HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Diagnosed As Pre Diabetic. On Metformin. Blood Test Done. What Does It Show?

Hi, Was diagnosed as pre diabetic in 2011, Was put on one 500mg metformin tablet a day. Moved area and joined another surgery, last 2 blood tests have shown readings of 37 and 36, Seems that they don't believe i am diabetic and are asking me if i want to come off the medication. Are these readings low as seems that readings of 70-100 are normal, Many thanks, Steve
Tue, 10 Sep 2013
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Kindly recheck your sugar levels. Sugar level of 37 & 36 is very low & not compatible with life. So its an error. Also always check for the units mentioned with the sugar levels whether it is mg/dl or mmol/l. If your repeat sugar levels are within normal levels than you can stop Metformin but continue with diet & exercise regimen. Repeat Blood sugars again after 1 month of stopping Metformin,if this level is too is normal than no need to start Metformin again.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Albana Sejdini's  Response
Hi,

The readings (37 and 36) are really low (extremely low) revealing that you do not need any medication for diabetes (i.e. metformin).

What I can suggest is to discuss with your doctor to

- quit metformin and

- continue conducting a healthy lifestyle (no smoking, no alcohol, no illicit drugs, being physically active,) and

- implementing a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, less processed foods).

Hope it helps!
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Akhilesh Dubey's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic,

You was pre diabetic in 2011 and taking metformin,but if your readings are 37 and 36 mg/dl they are low (Hypoglycemia) usually there are symptoms of hypoglycemia like weakness,perspiration,fast heart rate, and shakiness.
You should stop metformin immediately in consultation with Physician and continue too take care of diet and exercise.

Get yourself tested for Fasting blood sugar and Postprandial blood sugar periodically.In case blood sugar rises to high levels treatment can be started.
You can also check HbA1c in 3 months.

Hope this information is useful to you.

Take care.
Good Luck.

Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D.

I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

General & Family Physician Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta's  Response
Hello,
These levels of 37 and 36 are pretty low and doesn't appear to be due to consumption of single tablet of METFORMIN 500 mg.
These very low levels of blood sugar can make you unconscious or have seizures.
There are many causes for such low blood sugar levels and if you are consistently having so low sugar levels then you should be investigated properly to find the cause.
The causes can be ...
Excessive intake of alcohol.
Some liver or kidney ailment.
Adrenal gland deficiency
An insulin producing tumor of pancreas ( insulinoma ) .
Thanks
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Seizure


Loading Online Doctors....
Diagnosed As Pre Diabetic. On Metformin. Blood Test Done. What Does It Show?

Hello, Thanks for your query. Kindly recheck your sugar levels. Sugar level of 37 & 36 is very low & not compatible with life. So its an error. Also always check for the units mentioned with the sugar levels whether it is mg/dl or mmol/l. If your repeat sugar levels are within normal levels than you can stop Metformin but continue with diet & exercise regimen. Repeat Blood sugars again after 1 month of stopping Metformin,if this level is too is normal than no need to start Metformin again. Take care.