Pre diabetes: Should I see a dietitian?

@andytheman congratulations on the weight loss and getting your blood sugar to 95 - 105. To answer your question, I don’t think a nutritionist is the right provider to make a diagnosis of diabetes or set blood sugar target range levels. But a nutritionist can help you develop parts of your care plan to include diabetes nutrition information, portion control, weight loss strategies, exercise ideas etc. if that is what you need. During your hospital stay did you have any consults with dietary services? How are you feeling at the lower weight, being off metformin, having better blood sugars and walking the track daily?

I am told the Mayo Clinic offers an online class to cope with pre-diabetic conditions but I have been unable to successfully register for it even though I have attempted to register through my portal account.

I feel great and no there were no dietary consults and I was in there for 10 days. Speech therapy was the therapist who told rehab that I needed to be on ground food otherwise I might choke. That was like puke mixed together on a plate. I couldn’t eat it as it was gross. I had a separate speech therapist see me and I told her to get me off that grounded food that I’m not eating anyway. She tested me with saltine crackers (very dry) and I passed the test and I got solid food after that.
Anyway, I’m getting off topic. But I do enjoy not being so fat(not that I was fat). Losing 20 lbs or so made me have to get a smaller waist pants. I liked that. Went from a 38 to a 36. That’s not much but it’s good enough for me!
I’m also glad that I’m completely off metformin and enjoy an in- range low of 95 to 105. Now if I can get off my Coumadin blood thinner I would be fine but my levels are either too high ( thin) or too low (thick). I’m resigning myself to being on Coumadin for the rest of my life.

I am a retired dietitian. I am 65 years old and my A1C came back a little high.
I have taught diabetic classes for 6 years. So, I think seeing a dietitian is an excellent idea! A dietitian can help with meal planning, in addition other dietary suggestions!
I have found, that exercise helps too. I do water aerobics and strength training 3 to 4 times a week. I also try to go for walks on days with nice weather.
Exercises lowers your blood sugars, in addition, to get your endorphins going to help you feel uplifted.
Good Luck, Pat

@sparkyd1
Hi DebbieS welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Looks like this is your first post. I noticed Metformin and Trulicity mentioned right away. A lot of people have difficulty adjusting to Metformin at first. But those that can, end up swearing by it. I’m a bit familiar with Trulicity but had no idea it is anything similar to Metformin. Congrats on weight, exercise, eating habits and active life style. Hope you and your Dr. can settle on a med that is helpful to you. Would you mind updating with what that turns out to be?

@hergiew, were you able to register for the diabetes class at Mayo Clinic? Can I help?

Absolutely, I will update with whether Metformin works. In the first few days I experienced a bit of nausea and ab pain, which I wasn’t certain was caused by Metformin or was associated with the Interstitial Cystitis I’ve struggled with for years. After 9 days on Metformin 500mg once daily, I feel no side effects.
My Dr prefers Trulicity for the convenience of a once weekly injectable and I agreed wholeheartedly but my prescription coverage denied Trulicity until I tried Metformin first. Obviously a cost savings consideration.

My A1C six months ago was 6.1. I asked my new PCM if I could try Metformin as my weight is not the problem. She agreed and prescribed Metformin 500 extended release, daily. My recent A1C was 5.8 and my PCM wants me to continue.

At the beginning I took Metformin with my evening meal and would wake up at night with knots in my stomach. Since my fasting sugars were good, I switched to taking it at 9am. Since I eat regularly during the day, no more knots.

Thank you, Colleen, but I have decided not to register for the diabetes class.

I am interested in Mayo Clinic online pre-diabetic class. Please provide link/instructions if the class is currently available.
Thank you!