[baconbits]

I've been diagnosed with type 2 for approx a year and decided to forgo meds and try my hand at diet and exercise as the primary method to control my blood sugar. I have the meds and have not taken them because I'm afraid of the side effects. Has anyone tried this route? Please let me know.

[dano]

Diet and exercise is great for helping to control diabetes. However, sometimes it's just not enough. If you were prescribed Meds, then you probably need them. Why not just take the Meds and work toward getting off of them. It's been done before and there are several threads on this forum to back that up. Good luck with whatever you decide is best for you.

[jeffpchaney]

Yes. I decided to avoid medications and just do a strict diet and exercise and all my glucose levels have been in the normal range since I began. According to the estimator I am on target to a 5.3 A1C

[mjsnonna]

Congratulations, baconbits. It sounds like you are well past the denial stage and ready to manage your diabetes instead of letting it manage you. I have had type 2 diabetes for 23 years and must take insulin now, but I managed just fine with only diet and exercise for the first five years. Go for it! If you are currently overweight diet and exercise are your best friends and you may be able to postpone medication for many years if not forever. If you are like me and have never been overweight you may need medication. But diet and exercise still help you manage this and stay healthy. Best of luck to you.

[Kreisler71]

I was on metformin for the first 6 months of being diagnosed. While on it I didn't notice any side effects, but I did lose a lot of weight, not sure if it was the mess or me exercising. I've been off it for 1 1/2 years. I will say the long winters in VT are tough to get my walks in. My numbers / weight go up during winter. As long as I stay active my numbers have been good. Hope this helps .

[minismommy]

Diets exercise and almonds helped me keep of meds during my first pregnancy but don't over exercise since u might end up feeling hungry and craving carbs

[marilynwrites]

I was diagnosed with type 2 in early 2007. I was put on Medication. However, I was already exercising and began watching my diet (portion control) and within six months I was experiencing lows. My doctor took me off the medication and I have controlled my diabetes ever since with diet and exercise. My A1C averages between 5.6 & 5.8. I'm not saying it's easy, however it is the only major health issue I have that I am able to control without medicine. (I have breast cancer, asthma and other health problems that all require drugs.)

[rlarge]

Baconbits- I was diagnosed a couple months ago (285, 8.5) and was prescribed metformin. I, like you, did not particularly want to take medication. I studied hard and have found information from Dr. Jason Fung to be the best. I follow his recommendations, and without medications maintain glucose below 100. You must look him up on YouTube.

[meds247online]

Please focus on diet and exercise. It'll definitely help you. Best of luck!!

http://www.meds247online.net/

[crdumas87]

I had really bad side effects when I first started metformin and I didn't want to try another drug if I could help it. So my doc gave me 3months of diet and exercise and if there was an improvement I could skip meds for now.

I didn't really change my diet aside from less simple carbs and more fiber and protein. I think what made the difference was increased exercise. I worked up to 1-2 hours a day, typically a 3mile run in the morning and a brisk walk with my dogs at night. Now I only have to take meds when I'm on prednisone for my arthritis and asthma and the much lower dose of metformin is mostly tolerable especially for just a few weeks