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I need some advice about this drug.
I started pilot training in 2009 weighing about 245 lbs (20% body fat) and newly diagnosed with prediabetes. My A1C was 5.9 and fasting blood glucose was 105. I was able to get my third class medical and I completed my private pilot certificate one year later. In late 2010 I learned that my A1C had risen to 6.3 which was alarming enough that my doctor put me on Metformin at 1000mg per day. He explaining that it would help prevent the onset of diabetes and help me to lose weight. He also explained that Metformin had been used in longevity studies and generally helps people to live longer.
I started the Metformin along with a low[ish] carb diet and weight/cardio program. In November of last year I weighed 200 lbs at 14% body fat. My A1c was 5.0% and fasting glucose was 80. I decided to discontinue the Metformin and see how I did with just diet and exercise alone. I just received my bloodwork a few days ago (5 months Metformin-free) and my A1C rose to 5.3% and fasting glucose rose to 85. I have also gained 10 pounds since I discontinued the Metformin.
I haven't been flying since the prediabetes diagnosis and I'd like to get back into aviation. However, I want to start taking Metformin again (for both the weight loss and longevity benefits). I'm not sure how this will affect my medical or if I need to disclose this to the FAA since I don't have diabetes.
How do I approach this subject when I eventually renew my medical?
Would the FAA approve me taking Metformin even if I don't have diabetes?
Thanks in advance for advice.
I started pilot training in 2009 weighing about 245 lbs (20% body fat) and newly diagnosed with prediabetes. My A1C was 5.9 and fasting blood glucose was 105. I was able to get my third class medical and I completed my private pilot certificate one year later. In late 2010 I learned that my A1C had risen to 6.3 which was alarming enough that my doctor put me on Metformin at 1000mg per day. He explaining that it would help prevent the onset of diabetes and help me to lose weight. He also explained that Metformin had been used in longevity studies and generally helps people to live longer.
I started the Metformin along with a low[ish] carb diet and weight/cardio program. In November of last year I weighed 200 lbs at 14% body fat. My A1c was 5.0% and fasting glucose was 80. I decided to discontinue the Metformin and see how I did with just diet and exercise alone. I just received my bloodwork a few days ago (5 months Metformin-free) and my A1C rose to 5.3% and fasting glucose rose to 85. I have also gained 10 pounds since I discontinued the Metformin.
I haven't been flying since the prediabetes diagnosis and I'd like to get back into aviation. However, I want to start taking Metformin again (for both the weight loss and longevity benefits). I'm not sure how this will affect my medical or if I need to disclose this to the FAA since I don't have diabetes.
How do I approach this subject when I eventually renew my medical?
Would the FAA approve me taking Metformin even if I don't have diabetes?
Thanks in advance for advice.