Hi I would like to know what’s a good hb1ca?
It’s all so confusing to me, I have been a type 1 for 10 years and my hb1ca has never been lower than 70, however no complications or hospital visits. They are convincing me to go on a pump but I refuse. I wish there was a better way to control itA lot of people have different targets, according to their circumstances, The UK's main target level for T1s seems to be 48 (or 6.5% in old units) , but a pregnant T1 might have a target lower than that and someone who has reduced hypo awareness might have a higher one (my doctor prefers me to keep above 50).
And some people's bodies seem to tolerate higher levels better than others, so your target can be influenced by the onset of complications, which mean you need to run your levels a bit lower.
And if you'd been regularly running an hba1c of 70 then you'd probably be very happy to attain one of 60, so it all depends on the person.
And you can argue that TIR (time in range) is a lot more important than hba1c since you can mask high blood sugar levels by having a lot of hypos. The technology for young T1s like you has improved dramatically in the last decade (eg continuous glucose monitors, pumps etc). Also, the screening and treatment for diabetic issues (eg eyes) seems to have improved.
It’s all so confusing to me, I have been a type 1 for 10 years and my hb1ca has never been lower than 70, however no complications or hospital visits. They are convincing me to go on a pump but I refuse. I wish there was a better way to control it
The trouble with higher bgs is that you get used to them and imagine that all's well with the complications. This may be so now but the reason the doctors try and keep you under 7% (58?) is because afer about 20 years you'd be at much greater risk for those complications (this came out of research done circa 2008 in various studies).It’s all so confusing to me, I have been a type 1 for 10 years and my hb1ca has never been lower than 70, however no complications or hospital visits. They are convincing me to go on a pump but I refuse. I wish there was a better way to control it
Hello @m786xxx
What’s your reasons for refusing a pump ?
I was apprehensive about using a pump but it’s brought my HbA1c down to its lowest since having t1 - 42. I wouldn’t discount a tool which would enable me to improve my control, I couldn’t live without mine now, it’s helped me exercise more, reduced my anxiety with testing and injecting, a game changer, whatever doubts you have discuss them as it would help you greatly.
If it's any consolation, I'm pretty sure my hba1c was way higher than yours for my first ten years of T1, pre glucometer.
Have they offered you a continuous glucose monitor (libre)? Do you know how to count your carbs? I always found that my control improved dramatically the more I tested, so a cgm is a big game changer.
The trouble with higher bgs is that you get used to them and imagine that all's well with the complications. This may be so now but the reason the doctors try and keep you under 7% (58?) is because afer about 20 years you'd be at much greater risk for those complications (this came out of research done circa 2008 in various studies).
I think FSL is a great idea if you've got access to that as there is a difference between someone who is 70 all the time and someone who's going up and down a blood sugar rollercoaster! The former is better than the latter hence the comments on this thread about TIME in Range.
The good news is that the pump/monitor tech is getting better but don't wait for it or stick your head in the sand (speaking as someone who got away with it until I didn't anymore and now have sight loss).
If it's any consolation, I'm pretty sure my hba1c was way higher than yours for my first ten years of T1, pre glucometer.
Have they offered you a continuous glucose monitor (libre)? Do you know how to count your carbs? I always found that my control improved dramatically the more I tested, so a cgm is a big game changer.
I got my HBA1c down to 44 from 103 in about three months but it slowly crept up to 50. I take Lantus basal insulin 4 units in the morning and 4 at night and my glucose levels are between 6 and 10 every day. I eat a low carb diet. I agree that we are all different and your HBA1c will vary. However I wouldn’t want mine to go any higher and I will probably have to start bolts insulin as I feel my “honeymoon” period may be waning!
That’s really good compare to mine, I take lantus 12 in the morning and 7 at night and than depending on what I’m eating I take novorapid 8-12 units with every meal. To be honest I’m bad with carb counting, did you get any complications when you reduced your hb1ca within 3 months?
How confident are you that you are on the correct amount of insulin. The first thing to get right is your basal. If it's right your readings should stay level when you are fasting eg overnight. Ideally your team should be checking that your doses are right when you go to the clinic. My team get me to keep a food and glucose level diary for a few days before my appointment, it really helps with the dosing.
Do you recommend I try something else?
Not really my area of expertise, as I'm on basal/bolus myself (lantus and humalog). I self fund a dexcom because I became allergic to the libre and I have very poor hypo awareness. I would definitely agree that the libre could be a game changer for you. Pre cgm, I always found that my control improved dramatically when I did more testing.
Have you been on the DAFNE course? It's supposed to be very good, and might help you understand your diabetes. Though doctors can change our insulins and advise us on dosing most T1s find they do better if they take control of their own dosing, as you know your own body much better than a consultant who sees you for 15 minutes every year....
Good luck.
That’s really good compare to mine, I take lantus 12 in the morning and 7 at night and than depending on what I’m eating I take novorapid 8-12 units with every meal. To be honest I’m bad with carb counting, did you get any complications when you reduced your hb1ca within 3 months?