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Is HbA1c of 41 good for my Age (72)?

S

Skyrider

Well-Known Member
Messages
67
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
I am a 72 year old male who was diagnosed as pre-diabetic some 2 years ago, with an HbA1c level of 45.

I followed advice to lose weight & to go on to a low-carb diet.

12 months later, my HbA1c level was down to 41.

I have maintained my weight loss & the low-carb diet. After a further 12 months, my HbA1c is the same, 41.

In the UK this is considered 'normal' (just), but in the US it would still be considered pre-diabetic.

I'm a bit disappointed that I have not achieved a further reduction & I am wondering how realistic are my expectations.

I'm aware that there is more to blood glucose control than carbs & weight, for example certain mineral deficiencies, poor sleep, stress & I am affected by these to some extent. I am also led to believe that HbA1c tends to increase with age due to the body being less efficient at dealing with glucose.

So, my questions is: taking everything into account, is my current level of 41 reasonable, or should I be aiming for lower?
 
I think that’s an excellent HbA1c, not all of us can get into what is considered normal BG and we shouldn’t feel pressure to do so. Like you say there are lots of other factors not just food that affects our BG. All we can do is strive to be best we can be and it sounds like you do that :)
 
Having had my ‘three score years and ten’, and being diagnosed T2 some 21years ago, with quite a few years HbA1c sitting in pre-diabetes levels more recently, I am quite content with that level of control. Though a recent HbA1c of 37 was a pleasant surprise.

@Skyrider, I would be very relaxed if I had your results. You have lost weight, and achieved, and maintained non-diabetes HbA1c. Well done!
Maintaining that is, in my opinion, an excellent result. You can strive for better, if that is what you wish to do, but my own feeling is that as a ‘senior individual’ I have less years of life left to worry about the long term possibility of diabetes complications than I had when first diagnosed. As long as I remain in low 40s HbA1c with no problems such as neuropathy, retinopathy, etc, I am not going to stress over numbers. Though I will remain on a low carb diet regime, and check bloods regularly, as only get annual diabetes review checks at GP surgery, and retinopathy checks are every two years.
 
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