Q: I am 71, have been pre-diabetic for 30 years and have evidently just crossed into the 6.5-plus A1C area, thus my primary care physician has started me on Ameryl (2mg/day). I tried Metformin and Actos, and both elevated my blood pressure and made me nauseous. I run 10-20 miles a week, and my weight is 162-163 (I am 5'8 1/2").
1. Will the omega protocol be at odds with my present or any diabetes medication?
2. Will a well-balanced diet and exercise with omega oil eliminate the need for toxic drugs altogether?
3. Is an A1C index of 6.5-7.0 dangerous and will it be affected by a regimen of omega oil and at what doses?
Thank you,
David
Dear David,
A: Your best “drug” for reducing A1C is the Zone Diet. Ideally you want your A1C levels to be under 6.5 because that means microvascular complications of diabetes will be significantly retarded. Diabetes is an inflammatory disease so the extra fish oil will help reduce its underlying cause. I would initially suggest about 2.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day, increasing to 5 grams once your A1C levels drop to under 6.5.