Q: I am a diabetic and the doctor has advised me to take metformin tablets. I regularly go for brisk walks 40 minutes daily, but my fasting blood sugar level is always above 120 mg; please advise. I also take 50 mg eltroxin for thyroid for the last 2 years. My thyroid tests are normal now.

A:You must target your fasting blood sugar values to 110 and post meal (2 hours) to 140. You should also get your glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb1Ac) tested in a good laboratory, and try to achieve a value of 6.5 Depending on your present situation, your physician can advise you one of the following: 1. Stricter life style measures if not being currently practiced 2. Increased dose of metformin 3. Addition of a second drug