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Can Metformin Be Taken For Pre-diabetes?
Question: I have. FBS 102 A1C 5.8 avg glucose 120 CA 10.1 CHOL 215 Triglycerides 256 HDL 27 BMI 30 and recent Hypertension taking Lisinopril 20 daily. NP started me on niacin and fenofibrate yesterday but has no concern about FBS, CA and A1C. 56 y/o male. Dx is Hypertension and Metabolic syndrome. Aren't I also pre diabetic and should be on Metfromin? Doesn't want to see me for 6 months which also concerns me. I asked about endocrinologist consult but she says not needed. Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
Glucose levels
Detailed Answer:
Yes your glucose and A1c results are compatible with Pre diabetes. Metformin is an option. Although it is not formally approved for treating pre diabetes, it has been studied in this setting for the prevention of diabetes in select individuals.
Whether you are a candidate for it will depend on a detailed examination by an endocrinologist.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Glucose levels
Detailed Answer:
Yes your glucose and A1c results are compatible with Pre diabetes. Metformin is an option. Although it is not formally approved for treating pre diabetes, it has been studied in this setting for the prevention of diabetes in select individuals.
Whether you are a candidate for it will depend on a detailed examination by an endocrinologist.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks i did have all these tests and were normal within reference ranges except the CA of 10.1
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I suggest you recheck the calcium in the morning time in the fasting state. If it is still high you should see an endocrinologist who will thoroughly examine you and consider ordering more tests such as
Phosphorus
Ionized Calcium
Magnesium
Intact PTH
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I suggest you recheck the calcium in the morning time in the fasting state. If it is still high you should see an endocrinologist who will thoroughly examine you and consider ordering more tests such as
Phosphorus
Ionized Calcium
Magnesium
Intact PTH
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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