Haven has been managing her diabetes with Metformin, GLP-1 medication (Ozempic), and the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) Stelo by Dexcom. Here, she describes what each of these therapies have been like as part of her diabetes management.
I previously only used a glucose meter to manage my blood sugars, and it got to a point where it was very tedious to constantly prick my fingers. I struggled with getting insurance to cover a CGM because it is only covered for people using insulin, which I am not. This all changed when I was introduced to the Stelo by a community member on The Diabetes Link Discord where I learned that this CGM is geared towards those not on insulin. The Stelo by Dexcom gives me glucose readings in real time, helps me feel empowered in my diabetes journey, and has given me a better understanding of my blood glucose. The Stelo by Dexcom has been life changing to say the least!
✨Walking after meals is a game changer and my numbers dropped almost instantly!
✨Stress Management is key. I typically experience high glucose when I am dealing with stress whether with school, work, or just life in general.
✨Tip: I like to review my CGM data to see any patterns that I need to discuss at my doctor visits.
At age 17 my doctor and I discussed that I no longer needed insulin as a tool to manage my T2D. At that point, we transitioned to using metformin as my main management tool to help manage blood sugars. My doctor prescribed metformin to help manage my blood sugar and improve my sensitivity to insulin.
I had the worst symptoms when first taking metformin such as nausea, upset stomach, and occasional vomiting. I discussed this with my doctor and they recommended having a small meal or snack when taking my Metformin. The side effects did get better overtime as I followed these instructions and now I no longer experience any side effects.
✨Tip: I would eat a banana when taking my Metformin to help ease symptoms of nausea and any discomfort.
I have tried to lose weight on my own for many years but have always had a struggle with doing so due to insulin resistance, even with lifestyle adjustments like carefully managing portions and incorporating exercise into my routine (per my doctor’s recommendations). My doctor informed me of GLP-1 medications along with the benefits and how his sister had lost 90 pounds on it within a year of use. I was hesitant to take a GLP-1 medication due to the upsurge of side effects and general nervousness. I decided to take GLP-1 to manage my T2D (along with Metformin), and to manage weight.
GLP-1 medication has changed my life significantly along with the use of Metformin, dietary changes, and guidance from my Primary Care Provider. I had an immediate silence of food noise that usually clouded my thoughts, felt fullness quickly, and spent more time in range.
There were significant side effects in the beginning such as nausea being the biggest one for me but it was manageable with anti-nausea medications. If there was anything that helped with this, it was increasing my water intake and having some crackers around (peanut butter is my favorite!).
✨Tip: When starting and increasing your dosage, be sure to collaborate closely with your provider because everyone has different responses on GLP-1.
✨Tip: YOU HAVE TO EAT! While your appetite may be reduced, it’s important to both listen to your body and make sure you’re getting enough fuel. One strategy is to have small meals.
Each one of these tools has served a great purpose and are continuing to help me! I use all three of these tools, currently, to help manage my T2D.
✨CGM: Helps me to monitor my glucose in real time!
✨Metformin: Laid the Foundation. This was the main factor in helping with manage my T2D for years before GLP-1 came on the scene.
✨GLP-1: Improved my portion control, appetite, glucose, and helped me lose weight.
All three of these non-insulin therapies have helped me take charge of my diabetes as a Type 2 diabetic and have increased my confidence immensely!
It took me a while to feel confident in my diabetes management and the biggest piece of advice I would give anyone would be to ADVOCATE for yourself. In diabetes management, it is a lifelong process. The goal is a better quality of life whether you use Metformin, GLP-1, or CGM, or all three! Advocate for yourself, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. You got this!
Best,
Haven