her life. I too take metaformina 850 twice a day & lead an exciting life. . Tell her to hang in there. ."

Love Health replied: "You can't completely cure diabetes, but if your sister looses weight, excersises regularly (both aerobic, and strength training at least 4 times a week) plus does not eat any processed foods, fast foods, any unhealthy foods, and watches her carb intake then she can control it very much and live a healthy life. If not she will have very many serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and much more. My mom has had diabetes for 13 years now and is very healthy because she really watches herslef. Look at the site below, and goodluck."

srikant b replied: "YES IT IS TYPE 2. SHE CAN COMPLETELY CURE THE DIABETES BY DOING PRANAYAM FOR 30-40 MINUTES. SHE MUST WATCH HER WAIST LINE AND IF IT IS QUITE A BIT ASK HER TO DO 45 MINUTES OF BRISK WALK ON EMPTY STOMACH AND ONLY HALF FILL HER STOMACH AFTER THE WALK. ASK HER TO EAT LESS BUT SHE SHOULD EAT FRUGAL MEALS 4 TIMES A DAY. SHE SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE TOMATO AND BAKED POTATO (DO NOT REMOVE THE SKIN AS IT ONLY CONTAINS ALPHA LIPOIC ACID.) ASK HER TO STOP EATING BURGERS, POTATO CHIPS/ WAFERS. PRANAYAM WOULD ERADICATE THE DIABETES BUT DIETARY DISCIPLINE HAS TO BE MAINTAINED THROUGH OUT THE LIFE"

L V replied: "maybe...but maybe she has insulin resistance....like pre-diabetes. Diabetes type 2 could be reversible for example if she is obese and gets a gastric by-pass, in other cases is not likely to happen."

Dorothy and Toto replied: "I realize that conventional health care is necessary and appropriate. That having been said, there are also many things WE can do to overcome type II diabetes, and improve life as a Type I diabetic. I've been researching alternative medicine, and the amount of help that's available to diabetics is amazing. Natural remedies are quite effective, and include: Cinnamon Bitter Melon Gymnema Sylvestre Nopal cactus American Ginseng Fenugreek Chromium picolinate Cinnamon regulates glucose, and has a polyphenol compound called MHCP that mimics insulin and activates cell receptor sites. A quarter teaspoon twice daily makes a difference. Fenugreek increases blood flow and inhibits the growth of infectious organisms. Everything on the list has a use in fighting diabetes. Learn how to use these herbs and don't fall victim to diabetes needlessly.You can find out about about them on line, or in a book I read cover to cover-- "One Son's Quest for the Cause and Cure of Diabetes", ISBN 7890766313 The author, a doctor, lost his mother to diabetes and spent the next 20 years finding a way to overcome it. My brother was dying of diabetes, and I was just starting to need insulin when we came across this definitive work which came out in February 2005. We both lead mostly normal lives now. It's a life saver, and the best money you'll ever spend on the subject if you decide to go that way. You might want to check Abe Books, Alibri's, or Amazon.com for a good used copy cheap. I bought mine new, and I think it was about $35. I don't get any money from anybody for telling you this--just want to help, and the techniques in this book is what made the difference for me and mine. Best of luck. Just recently found this 8-minute non-profit video , about diabetes diet. Click on the link, then click 'View Windows Media' to watch it.You'll be glad you saw it."

Mary G replied: "there is no cure but you can control it. she can not cure it completely, by exercise make sure she takes her medicine."

kbib12 replied: "Type 2 diabetes is ravishing the country because we are seeing more and more overweight people today versus 50 years ago. If your sister is overweight I suggest she diet and exercise to lose weight. She should continue to take the metformin unless her doctor gives her the "okay" to stop. Metformin is not insulin. It is given to people with type 2 diabetes to help their bodies better use the insulin their pancreas produces. It is not a cure for diabetes. Please tell your sister to take her medication exactly as it is prescribed and to check her blood sugar at least 4 times per day: when she gets up (fasting), and 1-2 hours after each meal. Record these on a sheet of paper (it would also help if she would write down everything that she eats each day) and take this information with her to the doctor the next time she has a visit. This will help the doctor help her."

justme replied: "type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections several times a day. type 2 diabetes can be controlled by pills called hypoglycemics such as metformin and diet, weight loss and exercise. it must be controlled or terrible complications will occur. some people can even control type2 with just diet and exercise. Is there a cure for type 1 or type 2, no. good luck to you and your sister"

DEBBIE D replied: "Metformin is for type 2. Exercise and most important portion control can assist with maintaining good blood levels that can lead to possible normal blood levels determined by routine quarterly tests. Aim for a consistent test level of 6. and confer with Dr. about dosage reduction or elimination. You can be diabetic and control it with diet and exercise alone if consistent. Get assistance with a dieticion, and stay informed."