38 mmol/mol= prediabetes?

[theweeyin]

Newbie here!

I got a letter today, saying I'd had a place reserved on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

My last blood test, this time last year, had a HbA1c of 38 mmol/mol, which was said to be fine. Now I'm apparently prediabetic based on the same reading of 38? I don't really understand why.

I have a blood glucose meter which I use occasionally, just to prove to myself I'm not prediabetic. The odd funny reading, but if I try it again the next day I'm fine.

Any advice for a confused new person please? TIA!

 

[bulkbiker]

Assuming you live in the UK then that's not pre-diabetes 42-47 mmol/mol range.
Maybe try and contact your surgery by phone and ask them what's going on.. sounds odd I will admit.

 

[theweeyin]

Thank you - yes, I'm in England.

I did phone the surgery this morning, but the receptionist just said they'd sent a few out and I didn't have to join if I didn't want to. I couldn't really get beyond that I'm afraid.

My GP's been trying to prove I'm prediabetic for over 20 years now, but I'm not.

I've emailed the course provider to see what they suggest - I'd much rather my place went to somebody who needs it, as I don't.

 

[MrsA2]

I believe, but can't prove it, that practices are paid ( or at least measured by) per capita for diagnosed pre/diabetics that take up the courses...

Me, I found I was blood test that rated as prediabetic back in 2006 but no one even mentioned it to me until 2020 when I asked for a test as my sister's diagnosis had put me into the high risk category .

 

[theweeyin]

Thank you - that makes sense!

I'm on beta blockers and statins already, so wouldn't be surprised if my blood glucose numbers do go up, but I'm keeping an eye on it myself, and don't want to be treated for something I haven't yet got. If they do go up and something needs done, I'll be happy to do it, but not yet.

 

[Dark Horse]

There is a calculator here which tells you whether you are at increased risk of diabetes if you enter your details:- https://www.stopdiabetes.co.uk/risk-score

Risk is increased by age, waist size, relatives with diabetes etc - current HbA1c doesn't feature in it. People who come up as having moderate or high risk may be offered the programme.

 

[theweeyin]

Thank you - that makes sense, but my referral letter is based only on the HbA1c value, and the provider only accepts people within the 42-47 range.

 

[Dark Horse]

Thank you - that makes sense, but my referral letter is based only on the HbA1c value, and the provider only accepts people within the 42-47 range.

That would agree with the information here:-

'What is the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP)?

The NHS DPP is a behaviour change programme that helps those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes significantly reduce their chances of getting the disease. Participants receive support to change their lifestyle in a friendly and supportive group environment, facilitated by specialist staff trained in behaviour change and diabetes prevention and recruited from the local community.

Who is eligible?

 Adult 18+, not pregnant at referral

 Blood glucose in the past 24 months that indicates prediabetes (HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol; FPG 5.5 – 6.9 mmol/l)

 No subsequent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes'

https://rockwellandwrosepractice.nhs.uk/diabetes-prevention-programme/​

So, unless you've had a fasting blood glucose of 5.5 mmol/l or above, it's looking like it could be an error. Try asking to speak to your GP or diabetes nurse rather than the receptionist.

 

[MoonUnit]

I believe, but can't prove it, that practices are paid ( or at least measured by) per capita for diagnosed pre/diabetics that take up the courses...

Me, I found I was blood test that rated as prediabetic back in 2006 but no one even mentioned it to me until 2020 when I asked for a test as my sister's diagnosis had put me into the high risk category .

My friend is a nurse and has worked in GP surgeries. My GP diagnosed me with asthma following a telephone conversation alone (no actual physical examination, lung tests etc) despite my lung capacity being fine. Despite my insistence that I’m not asthmatic, they won’t remove it from my records.

Mentioned it to my friend and she said there is a list of illnesses/conditions that GP’s get extra money for - asthma, T2D etc. So it appears there is financial incentive for them to (1) diagnose and (2) refuse to remove.

 

[theweeyin]

Ah, that makes a lot more sense, thank you!