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hba1c frequency of testing in UK

S

simply_h

Well-Known Member
Messages
201
Location
The north
Hello All,

Hope we are well.

How ofton are we Type 2 diabetics ment to have an HbA1c test.

As when I was diagnosed in feb this year I was told to come back after 3 months, when 3 months was up I was told it was 6 months, then when 6 months were up,I have just been told to come back in November.

So I am confused, is this just my GP's saving on cost or are they trying to get me so out of control, then I will have to take there pills. As I did refuse point blank to take anything, cos they wanted to give me Metformin, Ramipril and Satins.

Ohh when diagnosed my HbA1c was 6.6%

Also how do I know that I am doing OK with my low carbing and exersize, as I was really looking forward to my 1st HbA1c and cholesterol results since I was diagnosed... Not happy.!

Can I walk in and ask nicely (demand) for this to be done or is that just making a rod for my own back, so to say.?

Any ideas?

Cheers
Simply_H
 
Hi simply_h, we had a long thread on this recently. Frequency varies from doctor to doctor it seems. Don't know if you can DEMAND a test, but tell them it will really help you to manage your diabetes if you had more frequent feedback on A1c. Might work.
Not sure why they wanted to put you straight on meds if your HbA1c on diagnosis was 6.6%. Lots of people struggle to get to that ON meds! Is their some other underlying medical condition suggesting that medication perhaps? If not, you're probably right to try the diet and exercise route.
Good luck
 
Hi Simply_H,

Prior to my diagnosis, i was put on a load of pills for Heart disease. :(

One of them was Ramipril, which according to the mediguard site is used for the following:

High Blood Pressure 82% of users
Kidney Protection 16% of users
Heart Disease/Stroke Prevention 15% of users
Heart Failure/Edema 5% of users

I don't and never have had high blood pressure, so was given it for the heart issues.

I presume you could ask your GP why he wants to put you on Ramipril :!:

Obviously the metformin is for the diabetes and the statins primarily for Cholestorol.

I really think that anyone on a cocktail of meds should sign up to Mediguard (Its free) and you get some really good info about your meds and their interactions between each other.

My initial HbA1C was 7, and my GP didn't even mention meds for my T2......2nd HbA1c result due tomorrow :|

Hope all goes well

Tony
 
I was also diagnosed in February this year, fasting test of 7.7. I have had a HbA1c test done every 3 mounts since.My next one is November. I would have thought that as you have only recently been diagnosed then you would need to have it done every 3 months to see how you are doing with control. Once you have good control then from reading on here it seems some doctors only run a HbA1c every 6 months, some only once a year. I was put on statins as a preventative measure. Diabetes makes you more prone to heart problems and as my family has a history of heart problems and stroke, I was quite happy to take them.

Have you got a Glucose meter to check yourself? If your doctor (like mine) won't give you test strips then it is well worth investing in one yourself.

Ann
 
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