This may explain it.

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/does-prediabetes-lead-to-diabetes

so he is pre-diabetic? I don't think a doctor would prescribe 1000mgs of metformin if he was just considered a pre-diabetic? usually at that stage they have the person control with diet and exercise. Do talk with his doctors regarding

his doctor said he is pre-diabetic - he said 6.4 A1c is not good and he put him on this medication - maybe his doctor should not give him the med?

I think maybe doctor jumped the gun a bit but then this is my opinion and based off how my doctors believe (they all have different view points) My hubby has had an A1C of 6.2 for over 40 years, he has excellent numbers for when I spot check him, but they figure his heart disease and all the meds he is on is causing this (3 meds are known to raise the glucose) But they are not concerned and don't worry about it.

Our doctors here are beginning to realize that they are setting the goals too low which is causing normal healthy people to appear as being diabetic, high blood pressure etc. and beginning to relax on some things

so do talk with his doctors, ask them why they think he even needed the medformin, why not do diet and exercise first and check out if he is on other meds etc if they could not be causing this.

Here is an article that might explain it:

http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/16422495.php

The pancreas produces hormones insulin and glucagon. These hormone's control the level of glucose in the blood!
that is the endocrine part of the pancreas . the other glandular part secretes digestive enzymes that will aid in food digestion.


Basically, the pancreas produces pancreatic juice (blend of enzymes) that breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

SO that being said. If your Pancreas does not produce insulin or it produces insulin and it's no good. You may be Diabetic.

I been Diabetic a long time and have had many A1C 's of 6.4.

Grannie, do you go to the doctor with your husband? What you are asking does not match with the facts you are stating. If your husband is taking metformin twice a day, it sounds like he is being treated as a diabetic.
If you have questions you need to talk to the doctor too. HIPPA requires that your husband give his permission for the doctor to talk to you.

Dave you have the wrong person.

I go to some of my husband's doctor appointments and have never had an issue getting them to answer my questions concerning my hubby. Mine tends to forget some things and during the times he is in the hospital, I always go to make sure he is ok, what type of home care he needs etc. and not once have they asked my hubby's permission to talk to me...guess after 43 years they feel all is dandy between us LOL

thank you guys for the info! I did go with my husband to see his PC the day he put him on Metformin one pill twice a day. He said A1c at 6.4 is pre-diabetes and he gave him the med to prevent full-blown diabetes. He was not given a meter to check his glucose levels. The only time he glucose was tested when he went 2x a years for labs and those values were always under 80. I am worried that his PC might be doing the wrong thing.
Please give me your input. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!

you need to pick him up a meter so he can monitor to see how things are going, if doctor won't prescribe for him, then find a Walmart and buy their meter and strips, very inexpensive

I love these doctors who prescribe meds and then don't tell a person what to do etc. Have hubby test first thing in morning and then check 2 hr after a meal, this you can chose the meal and then at night before bed. This will give you an idea of how food and exercise is doing

I am still surprised he was put on meds with an A1c as good as hubbys. Many of us control with diet and exercise and not on meds. I did it for about 10 years before it progressed.

And yes that A1C is good, many doctors have various ideas what is good or not, my endo says anything under 7 is good, where as my family doctor says under 6.5.

You don't want to shoot for something too low since they are discovering even if you have low numbers, it can still cause issues

so watch his diet - just a healthy diet, and keep track of carbs

Mzizgayle 2 years ago my doctor put me on 1000mgs of Metformin the first time I went to him only knowing A1c from the emergency room.

I was prediabetic

Hi.
From my own experience with A1C numbers, mine was as high as 6.8 (after a year of having tons of ice cream!). This # meant (according to a chart) that was consistent with having diabetes. However, my Dr. did not feel that I needed to necessary be on any medication.

I stopped the ice cream, more exercise, less sugar & carbs and now my A1C number is 5.9 (which is supposedly consistent with pre-diabetes). So - in other words my diabetes is now under control w/o having to take ANY medications at all. Just changed my lifestyle a bit.

I think it's premature for this particular Dr. to start giving your husband Metformin on the basis of his A1C number. It isn't good, but it's not that bad either. I was able to reverse it; your husband can too, w/o medication.