I am clinically diagnosed a diabetic, I've known this for a few years. I haven't taken any meds yet, because I have a panic disorder/anxiety disorder and am ocd about taking medication. My doc and I have been cool with this since my a1c has been below 6.5 until recently. GRR!! Last check it was 7.3.. OK.. Now I have not only taken the prescription to the pharmacy, I've gotten it filled *500 mg 2 x a day* now, it's here with me. But, still unopened. I, unfortunately, read the "potential" side effects. I'm cool with everything except the words "lactic acidosis". What the heck is this crap? I have had a spinal fusion a few years ago, and I hurt and ache like the symptoms of this, and I've not touched the medication yet!. I realize that this is the most widely prescribed medication to help control diabetes. I am in denial, and I won't deny that. I am eating fewer and fewer carbs, that I am aware of than ever!. I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT EAT SUGAR!. I use splenda if anything. I don't eat pasta or potatoes anymore. I avoid anything that isn't lower than 12 grams of carbs. And I know that I am eating fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day. Yet, I am not losing weight, I use crystal light, and that sort of thing. I don't drink soda anymore, I eat tons of vegetables, and not corn and the high carb ones, I eat green, leafy, and legumes. Trust me, I am very careful about these carbs. Short of not eating anymore, (being faecetious of course) what the heck am I supposed to do??

I have researched the American Diabetic Association, read, read, read, and read some more! I can't figure this out. I know I need the metformin, I"m not stupid, just stubborn, and more panicky than I"ve ever been before.

Also, I take xanax for the anxiety, motrin for my bad back,a nd my doctor gave me tricor because my triglycerides were 275. But, hey, I am ok with that #. 2 years ago they were over 750!. So, in that I have managed to bring my triglycerides down w/no meds.

I am driving myself crazy, I want to lose weight to make sure that I can't get rid of the sugar problems that way, before I start forcing meds on my mind and body. My mind is way stronger than my body! LOL!! Any suggestions on lowering your sugar (I know this is not a doctors office) but, I like to hear what works for others, it may help!. Also, anybody know about any "hidden" carbs or sugars that a diabetic may not be aware of?

I eat carb smart yogurt, water, crystal light, lean cuisine under 12G of carbs, I eat plenty of veges (not high carb) lean cuts of meat. I don't snack and if I do, it's the occasional south beach low carb granola bar.

HELPP!! Come on! I want to hear from you!