I've been on Metformin for 2 years. 500 mg in the AM and PM. A1C is 6.2 to 6.5. I had no side effects from the start and am hoping to be able to get off Metaformin at some point by following The Mount Athos Diet, which is 3 days fasting, 3 days moderation and 1 day feasting. Sugar, processed food and red meat are allowed once a week on Sundays. Fasting days are vegetarian (fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and seeds - basically reverse diabetes) - and the "Moderate" days include fish and chicken. This is how the monks on Mt Athos eat and it is a modified Mediterranean diet. These monks live 10 years longer than the average Greek male and have no cancer, heart disease or diabetes. Seems worth a shot!