Managing Type 1 Diabetes: Can Metformin and Glipizide Play a Role?
Hello everyone, I’m a 24-year-old female, weighing 110 lbs and standing at 5'5”. I lead a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and alcohol. Recently, I experienced some common symptoms associated with diabetes and had access to a glucose meter. After indulging in a meal of fruit, I decided to check my blood sugar about an hour later and was shocked to see a reading of 260. This was particularly concerning since I’m currently abroad and diligently managing my diet, trying to eliminate carbohydrates until my return. Pursuing a career that requires me to be in good health is crucial, as living with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes could potentially limit my options. I share this not to contest standard medical practices, but to recount my father’s experience. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 30 and is now in his sixties. During his diagnosis, his blood sugar was also in the upper 200s. He had numerous disagreements with various doctors due to his aversion to needles. Eventually, he found a doctor open to prescribing an oral treatment plan that included glipizide and metformin, along with an experimental medication that escapes my memory. Remarkably, he has managed his condition successfully for about 30 years. How is this even feasible? Though he still experiences symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes, his latest consultations have once again suggested insulin therapy, which he is reluctant to begin. Instead, he adeptly maintains his health through diet management and an increased dosage of medications. Currently, I haven't received any formal diagnosis, but I’m proactively exploring potential avenues for treatment prior to seeking medical advice.
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 3:40:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great that you are being proactive about your health and seeking information regarding diabetes management. Your experience with elevated blood sugar levels and your family history of Type 1 Diabetes raises valid concerns that should be addressed with care.
Key Points:
- Elevated blood sugar readings, especially above 200 mg/dL, can signal diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
- Type 1 Diabetes typically requires insulin therapy, while oral medications like metformin and glipizide are primarily used for Type 2 Diabetes.
- Your father’s experience, though unusual, emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to diabetes treatment.
Explanation:
Your blood sugar reading of 260 mg/dL after consuming a meal is concerning, especially if you are managing your diet carefully. It’s important to understand that Type 1 Diabetes usually requires insulin for blood sugar control because the body doesn’t produce insulin at all. Type 2 Diabetes, on the other hand, may initially be managed with medications like metformin and glipizide, which improve insulin sensitivity and stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.
Your father’s management of his Type 1 Diabetes might reflect a unique approach and possibly the use of older treatments that accommodated his lifestyle. However, relying solely on oral medications for Type 1 diabetes is not standard in current medical guidelines.
Next Steps:
-
Immediate Monitoring: Keep monitoring your blood sugar closely. Consider logging your readings and any corresponding meals to identify patterns and triggers for high blood sugar levels.
-
Diet Review: Since you mentioned trying to limit carbohydrates, focus on a balanced diet consisting of whole foods, emphasizing non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consulting a dietitian can help you create a plan that balances carbohydrates with your medication or insulin needs.
-
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your body manage sugar levels and stay hydrated.
-
Seek Professional Help: While you are gathering information, it’s crucial to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate medical advice. Given your symptoms and high glucose levels, consulting an endocrinologist for a thorough evaluation would be beneficial.
-
Education on Diabetes Management: Learn about diabetes management from reputable sources. Knowing how to manage blood sugar levels effectively is critical, whether you are diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.
Please know you’re not alone in navigating these challenges, and you’re taking important steps toward understanding your health. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.