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Does An A1c Of 6.1 Require Metformin In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Nov 2017
Question: I Am 92 aic is 6.1. I am on 8 mg/day of prednisone for PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica) My doctor suggested i start metformin. Another dr. said this is bad advice and that 6.1 is far too low to start metformin.
What to do?
XXXXXXX M FOX 818.788.8796
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
About blood sugar and dexametasone ;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
Yes, I do agree with your physician who suggested not to start metformine as A1c is low. The recommended A1c for you is 7.5.
Dexametasone can increase blood sugar but treatment should be started after having results of blood glucose above 160 mg/ dl.
Rather metformine or other treatment, it will depend on renal function, your weight, age ect.
You should see a diabetologist if the blood sugar raises after starting dexametasone.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

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Does An A1c Of 6.1 Require Metformin In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: About blood sugar and dexametasone ; Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for asking! Yes, I do agree with your physician who suggested not to start metformine as A1c is low. The recommended A1c for you is 7.5. Dexametasone can increase blood sugar but treatment should be started after having results of blood glucose above 160 mg/ dl. Rather metformine or other treatment, it will depend on renal function, your weight, age ect. You should see a diabetologist if the blood sugar raises after starting dexametasone. Hope the information will help. Kind regards, Dr.Mirjeta