Does An A1c Of 6.1 Require Metformin In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Fri, 20 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 Answered on

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I Am 92 aic is 6.1. I am on 8 mg/day of prednisone for PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica) My doctor suggested i start metformin. Another dr. said this is bad advice and that 6.1 is far too low to start metformin.
What to do?
XXXXXXX M FOX 818.788.8796

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About blood sugar and dexametasone ;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
Yes, I do agree with your physician who suggested not to start metformine as A1c is low. The recommended A1c for you is 7.5.
Dexametasone can increase blood sugar but treatment should be started after having results of blood glucose above 160 mg/ dl.
Rather metformine or other treatment, it will depend on renal function, your weight, age ect.
You should see a diabetologist if the blood sugar raises after starting dexametasone.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D