by Josh
(wasaga, canada)
Submitted by Josh, Canada
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December 2011 and started metformin. I also changed my diet, exercised and used herbs. After three months, my HbA1c reached 5.0%, but a laboratory test showed high “creatine” or creatinine.
I came to believe that my body was repairing itself while metformin interfered with the process. Can type 2 diabetes be cured with diet, exercise, herbs and cleansing? Can metformin raise creatinine by blocking natural insulin production?
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hi Josh,
Your improvement is encouraging. However, several conclusions in the original experience are medically inaccurate and could lead readers to stop effective treatment.
No. An HbA1c of 5.0% while taking metformin indicates that glucose was well controlled during that period. It does not show whether the result came from metformin, weight loss, food changes, activity or a combination of them.
The accepted term is remission, not cure. It is generally defined as HbA1c below 6.5% for at least three months without glucose-lowering medicine. Glucose can return to the diabetes range, so monitoring continues. Our article on natural diabetes approaches and remission explains the difference.
No. Metformin mainly reduces excess liver glucose release and improves the body's response to insulin. It does not hinder normal insulin production or weaken pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin remains a well-studied type 2 diabetes medicine. Its role alongside lifestyle care is described in our diabetes medication guide.
Creatine is found in muscle and sold as a sports supplement. Creatinine is measured in blood to help estimate kidney filtration. Confirm which test was abnormal.
High creatinine is not evidence that the body is healing or that metformin is blocking insulin. It may reflect reduced kidney filtration, dehydration, muscle mass, strenuous exercise, creatine supplements or another factor. Interpret it with eGFR and repeat it when appropriate.
Metformin is cleared through the kidneys and is contraindicated when eGFR is below 30 mL/min/1.73 m². Do not stop it because of one unexplained value without medical guidance.
Remission is possible for some people, particularly after substantial, sustained weight loss and earlier in the course of type 2 diabetes, but it is not guaranteed.
Exercise supports insulin sensitivity, heart health and weight management. An hour of daily cardio plus frequent weights is not required and may be unsafe with some complications. A sustainable plan is better than an extreme routine.
No herb or detox cleanse has been proven to cure type 2 diabetes. Some supplements can alter glucose, interact with medicines or affect the liver and kidneys.
Before using a concentrated product, review our herb and supplement safety guide and tell the clinician about every product, especially when a kidney test is abnormal.
Any medication reduction should be based on current results and agreed with the prescriber.
Continue the healthy habits that helped you, but separate evidence-based treatment from unsupported claims. An HbA1c of 5% on metformin is excellent control, not proof that the medicine interfered with recovery.
Clarify whether the test was creatine or creatinine before changing medicines or supplements. Claims that medicines deliberately worsen diabetes or that cures are hidden for profit are unsupported and should not be republished as health guidance.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Albana Greca
Click here to post comments or follow up
Ask the Doctor now? Simply click here to return to Diabetes medication side effects..