Richard, I lost those 29 pounds since early November when I started Byetta. One of Byetta's side affects is 'weight loss'. But it's a good side affect. I truly get full faster and can not eat as much as I used to. That has certainly helped me with my portion control. Also, since the metformin alone wasn't keeping my A1C low enough and the doctor put me on Byetta, I figured I better start taking this diabetes thing seriously. I was diagnosed in March of 2007. My fasting glucose was 126 and my A1C was 6.7%. I didn't think those numbers were all that bad. I work in a hospital lab and we see glucoses in the 300's and even into the 800-900 range. And we see A1C's in the 11's tp 14 range. So I didn't think my numbers were all that bad. I hadn't been making good food choices and was eating regular spaghetti until I was full, pizza, MacDonald's, Subway, even candies, cakes, etc. Then my A1C went to 6.9% and fasting was 145 at my next appointment. My Dr. suggested the Byetta and I told him 'No, I'll watch what I eat'. I did a little better and was still quite heavy. Next appointment I had an A1C of 6.5% and said I was finally willing to try Byetta. The improvement has been grand and I also had an 'attitude adjustment'. I now realize this isn't a passing thing and I MUST take care of myself. The doctor can only do so much. He can't follow me around and monitor my food intake. My goal is to get healthy enough and in control enough that my numbers prove I am doing better and get off the Byetta and control my diabetes with metformin alone, or even with diet and exercise alone. Thanks to all you wonderful people here who are so encouraging, supportive and smart enough to answer all my questions. My successes are your successes, too. And vice versa!
