HBA1C results - confused

[Maggie75]

Hi everyone,

I'm T2, diagnosed in 2020, currently only taking 1 Alogliptin 25mg tablet per day for this. I had bloods done yesterday, honestly didn't even know my HBA1C was included as I wasn't going to bother with it but the results have come in today for my diabetes, HBA1C is now 60, down from 65 in April this year. Now I'm not complaining about this at all, I just don't understand how they've come down at all.

I have struggled massively over the last few months with my mental health, it has been the worst I have felt with this and to be honest I consider it a miracle I am still here at all. The DN had put me back on Metformin when I saw her in April and it affected my depression very badly, I stopped taking them straight away and have told GP I will never take them again, hence the reason for only taking the Alogliptin.

My weight has not increased at all either despite my diet being horrendously bad, unfortunately when my mental health becomes this bad I turn to food for comfort and will often deliberately make bad choices, I've been struggling with this for some time now. My cholesterol levels are still very bad according to blood results and I'm waiting for referral to gynaecology for further tests due to other health issues. Could an underlying issue be the reason for the reduction in HBA1C and my weight not increasing?

I just don't know what to do with this anymore, don't know what other meds they can try, seems everything apart from the Alogliptin causes awful side effects and I simply don't have the mental strength to change my diet, despite feeling terrible from the way I'm eating. I'm very tired now.

Maggie

 

[Shiraz Akhtar]

Very sad to hear this. I have only my experience to share though. I was diagnosed in 2021 with T2. The doctor prescribed Metformin. I went into depression and refused to eat for a couple of days. I never took medicine and gave up rice and bread from then on. I changed my diet and life style accordingly and suffered immense weight loss, but it got better with time. I wish you find strength to make tough changes. My father also has diabetes. He was on meds for 7 years, but on my advice he gave up medication and switched to low carb diet. He doesn't need to check his blood sugar daily now and is very healthy. He's 80 years old.

 

[Maggie75]

Thank you so much for your reply, and I"m delighted to hear that you and your Dad have done so well with the low carb diet, I know from personal experience it really does work, I did it when I was first diagnosed and lost 3 stone and bloods were at non diabetic level. Unfortunately my mental health became bad again and I was unable to maintain it. I know I have to make serious changes in my diet and lifestyle, it's just incredibly difficult for me right now, but I know I'm the only one who can do it. It's always good to hear inspirational stories like yours though, gives that little bit of hope that it can be done so thanks again.

Maggie

 

[KennyA]

Hi everyone,

I'm T2, diagnosed in 2020, currently only taking 1 Alogliptin 25mg tablet per day for this. I had bloods done yesterday, honestly didn't even know my HBA1C was included as I wasn't going to bother with it but the results have come in today for my diabetes, HBA1C is now 60, down from 65 in April this year. Now I'm not complaining about this at all, I just don't understand how they've come down at all.

I have struggled massively over the last few months with my mental health, it has been the worst I have felt with this and to be honest I consider it a miracle I am still here at all. The DN had put me back on Metformin when I saw her in April and it affected my depression very badly, I stopped taking them straight away and have told GP I will never take them again, hence the reason for only taking the Alogliptin.

My weight has not increased at all either despite my diet being horrendously bad, unfortunately when my mental health becomes this bad I turn to food for comfort and will often deliberately make bad choices, I've been struggling with this for some time now. My cholesterol levels are still very bad according to blood results and I'm waiting for referral to gynaecology for further tests due to other health issues. Could an underlying issue be the reason for the reduction in HBA1C and my weight not increasing?

I just don't know what to do with this anymore, don't know what other meds they can try, seems everything apart from the Alogliptin causes awful side effects and I simply don't have the mental strength to change my diet, despite feeling terrible from the way I'm eating. I'm very tired now.

Maggie

Hi, always difficult when there's a lot of stuff going on.

I don't think (given what you describe) that you could conclude an "underlying issue" is causing the changes you've seen, My experience (and the experience of most people on here) is that if there is an "underlying issue" it's more likely to result in raised BG rather than lowered.

Is it possible that despite what you think you're doing, the evidence is that you might be managing the condition a bit better? Anyway, best of luck. The sooner the outstanding issues are resolved, the sooner you'll have more headspace for T2.

 

[MrsA2]

. I know I have to make serious changes in my diet and lifestyle, it's just incredibly difficult for me right now,

Serious change can be daunting, so instead start with 1 small manageable change. Then when that's in place do another small change. And repeat
No one can eat a whole elephant in one go, but little bites get the same results (no actual elephants were harmed working this out )

Ideas for small changes (there are hundreds more)
Swapping a cereal breakfast to a protein one.
Eating your last food of the day an hour earlier
Walking an extra 15 minutes
Going to bed an hour earlier
Having a small handful of nuts instead of a biscuit
Listening a meditation podcast daily
Have salad instead of sandwich twice a week.
Etc etc just find one you can do to start

 

[r3wqsaxdvf]

Hi everyone,

I'm T2, diagnosed in 2020, currently only taking 1 Alogliptin 25mg tablet per day for this. I had bloods done yesterday, honestly didn't even know my HBA1C was included as I wasn't going to bother with it but the results have come in today for my diabetes, HBA1C is now 60, down from 65 in April this year. Now I'm not complaining about this at all, I just don't understand how they've come down at all.

I have struggled massively over the last few months with my mental health, it has been the worst I have felt with this and to be honest I consider it a miracle I am still here at all. The DN had put me back on Metformin when I saw her in April and it affected my depression very badly, I stopped taking them straight away and have told GP I will never take them again, hence the reason for only taking the Alogliptin.

My weight has not increased at all either despite my diet being horrendously bad, unfortunately when my mental health becomes this bad I turn to food for comfort and will often deliberately make bad choices, I've been struggling with this for some time now. My cholesterol levels are still very bad according to blood results and I'm waiting for referral to gynaecology for further tests due to other health issues. Could an underlying issue be the reason for the reduction in HBA1C and my weight not increasing?

I just don't know what to do with this anymore, don't know what other meds they can try, seems everything apart from the Alogliptin causes awful side effects and I simply don't have the mental strength to change my diet, despite feeling terrible from the way I'm eating. I'm very tired now.

Maggie

Hi Maggie,

I’m really sorry you're feeling this way, but it’s great that your HbA1c has come down, even if you’re unsure how. Mental health struggles can definitely affect your body in unexpected ways, and sometimes stress or depression can influence things like weight and blood sugar levels. It’s also possible that underlying health issues could be at play here.

You’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to feel tired and overwhelmed. Keep working with your healthcare team to find what works for you, and don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it. You don’t have to do this alone.