🍪 CompoundTalk uses cookies to improve your experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our Cookie Policy.
Evidence-based GLP-1 & peptide discussion since 2023
ForumsProgress & Lab ResultsA1C from 9.2 to 5.4 in 8 months — need advice

A1C from 9.2 to 5.4 in 8 months — need advice

ZaraB_AL Thu, Oct 3, 2024 at 9:04 AM 12 replies 1,701 viewsPage 1 of 3
This thread is more than 17 months old. Information may be outdated. Consider searching for more recent discussions.
ZaraB_AL
Member
456
1,678
Jan 2025
Alabama
Oct 3, 2024 at 10:29 AM#1

Got my latest labs back this morning and I actually cried. A1C: 5.4%. For context, here's my trajectory:

DateA1CFasting GlucoseWeightMeds
Jan 20259.2%198 mg/dL267 lbsMetformin 2000mg + Glipizide 10mg
Apr 20257.8%156 mg/dL248 lbsMetformin 2000mg + Sema 0.5mg
Jul 20256.9%128 mg/dL231 lbsMetformin 1000mg + Sema 1.0mg
Oct 20256.1%108 mg/dL218 lbsMetformin 1000mg + Sema 1.7mg
Jan 20265.6%96 mg/dL207 lbsMetformin 500mg + Sema 2.4mg
Mar 20265.4%91 mg/dL201 lbsSema 2.4mg only

My endocrinologist officially removed the T2D diagnosis code from my chart and replaced it with "history of." She said she almost never gets to do that. I'm off metformin entirely as of last month.

F/52, 5'6". Diagnosed T2D in 2019. Was told I'd be on medication for life.

47 3JessicaH_TX, KevinCompounds, TirzTom and 44 others
Reply Quote Save Share Report
PharmacoVig_BOS
Senior Member
1,567
8,901
Feb 2024
Boston, MA
Oct 3, 2024 at 10:46 AM#2

This is legitimately life-changing. An A1C of 5.4 isn't just "controlled diabetes" — that's a completely normal, non-diabetic value. Your pancreatic beta cells clearly still had reserve capacity, and removing the glucotoxicity let them recover.

The fasting glucose trend is almost as impressive. 198 to 91 is textbook metabolic restoration.

A few questions if you don't mind:

  • Did you make significant dietary changes beyond what the appetite suppression naturally caused?
  • Any hypoglycemic episodes during the transition off glipizide?
  • What's your CGM data look like now? Time in range?
Last edited: Oct 3, 2024 at 1:46 PM
1 11Dr.GutHealth
Reply Quote Save Share Report
lucas_SP_BR
Member
456
1,890
Jun 2024
São Paulo, BR
Oct 3, 2024 at 11:03 AM#3

Great questions.

Diet: Yes, beyond just eating less I made a deliberate shift to lower glycemic index foods. More protein, more vegetables, dramatically less refined carbs. But I'm not keto or anything extreme — I still eat fruit, whole grains, sweet potatoes. The appetite suppression made it easier to be intentional about food choices rather than just grabbing whatever was fastest.

Hypoglycemia: One scary episode about 3 weeks after starting sema while still on glipizide. Blood sugar dropped to 54, shaky, sweating, the works. That's when my endo pulled the glipizide. Lesson: GLP-1 + sulfonylureas need careful management.

CGM: Libre 2. Time in range (70-180) is 97%. Time below 70 is basically 0% now. My average glucose over the last 14 days is 104 with a standard deviation of 18. Before treatment my SD was in the 40s.

Last edited: Oct 3, 2024 at 1:03 PM
15 16zoe_NC, Dr.ObesityLA, NurseKim_ATL and 12 others
Reply Quote Save Share Report

Janoshik Analytical — Independent Testing

Trusted third-party HPLC & mass spectrometry analysis. Verify peptide purity with the lab the community relies on. Independent. Accurate. Transparent.

Verify Your Peptides
BariatricNurseD
Senior Member
1,678
7,234
Feb 2024
Dallas, TX
Online
Oct 3, 2024 at 11:20 AM#4

This is a beautiful case study in metabolic recovery. A few clinical points for anyone reading who's in a similar situation:

  1. A1C below 5.7% is officially non-diabetic range. 5.4% is solidly there.
  2. The fact that fasting glucose is 91 (well under 100) suggests genuine insulin sensitivity restoration, not just medication-masking.
  3. Glucose variability (SD of 18) is excellent — that's better than many people who were never diabetic.

The critical question now is sustainability. The semaglutide is doing heavy lifting for both appetite/weight and direct glycemic effects. If you ever need to discontinue, a careful transition plan with your endo is essential.

Congratulations. Truly.

10 22tom_AK, josh_phd_bmore, roxy_nash and 7 others
Reply Quote Save Share Report
amsterdam_pete
Senior Member
1,567
6,789
Feb 2024
Netherlands
Oct 3, 2024 at 11:37 AM#5

I'm sitting here with my A1C of 8.1 feeling hopeful for the first time in a while. Just started sema 3 weeks ago. Thank you for posting this.

5 12ChrisMacros, KetoKyle, CanadaChris and 2 others
Reply Quote Save Share Report

Similar Threads

100 lbs lost in 14 months — comprehensive DEXA and lab data16 replies
12-month metabolic panel comparison — before and after GLP-122 replies
A1C from 9.2 to 5.4 in 8 months — my diabetes reversal journey16 replies
6-month body recomposition — DEXA, labs, progress photos22 replies
1-year semaglutide anniversary — honest review with all data16 replies
ForumsNewTrendingMembersAccount

Log In

Forgot password?
No account? Register