diabetes improving pre surgery

I started on a higher protein low carb diet on May 19, the day I returned from my consult.  (1200 to 1500 calories)  At that time I was taking 2000 mg of Metformin, 45 mg of Actos, and 36 units of Lantus per day.  Had just stopped taking Byetta the month before because my PCP was concerned that there are no studies saying Byetta and Lantus can be taken together.  Anyway, My numbers were running in the 170's or higher last month.  Since then, I've gotten off of Actos entirely.  I take 1000 mg of Metformin and 30 units of Lantus per day.  My numbers are under 130 for the first time in a LONG time.  It's been as low as 67 and as high as 124.  In less than a month I have had these unbelievable results!  I'm beginning to think I may be off meds entirely by my surgery date in another month (July 14)  I guess it's possible.  I might just make the 7.0 A1C for surgery yet.
Joanna

You go girl!!! I had my surgery May 5 and I am having a horrible time with my blood sugar. I am taking insulin on a sliding scale, post op. Was taking 2000mg metformin, 45 Actos and 20 glyburide preop. The only reason I wasn't on insulin is my PCP wanted to see if I got the surgery first. And my checks weren't that good then but they are still as bad if not worse at times. Starting tommorrow I am to stop the metformin (1000mg) again and she is giving me a insulin that I only take at night, can't remember the name, supposedly a 24 hr. insulin. Anyway I am babbling, wish you all the best.

I crave carbs and I know that's always been my problem...reaching for carbs first.  Now that I'm off of Actos and am eating nearly no bread products at all, I've lost nearly 15 lbs.  Low low carbs and the weight loss has already made a difference in my sugar levels.  My daughter moved out last month so I only have to shop for myself and I'm not buying anything that I can't have.  I'm worried about post op meds.  I take several other meds in addition to diabetic meds and I'm worried I'm going to get all out of wack.  The insulin you only take at night is Lantus.  It is much better , IMO, than taking the fast acting insulin before each meal. I'm just worried about adjusting it after surgery. 

That's an interesting medication plan.  The metformin makes your body use insulin better.  The insulin she is giving you to take only at night is Lantus insulin.

I take 2500 mg. metformin per day and 70 units of Lantus at night, and it works great.  My PCP started me on 10 units, and it didn't do anything.  Then he told me I could go up every day or every other day until I had a fasting blood sugar under 100.  That happened at 70 units.

Insulin is an excellent therapy (IMO) because it helps spare the pancreas.  Many other meds stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin, which only makes it burn out faster.  I had to talk him into the insulin.  I much prefer something that my body would make for itself if only it could make enough, to something that works in a way that is only barely understood!

Many people who are insulin resistant (most Type II) diabetics, benefit from continuing metformin even after WLS and normal blood sugar levels because it makes your body use insulin better, and helps keep whatever healthy pancreas you still have from burning out.

This is why I hate that so many doctors, nutritionists, and even the ADA are NOT willing to amit a LOW CARB diet is the best prescription for type 2 diabetes. I lowered my A1C from 9.5 to 6.2 in 3 months and cut my triglycerides by more than half by sticking to a low carb, higher protein and fat diet.

Good for you, that's great! Well, just keep it up. My friend's also trying to hit the target she's having RNY. Keep it up!