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A1C test (hsbc)

C

carpy

Member
Messages
23
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
hi

Not sure if I am in the right place but here goes. I was diagnosed type 2 about 12 months ago and had that test, never remember its name but sounds like hsbc,,,,, when it came back it was 36. I was told to exercise and watch my diet which I did using a low carb diet.

I tested before and after meals to find what had smallest effect. I lost 10 kilos then made the mistake of asking the nurse for test strips and she said no, you dont have to test at all. I think that is the cost. Anyway last week I went for the test again 6 months later and I was happy to hear it was now 35.

She then told me I should not let it go any lower and a normal person is about 48. I dont understand should I try to get it lower or try to get higher.

If someone could explain I would be eternally grateful.

best regards
 
Your nurse is plain wrong. 48 is the point that diabetes is diagnosed. below 42 is in the normal zone. There is a lower limit to normal but can't remember what it is but it is in the twenties
 
Many people on the forum - myself included - have achieved low Hba1c scores despite NHS advice. It IS getting better but many nurses are very out of date with their advice which is down to poor training imo.
 
Were you told you are diabetic at the a1c you mentioned of 36?
If you are happy to maintain your a1c at that levels then just continue doing what you are doing.
My DN asked me to increase my a1c this time, I just listened to her and ofcourse chose to ignore.
 
hi

Firstly thanks for all the info, I was first diagnosed after going to the hospital and drinking 5 glasses of lucozade (yuk)
then 2 hours later they tested .

If possible can someone tell me if normal for a1c is below 42 ish I am at 35 so why am i diabetic. and do I try lowering it more, or stay as I am or let it go higher.

If I sound confused that is because I am.

regards
 
Hi,

The website that this forum is part of states;

For people without diabetes, the range is 20-41 mmol/mol (4-5.9%)

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html

Many people here feel that is the range we should be aiming for.

The NHS is very bad at getting 'normal' blood sugars in its diabetic patients; in the annual treatment survey about 93% of Type 1 diabetics fails to get an HbA1c of lower than 6.5% for Type 2's it's a bit better but not much.

Your HbA1c is excellent; I would keep doing what you are doing and stay at that level.

Ignore your nurse; she's talking nonsense.

Best

Dillinger
 
You're spot on I wouldn't worry at all. That puts you in the 5% range. I'm hoping to be where you are at my next Doctors appointment. Keep up the good work and I wouldn't worry too much about your nurse unfortunately they're not really up to speed when it comes to diabetes, they know what they learnt with their training and that is usually a bit outdated.
 
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