Hba1c levels

I really wouldn't want to comment on this from a medical perspective, but my consultant who I've seen for about 6 years has given me a similar story. My HBA1c averages at 7.0 - I think the last was 7.1 if I'm being precise. I have frequent hypos and what my consultant advised me was that if I was going to try to get down to 6.0 on my next visit and thereafter, then I would need to be prepared for more hypos and possibly more severe ones (if that makes sense). It was almost like doing a risk assessment.

He said as well that the difference between the 6 and the 7 isn't huge, however looking at things in the long term then it's obviously better to sit at 6 with diabetes for x amount of years rather than 7?

I don't really think I've answered your question, but I've had similar advice from my consultant.

Jenni

Hi

The DCCT study shows reduced complications of Hba1c under 7 - proportionate to those with higher hba1c which is why this tends to be the magic number of what is acceptable. I personally feel that if 7 is better than 8, then 6 is better than 7 and 5 is better than 6!

Non diabetics dont run hba1c's above 5 IIRC and there is a link to a proportionate reduction in complication liklihoods as your hba1c reduces. Ive had varying views -5.1 is too low, 5.3 is 'perfect' and 5.7 is perfect so Im certainly not getting the steer from my team that its abnormal to aim for this - though they are all obsessed with hypo unawarness (understandably!).

Those trying to get pregnant are given targets under 6 usually, so there must be something in the numbers! Its not achievable for all, for many reasons, so no critique of numbers from me, its just my personal choice is to get and remain in the 5's. I wouldnt spit the dummy if it went up to 6 but probably would worry more if it went up to 7.

Still, like all things diabetic, its each to their own

When I visit forums such as these it always interests me to see what different people are told in different places and by different health boards.

I agree with you lilibet though on more or less everything you said! If the average non diabetic person's HBA1c sits at around 5 then realistically - to avoid health complications - that's where you should be. I actually wouldn't know where to start with achieving that! But then that's where our personal views on the numbers come in.

There is also the point that medical opinions and advice aren't always correct. I suppose on my part laziness comes into it. If someone tells me I'm doing fine then I'm quite happy to go with the status quo.

I personally think you need to decide what is right for you. If you are happy with a level of 6 to 7 and it gives you the freedom and lifestyle you want, go with it. If getting it down to 5 or 5.5 gives you what you want out of life then drive for that. Having been diabetic nearly all of my life with no major complications and an Hba1c of between 6 and 7.5 for 20 years or so, I also know that this test is not the be all and end all of diabetic control. It is easy to manipulate it to give a result you want - a low'ish Hba1C but no control whatsoever. You need to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise, eat / drink in moderation, count those carb’s and work to understand what your body does in different circumstances. Do this and your control will be good, you will feel great and you will control your diabetes, not it you.

barkbark said:

I personally think you need to decide what is right for you. If you are happy with a level of 6 to 7 and it gives you the freedom and lifestyle you want, go with it. If getting it down to 5 or 5.5 gives you what you want out of life then drive for that. Having been diabetic nearly all of my life with no major complications and an Hba1c of between 6 and 7.5 for 20 years or so, I also know that this test is not the be all and end all of diabetic control. It is easy to manipulate it to give a result you want - a low'ish Hba1C but no control whatsoever. You need to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise, eat / drink in moderation, count those carb’s and work to understand what your body does in different circumstances. Do this and your control will be good, you will feel great and you will control your diabetes, not it you.

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This is very similar to what one of the consultants I have seen told me. He said that 'recent research' had suggested that more damage is done by daily swings in blood sugar readings than just by a high HBA1C number. My 6.2 was 'very good', but the generally flat readings were of much more interest to him. Incidentally, those flat readings are much harder to maintain than a lower HBA1C, so I am not sure his opinion is wholly positive!

The HbA1c test measures the amount of glucose adhered to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the part of the blood cell that carries oxygen. Glucose molecules in the bloodstream stick to hemoglobin and remain there for the life of the cell, about 120 days.

OMG, Im New to the forum, have had type 2 diabetes for 13 yrs, I am on Metformin + Insulin, I have been neglecting my Diabetes for about the last year, due to so many family probs to sort out, my dr recently sent me for blood tests + rang me as my Hb level was 13, after reading what youve said I realise how dangerous this is, my home readings are 15-20+ , Dr has said shes going to be on my back now , so I have to pull my socks up + get on with it, starting with nurses appt next week. I am 49 on Sat so am now realising that if I dont may not see 50.

hi,
my 13 year old son has been type 1 diabetic since october 2009. We have managed to get his HBA1C down to 5.6 but he is really good with his diet and strict with the carb counting. He is also probably still in the honeymoon period so things could all change again. He does give up many things to maintain his levels but will still have 2 to 3 two finger kitkats a week for his dance classes or when he is on stage and treats are still allowed but not as often as before. At the end of the day although it is good to get control you still need a life.



steph

I agree. I have had similar..aim as low as you can, but don't do this by making yourself hypo all the time advice. I thought the new "goal" was 6.5 though?