Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 12/7/2008

Question
Respected Sir,Sir, I am male/51 years and hypertnsive on Tenormin 100 Losartan 100 Amlodepine 10 and Indapamide 1.5 SR I have normal lipids No thyroid. Recently, I had routine check up and my Glucose tolerance test reading :
Fasting-110 Urine sugar-Trace Urine Acetone Nil: After 75 mg glucose orally, Blood sugar after one hour 212 Urine sugar present Acetone bodies-nil Blood sugar after 2 hours 152 Comments IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE. After 2 days, post prandial Blood sugar 108.My dr prescribed Metformin 250 mg once daily.  

Can U guide me as to whether metformin is good drug for impaired glucose tolerance ?( pre diabetic stage ? I have been transferred to place 600 kms from my native place
and stay alone. I am extremely worried I am very scared since my mother died at the age of 58 due
to diabetic comaI need your guidance I am obese I
shall be obliged if you can guide me  Thanks and regards

Answer
Dear Harvadan

Metformin is probably the best drug as it can help, not just your blood glucose but your weight. It is usually the preferred drug in such cases because of the positive action on weight control. As you say, your not diabetic but prediabetic and if you follow the advised diet (I presume you have been told what to eat and what not to eat etc) and take the metformin you may never even become diabetic. Diabetic comas are much rarer now-a-days with modern therapy and dietary control. There is no reason why you should not live to an advanced age especially if you can control your weight. (My father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 62 and lived a very healthy life on insulin until he died of old age more than anything at 85 - pneumonia was given as his cause of death.)

Please try not to worry abut this but concentrate on your diet more than anything. Loss of weight will also help your hypertension.

Regards

Alan Galbraith