First post-diagnosis HbA1c!

Hi all,

I just wanted to share the result of my first HbA1c with you all because I'm pretty excited and nobody else I know can share my enthusiasm!

I was diagnosed type 1 on 25 January this year (at age 24). At diagnosis my HbA1c was measured at 130 (or 14%).

Today I've just had my 3 month check up with my specialist GP and I'm at 54 (or 7.1%)! I'm told that this is good?

Anyway, I'm happy and just wanted to say how fantastic this forum is! It's comforting to come online and see that I'm a) not crazy and b) not alone.

xx

Thanks for all of the positive comments guys.

I know there is definitely room for improvement because my results are peppered with quite a lot of hypos and a few really high readings so it's not ideal but I'm getting there . I can't expect perfection though and I'm sure that is something I'll have to come to terms with in time. But hopefully my control will get a lot better.

@Blood sugar - I have been using apps on my phone to keep track of everything. I use MyFitnessPal to help me carb count and adjust my short acting insulin when eating and I use dbees.com to log all of my blood sugar readings, injections and carb intake. MyFitnessPal is a bit time consuming initially but once you start to log the same foods regularly it is very easy to use. You can even calculate out your own recipes and store them so entering dinner only takes about 5 seconds.

In general though, I'm a firm believer in not depriving yourself of your favourite things, or having to order a salad if you're out with friends when they're all eating burgers. It makes you feel different and more likely to crack and binge. I still eat chocolate - my number one vice - every day (just in smaller quantities) and if I'm out I'll eat just like everyone else. However, when I'm preparing my own snacks and meals I try to make more sensible choices - smaller carb portions, bigger salads etc. But if I feel like a big bowl of pasta - I eat it - I just make sure I calculate out the carbs first so I know how much insulin to take.

Luckily (or unluckily?) I'm allergic to dairy so I've already spent years avoiding any sort of pre-made cakes/biscuits/slices. Instead I make all of my own at home (and use MyFitnessPal to work out exactly how many carbs are in them).

I hope that gives you some ideas!

Bex