Hba1c of 76! Panicking

[PerfectStorm]

The short story is in the title - got hba1c of 76 today.

Long story
I've had a tough couple of years with a period of 18 months stress at work which resulted in me being off sick with anxiety for 4 months from March to July last year.

I started taking sertraline in June which has helped a lot with anxiety, although I am definitely still on the journey of recovery rather than already there.

My dog died in the summer so walking has reduced. Can't face it much without him

In October I got a trapped nerve in my neck which left me in agony. Haven't been able to exercise since then, although I'm trying to get back into it, within limitations
I've been having physio and still have some arm weakness and am awaiting result of MRI scan.

I'm 42 and fairly sure due to eratic periods that I'm perimenopausal. Been tired, forgetful etc Went to GP and had load of blood tests done.

Didn't realise they were doing hba1c but have seen tonight it's come back at 76! Iron levels are also at low level of normal at 23. Everything else was normal.

Been told to discuss iron with GP and arrange appt with diabetic nurse.

I'm taking metformin but very inconsistently. Forget to take it and until Christmas I was taking various pain meds for trapped nerve.

The above all sounds rather woe is me but just trying to put into context.

My diet over last 3 months hasn't been great by a long shot but absolutely hasn't been so high in carbs to warrant the level of 76! Plenty of low carb meals but sometimes having a carby meal.

I haven't really tested for last 18 months or so. Part of my anxiety is feeling overwhelmed and also very self critical, so testing has been something I couldn't face/deal with.

Seeing readings that aren't good enough isn't going to do me any good mentally (the reason I haven't started doing them again)

I'm going to have to try and face it for a period at least, and am thinking of buying a libre 2 tomorrow.

I'm not sure what I'm posting for exactly, other than to write it down somewhere that others will understand.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated

 

[Antje77]

You've really had a tough time, please try to not beat yourself up for having too much going on at once!

I haven't really tested for last 18 months or so. Part of my anxiety is feeling overwhelmed and also very self critical, so testing has been something I couldn't face/deal with.

Seeing readings that aren't good enough isn't going to do me any good mentally (the reason I haven't started doing them again)

Would it be possible for you to try and look at your test results from another angle?
A high reading doesn't tell you you're not good enough, it merely gives you information on the meal you've had.

I'm not sure how you've been using your meter before, but doing a once a day test isn't very useful to my thinking, it will only tell you that you still have diabetes, morning after morning, which is quite depressing.
But if you use it before eating and again two hours later, you can see exactly how that meal has affected you so you can use that information to adjust that meal next time!
If the result is a small rise it will make you feel good, and if the rise is more than you like you'll know to look at that meal again to make adjustments next time.

Those numbers are information to be used, not report cards!

I'm going to have to try and face it for a period at least, and am thinking of buying a libre 2 tomorrow.

If you've never used one before, don't buy it but order a free trial directly from Abbott!

 

[Mrs HJG]

Hi @PerfectStorm it sounds like you have been through the mill, I'm sorry for all your upset over the last year or so.

I'm all for 'a problem shared is a problem halved', so hopefully putting it all out there will be a turning point for you. It sounds like you know what you should do and what has worked for you in the past and you will be able to focus again.

Have you thought about maybe getting an exercise bike - nothing fancy, just a cheap one you can stick in front of a TV if you aren't up to the walking? I love walking, and mine is a bit neglected, but the bike is great when the weather has other thoughts, and I have been known to stick mine outside when its nice too.

Got to admit I keep all my pills/vitamins in those day labelled (old lady) pots, so I take a whole bunch at breakfast, and the teatime Metformin are kept next to the fridge so I don't forget. Or if you have a smart watch or phone, you could set a reminder or two to get back in the habit.

I'm sure you will get a tonne of great advice here, better than my twaddle, and you will be able to move forward to where you want to be

 

[PerfectStorm]

You've really had a tough time, please try to not beat yourself up for having too much going on at once!

Would it be possible for you to try and look at your test results from another angle?
A high reading doesn't tell you you're not good enough, it merely gives you information on the meal you've had.

I'm not sure how you've been using your meter before, but doing a once a day test isn't very useful to my thinking, it will only tell you that you still have diabetes, morning after morning, which is quite depressing.
But if you use it before eating and again two hours later, you can see exactly how that meal has affected you so you can use that information to adjust that meal next time!
If the result is a small rise it will make you feel good, and if the rise is more than you like you'll know to look at that meal again to make adjustments next time.

Those numbers are information to be used, not report cards!

If you've never used one before, don't buy it but order a free trial directly from Abbott!

Thank you, it has been tough. Feels like the world won't give me a break lately. Feeling very woe is me! Sorry.

Logically I know the testing is a tool to give me information about the meals I'm eating but I know from last time I was doing much testing I would get stressed by the high fasting and pre meal readings. Meant that even when I was getting high readings still even if tbere was little rise after a meal.

I have used the Libre before and have already had the free sample. I'll pay for one as its worth it for 2 to 4 weeks.

I've done some readings today and I'm getting readings in 9s before and after meals. Lunch was only 9 grams of carbs!

 

[Antje77]

I've done some readings today and I'm getting readings in 9s before and after meals. Lunch was only 9 grams of carbs!

If you didn't rise from your meals you're choosing the right meals!
You said your diet over the past 3 months hasn't been great so I'd expect improvement if you keep it up with the low carb. You also might want to try to take your metformin a bit more regularly, it may well help with the amount of glucose your liver dumps in your bloodstream.

And if it doesn't improve enough, you can always have a talk about medication with your HCP, sometimes diet just isn't enough, not your fault.

 

[PerfectStorm]

Hi @PerfectStorm it sounds like you have been through the mill, I'm sorry for all your upset over the last year or so.

I'm all for 'a problem shared is a problem halved', so hopefully putting it all out there will be a turning point for you. It sounds like you know what you should do and what has worked for you in the past and you will be able to focus again.

Have you thought about maybe getting an exercise bike - nothing fancy, just a cheap one you can stick in front of a TV if you aren't up to the walking? I love walking, and mine is a bit neglected, but the bike is great when the weather has other thoughts, and I have been known to stick mine outside when its nice too.

Got to admit I keep all my pills/vitamins in those day labelled (old lady) pots, so I take a whole bunch at breakfast, and the teatime Metformin are kept next to the fridge so I don't forget. Or if you have a smart watch or phone, you could set a reminder or two to get back in the habit.

I'm sure you will get a tonne of great advice here, better than my twaddle, and you will be able to move forward to where you want to be

Thank you for your kind words. An exercise bike might be a good idea. I'm quite short of time with work and my son so can be difficult to get to the gym much.

I already keep my tablets by the fridge but still forget them! I will start putting them on the table as I put dinner out so I can't miss them

 

[MarkyP2022]

I was diagnosed at 76 in October last year and with going low carb and cutting out beer was at 45 by December. Can be done but cutting out beer was my worst experience

 

[PerfectStorm]

If you didn't rise from your meals you're choosing the right meals!
You said your diet over the past 3 months hasn't been great so I'd expect improvement if you keep it up with the low carb. You also might want to try to take your metformin a bit more regularly, it may well help with the amount of glucose your liver dumps in your bloodstream.

And if it doesn't improve enough, you can always have a talk about medication with your HCP, sometimes diet just isn't enough, not your fault.

My diet hasn't been great but it hasnt been horrendous either. The majority of my meals had still been low carb. If I had known hba1c was being done I would have been expecting fairly similar to last time, which was 54, based on what I hsd been eating.

I had wondered if the low iron levels were artificially raising my hba1c as I've read that can be a factor if hba1c is not consistent with blood glucose testing.
But having done some testing this last couple of days I think the hba1c may be accurate. I'm not sure.

10.4 this morning 9.7 yesterday
10.3 before lunch yesterday
8.2 before dinner last night when I hadnt eaten for 6 hours and was ravenous!

 

[PerfectStorm]

I was diagnosed at 76 in October last year and with going low carb and cutting out beer was at 45 by December. Can be done but cutting out beer was my worst experience

76 is by far the highest I have ever seen. The highest other than that has been 55 which has been this last 18 months.

I was diagnosed in 2015 when only just into diabetic figures. They'd been testing me regularly since late 2013 as I had gestational diabetes.

I controlled with low carb for years but have been finding it tough this last 18 months. I've still been eating a predominantly low carb diet though.

I don't drink beer, apart from skinny beer in the summer. I do drink wine but have done dry January this year and haven't had a drink in Feb yet

 

[LouliePops]

Firstly big hugs to ya. It can be tricky to get on top of things AND stay on top of thing.

With regards to remembering meds, set reminders on your phone. if you eat with your meal and times vary, set a reminder to put it out where you eat so its ready, even if you aren't eating there n then.
Another option would be a daily pill box and just keep it at the table.
I use alexa to remind me to do my background insulin because derp brain

Low iron can elevate hba1c too so might be worth pushing for a repeat a1c when iron levels are back in range and some time has passed. (the increase in a1c doesn't usually mean your levels are actually higher if this is the case)
Pain can increase levels too.
Could be multiple factors going on effecting it so do your best with the tools you have and get it all repeated x

 

[bitofagit]

If my twopenny worth is of any use .............
I had recent slap with bloods result and review. This had me adopting a low(er) carb diet and searching this forum for any info that I could put under my own wing.
I found that the contributions from the forum members was enormously positive and I thank them for it. In more ways than one that positivity has bouyed me up to the extent that I find myself exercising for gods sake! Me!

Take hold of the info and support offered and do not look back.

 

[jjraak]

The above all sounds rather woe is me but just trying to put into context.

Mmhh ...

You've had an awful lot on your plate of late.

But you have steeled yourself, sat down, correctly identified the enemies of you getting better control of your T2D and your health in general.

And bared yourself to the group.

I'd say that deserves a round of applause ...
and if you don't mind me saying, shows a rather determined person lurking underneath that anxiety.

Male here, so my knowledge is based around my lady having suffered during menopause..so while not fully understanding, you do have my sincerest sympathies for how it affects you.

If it helps, I too was horrified at a high-ish HBA1c at DX

Went LCHF successfully got back to 40 HBA1c.

I sadly suffered a major accident back in 2019, still recovering, where T2D, wasn't my primary health issue.

What I learned was,
I can't cover everything.
....so I prioritised.

Carb limits went up, & finally my general health improved enough that controlling T2D once again rose to the surface and headed my list of 'need to do X if I want to be healthier'.

A long way of saying sometimes other things about our health take precedence, and that HBA1c will rise, sadly.

But time will come god willing, when we can turn our attention back to lowering it asap.

We do WHAT we can
WHEN we can, really

Hopefully that time is once again close for you.
And that 'being in control' even in minor ways might ease your anxiety overall ...I do hope so.

Take care &
Best wishes .

 

[trev99]

The short story is in the title - got hba1c of 76 today.

Long story
I've had a tough couple of years with a period of 18 months stress at work which resulted in me being off sick with anxiety for 4 months from March to July last year.

I started taking sertraline in June which has helped a lot with anxiety, although I am definitely still on the journey of recovery rather than already there.

My dog died in the summer so walking has reduced. Can't face it much without him

In October I got a trapped nerve in my neck which left me in agony. Haven't been able to exercise since then, although I'm trying to get back into it, within limitations
I've been having physio and still have some arm weakness and am awaiting result of MRI scan.

I'm 42 and fairly sure due to eratic periods that I'm perimenopausal. Been tired, forgetful etc Went to GP and had load of blood tests done.

Didn't realise they were doing hba1c but have seen tonight it's come back at 76! Iron levels are also at low level of normal at 23. Everything else was normal.

Been told to discuss iron with GP and arrange appt with diabetic nurse.

I'm taking metformin but very inconsistently. Forget to take it and until Christmas I was taking various pain meds for trapped nerve.

The above all sounds rather woe is me but just trying to put into context.

My diet over last 3 months hasn't been great by a long shot but absolutely hasn't been so high in carbs to warrant the level of 76! Plenty of low carb meals but sometimes having a carby meal.

I haven't really tested for last 18 months or so. Part of my anxiety is feeling overwhelmed and also very self critical, so testing has been something I couldn't face/deal with.

Seeing readings that aren't good enough isn't going to do me any good mentally (the reason I haven't started doing them again)

I'm going to have to try and face it for a period at least, and am thinking of buying a libre 2 tomorrow.

I'm not sure what I'm posting for exactly, other than to write it down somewhere that others will understand.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated

I was on Sertraline for two years, 2012 to 2014, took myself off it, would never take that stuff again! Don't know what my Hb figure is, don't understand it, can't remember and can't tell what the Doctor's receptionist is saying over the phone. All I know is I'm classed as "prediabetic". My main other problem at the mom has taken over but is connected, i.e. Gout

 

[EllieM]

I was on Sertraline for two years, 2012 to 2014, took myself off it, would never take that stuff again! Don't know what my Hb figure is, don't understand it, can't remember and can't tell what the Doctor's receptionist is saying over the phone. All I know is I'm classed as "prediabetic". My main other problem at the mom has taken over but is connected, i.e. Gout

Hi @trev99 and welcome to the forums. Would you like me or another moderator to move your post into its own thread in the prediabetes forum where your issues can be concentrated on?

 

[trev99]

Hi, yes you can do if you like though the reference to Sertraline would be confusingly irrelevant.