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Type 1 A change to advice on normal hba1c

Shavonnay

Shavonnay

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
hi,

I'm new to the forum, but have had type 1 diabetes since I was 8 years old (25 years).

I regard my diabetes as part of my life, not an addition or a hanger-on.... perhaps a result of being diagnosed quite young and now hurtling towards my mid thirties...anyway, I digress.... I lead a "normal" life and have a "normal" diet - meat, potatoes, veg, pasta (wine, gin!!)....... and I love chocolate. I don't eat a lot of it, but there's no way I'd deprive myself of a little every now and then.

My hba1c always stuck around the 8 - 9 mark throughout my 20's, but more recently has settled at 8 on the nose.

Previously the advice from the specialists has been that this should be closer to 6-7, however at my most recent appointment I was told "let's not rock the boat"...... that is, "let's not mess too much with your routine/lifestyle in pursuit of a lower reading".

This seemed a little contrary to everything I've ever been told i.e get it down!!!

In a way, it made me feel good. I felt that maybe the fact it's settled at this level and is consistent demonstrates better control and therefore less need to change.

But then I questioned...... did I have a laid back doctor this time? Has there been a change in the advice on this?

My questions for the forum is - has there been a change in what is a "good" or "normal" hba1c reading? Have the reigns been loosened on this?

Thanks
 
I am not a T1 and I don't know the answer to your questions but there is one thing I remember. During the launch of the Libre there were presentations and one of the presenters made the point that aiming too low in your levels increased the risk of hypos. It all made sense to me at the time although I had never heard it put like that before.
 
Hi @Shavonnay . Welcome to the forum. A nice refreshing and honest first post.
My take on HbA1C and targets that we are asked to achieve is this.......
When I was first diagnosed it was a target as near to perfect as possible, I think to stress the importance of the condition and to get me focusing in the right zone.
After many years of consistent HbA1C in a certain area, which ultimately is not a million miles away from perfection then consultants realise that you know what you're doing and realise that this is a reflection of you living with an all consuming condition.
There's so much more to diabetes than HbA1C as you are fully aware.
You live life, enjoy yourself and survive. It's a good balance and you should be very happy with yourself.
 
Hi @Shavonnay
welcome to the forum !! :)
agree with @therower on your first post -- a welcome and honest question from you !!

I have been diagnosed just over 45 years and care has changed in that time (HbA1c's didn't exist in 1972 )

I have always attempted to keep mine as low as I could ( and still do ) ( 6.4% last time )
I think I eat fairly normally -- ( I don't eat desserts ) but I do indulge in red wine a few nights a week.

I think we all need to find that balance of control /life and do our best to manage with what our lives throw at us ( if that makes sense )

all the best !!!!
 
I’m newly diagnosed so don’t really know about ongoing levels - but love your philosophy and hope I can adopt something similar :)
 
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