[Lucy4]

Hi everyone! Went to internist on May 12th. Had labs drawn late last week. HgA1c was 7.3 (last done a year ago and then was 6.9). I have been non-compliant with diet and just in last 3-4 months started watching and have lost 20 pounds. I asked about starting Byetta and my doctor said he does prescribe Byetta but at this point wants be to try metformin first. Now I am on a taper schedule and in 6 weeks will be at 1000 mg BID. Said he prescibes Lantus at HS for patients that do not have good control with the metformin. I am continuing the Amaryl 2 mg daily. I had increased this dose on my own to 3-4mg but didn't make much of a difference. Also, my doctor said in a study it was found that in lowering blood glucose levels too quickly - associated with higher mortality rate. I go back in 3 months and will have labs done at that time. My AM B/S has been 150s to 200 range. Before dinner I am usually 100-130s, occassionally in 90s. This AM was 142 and 120 at 6PM (nothing to eat since lunch). I need to drop 80-100 pounds. Also exercising would help and I am bad about that. Anyways, talked to the diabetic educator at work and she was very surprised he didn't prescribe Byetta and that the endocrinologists where we work treat much more aggressively. Takes 6 months to get an appointment. Said the study he was talking about - was referring to one arm of study and sounded like was misinterpreted. Anyone have any insight. Not looking for advice but interested in knowing what others have experienced. I am tempted to make an appt with an independent practice endocrinologist that I know from my old job. My former internist who I fully trusted took another job. then one I chose and saw once took another ob, hence the new MD.