A1c confusion :-/

[EmmaMas]

Help and advice really needed please. In feb I was diagnosed with type 2 and polycystic ovaries based on the results of an extended gtt. The endocrinologist put me on 2000mg of metformin a day and I've never felt better. I'm loosing weight and all my symptoms have been greatly reduced. Well I've just got off the phone to my gp and she said that my average level has been 5.3 over the past two months and I don't have the blood sugars of a diabetic. I know she was implying that maybe I shouldn't be on metformin and I had to explain to her why the endo made that decision. I'm so upset, its taken nearly three years for a professional to take me seriously and get this diagnosis and now I'm scared she will take me off it and I'm back to square one. Is it normal to get an average of 5.3 on metformin with a highly controlled diet, I've only been on it since march

 

[MaryJ]

What are you eating Emma. You say a highly controlled diet. If that is low carb as well as the obvious low sugar then yes it's absolutely possible to get a 5.3 on just diet and met.

There are loads of examples of people bringing their levels down in only 3 months. I personally went from 7.1% to 5.9% in that period on diet along.

What was your level at diagnosis?

Mary x

 

[EmmaMas]

I'm not too sure Mary, it all seems relatively new to me still. The first hba1c I had was only a couple of weeks after I started the metformin and my gp just told me it was "normal" me being not very well informed at the time I didn't think to ask the figures and I just took her word for it. My diet has took a drastic change. Ive managed to cut out most sugar and eat only natural sugars ie fruit, I've practically cut out all carbs other than whole meal seedy bread and potatoes very occasionally. The metformin has been an apetite suppressant so I've cut my portion sizes too. I've managed to loose a stone since march and I've still got a few to go. It is confusing because all fasting bloods I had taken previous to my diagnosis were normal yet the endocrinologist was very concerned after my extended gtt because my bs wasn't dropping even after 2 hours

Emma x

 

[MaryJ]

If you ring your doctors receptionist with the date of the first one they should be able to tell you the actual numbers.

Otherwise ask for the printouts.

You could do with knowing the GTT results really as well.

Your diet sounds like it would bring your levels down nicely. Have you been testing your blood 2 hours after food? That would give you a good idea on any spikes in BG.

Plus well done on the weight loss.

Mary x

 

[Truffle]

Hi Emma,

My last reading was 5.3 and has been for quite a while and my doctor says that I am definitely diabetic! I take Metformin and eat a very low carb diet. I also suffer from PCOS and I know that Metformin is a recognised treatment for that, with or without, the diabetes.

If your doctor persists in trying to take you off the metformin I suggest you ask your specialist to advise her/him otherwise.

If it is working for you, fight to keep it! :thumbup:

 

[EmmaMas]

Just rang gp for my first hba1c result and apparently it is not itemised and it has just come back as "normal" honestly my gp surgery is hopeless. Thank you everyone for your kind words,

Emma x

 

[viv1969]

Your records WILL have a number value for the test....do NOT let the receptionist nazis fob you off with the old "normal" chestnut.
They will have a number value, and you are legally entitled to know it.

 

[lovinglife]

I may be totally wrong here but I was under the impression that a GP cannot alter a med that a consultant/specialsit has prescribed without consulting them first - this happened in the case of my son who is on a long term expensive med - not diabetes related - the GP tried to lower the dose, one phone call from me to consultant and the GP got a flea in his ear - so if your endo prescribed it then GP can't alter it?

 

[EmmaMas]

Oh the confusion lol, the endo recommended the dosage etc on his discharge letter and typed up his conclusion but the actual gp wrote the first prescription. I really hope they cannot go against his judgement because the endo discharged me once his investigation was complete. I'm going to see how this plays out and possibly see another gp if things go belly up

 

[hanadr]

Emma
Metformin is often used to treat polycystic ovaries.
If you've got your blood glucose down to non-diabetic levels, that's brilliant, but it doesn't mean you are not diabetic, simply you are a CONTROLLED diabetic, something most doctors rarely see. If your doctor is doubtful and tyou want to be certain, ask for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.
In any case keep on low carbing, it's a healthy way to eat.
Hana

 

[))Denise((]

My doctors surgery will not give specific numbers over the phone and will say things like 'normal' and 'no action needed'. If I want to know actual figures then I have to go there in person and ask for a printout and then they will ask the doctor if it is ok for me to have it.