Hi Coastal! I am American too and started out with a similar A1C. I was diagnosed at the end of November with an A1C of 11.0, but started LCHF (still finding my way) and my last A1C was 7.0. I know it can go lower and I am working on it...actually, looking forward to my next A1C.
Originally, my physician wanted to start me on insulin, but due to the fact that my A1C was normal a year prior, after the birth of my child, he felt that we could manage it with 1000mg Metformin/daily and Bydureon. I was on Bydureon for a few months, but stopped it when I started having problems with my gallbladder (ruling out pancreatitis, which is a complication of Bydureon). Around the same time I stopped it (with his knowledge), I started LCHF at <30 grams carbs a day. My BS's (and weight) continues to drop despite being on Metformin only. Food is medicine.
This is a fantastic forum! Everyone here is welcoming and helpful and I am so thankful for the tips, advice, and helpful resources that have been sent my way. You will be glad you joined.
This is a helpful tool to navigate the UK values versus the US values.
http://www.endmemo.com/medical/unitconvert/Glucose.php
And if you are trying to figure out how many calories, fat, protein grams you should be eating for your height/weight/age, Brunneria and Lucy pointed me to this site.
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/DietMakeupCalc.php
And read Daisy's post with attention to detail. Great information!