Hbac1 test

egglet

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
I have being having some lady problems anyway last week they did some blood test and my hbac1 test come back at 54 obviously it came as a shock I have to have another test in a fortnight but what can I do inbertween to get these levels back to normal thank you x
 

ziggy_w

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,019
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi @egglet,

Welcome to the forum.

I am so sorry about your test results -- I am not surprised they came as a shock to you.

The Hba1c test reflects the average blood sugars over the last three months. So, a test in the next two weeks will still contain 10 of the same weeks, this last Hba1c test contains. So, probably the next test will still be a bit higher than normal.

However, an Hba1c of 54 doesn't show dramatically high blood sugar levels. My Hba1c results were much higher on diagnosis.

Many of us here decided to go on a low carb diet (should probably say low carb way of life) to lower our blood sugars. Mine are now at non-diabetic levels without medication. There are also other options such as the Newcastle diet. Both diets are discussed on the forum extensively. It will probably help if you have a read around.

I am also tagging @daisy1 and @AM1874, who always provide some very helpful information for newcomers.
 
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AM1874

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,383
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
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Not much
Hi @egglet .. and welcome
You have certainly made a good move coming here. Since joining this forum, the folks here have given me so much info, advice and support that I am now much more confident about the journey ahead. So ask your questions and be assured that you will receive the answers that you need. It can all seem uphill to start with but, in my experience, it gets easier .. very quickly.

By looking at what steps you can take between now and your next test, you have already made a positive start in dealing with your diagnosis. The key point to take on board now is that managing and controlling your diabetes through exercise, diet and testing your blood glucose seems to be the best way forward for many people. For me, committing to an LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) lifestyle and testing 3-5 times a day seems to be working and you'll find that there is a wealth of info, relevant advice and positive support about LCHF on the forum ..

I see that @ziggy_w has already tagged @ daisy1 has for you and I suggest that you read up on the Low Carb Program in the information that she will soon be sending you. You might also find the discussion on the Low Carb Diet forum helpful .. together with the following Diet Doctor websites, which will give you all the info that you need on what and what not to eat ...
Low Carb Intro and Information and Low Carbs in 60 Seconds

Unless you are given a test meter and strips by you doc or practice nurse (unlikely) .. it is a top priority that you get yourself one and, for this, the following websites might help:
https://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/
for the SD Codefree meter, which costs £12.98 or:
http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product/tee2-blood-glucose-meter/
who distribute the TEE 2 meter, which is free.
I have both which I alternate for comparative purposes and I have never found any significant difference between them.

The costs of testing comes down to the ongoing charges for test strips and lancets. Make sure that you tick the appropriate box on the on-line order form and you won't pay VAT on your meter or strips.
For the SD Codefree, the strips are £7.69 for a pack of 50 and there are discount codes available for bulk purchases:
5 packs x 50 use code: 264086 .. cost is £29.49
10 packs x 50 use code: 975833 .. cost is £58.98
For the TEE 2, the strips are £7.75 for a pack of 50 .. but there are no discount codes currently available

I'm testing 3-5 times a day which works out at around £10 to £12 per month for either of the two packages above but, more importantly, I now know what my BG levels are .. and I can now manage them

Hope this helps
 
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Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
I have being having some lady problems anyway last week they did some blood test and my hbac1 test come back at 54 obviously it came as a shock I have to have another test in a fortnight but what can I do inbertween to get these levels back to normal thank you x

Hi and welcome aboard!

An HbA1c of 54 isn't too drastic and you have every chance of getting that down to non-diabetic levels .... but not in 2 weeks! The second test is just to confirm the first to make sure you haven't been mis-diagnosed. In all probability it will be much the same.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that will require a change in eating habits and some added exercise, not just for a few weeks, but possibly the rest of your life if you want to see non-diabetic levels and keep them there. Some lucky people have reversed their Type 2, so it is entirely possible.

Have a good read round the forums to see how others manage, read Daisy's post when it arrives, and follow the links @AM1874 has given you. The best advice is to buy a meter. These are essential as they can teach you which of your food choices are causing your blood sugar levels to rise so you can do something to change carbohydrate portion size or eliminate some completely. We can show you how to do this if/when you get a meter. All you have to do is ask.
 
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Guzzler

Master
Messages
10,577
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Diet only
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Poor grammar, bullying and drunks.
Hi there and welcome to the forum. I am just a few months from diagnosis so can vividly remember what is was like to be told that my HbA1c was too high. Panic set in and then disbelief. I would advise you to take a breath, have a good read around the forum and ask as many questions as you like. There are very well informed members here who will give their time willingly to answer your queries and advise, encourage and laugh with you along the way.
 

Resurgam

Expert
Messages
9,850
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
You are not in a bad place - my Hba1c at diagnosis was 91, but I reduced my carbs to a level below that I used to eat to reduce my weight, and I was down at 47 in 80 days.
It can come as a bit of a shock to realise that all the 'healthy' foods recommended to us are what cause the high blood sugars and puts us in danger of complications and chronic ill health, but that seems to be the case.
I am eating at the weight lowering level now - as that had brought my Hba1c down to 41 at 6 months, though the weight loss is very slow now - but I am having to get all new clothes as things are falling off me - literally.
 
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CherryAA

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,171
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I have found the same as the other posters. LCHF works and tastes better too - so it shouldn't be long until you are sorted f you follow the advice on here!
 
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badcat

Guest
LCHF is popular and works well for some but not for all.
I have found reducing carbs has been essential but my body cannot handle high fat - it leaves me nauseous and gaining weight. I follow low carb, medium fat medium protein lowish cals
You will need to experiment to find out what suits your body best and I would advise getting a monitor and test strips which you will need in order to see what different foods do to your blood sugars
 
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CherryAA

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,171
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I define LCHF a little differently I think

I think the best way to think about it is
1) How many carbs do I need to be able to get all the nutrients from green veg - in terms of recommended RDA's that is about 30g - so carbs should be somewhere between 20-50 g for most people of average height.
2) how many proteins do I need to eat to get all he amino acids etc. that is somewhere between say 0.8 an 1.5g per lean body weight - to that is say about 50g- 100 g

at that stage I think I am eating an LCHF diet regardless of how much actual fat I eat.

My fats are EITHER coming from food I eat or my own resources. On days when my will power is strong I don't add much fats and end up eating around 900-1100 calories, On days when it is less so, I stock up on fatty things in preference to proteins and carbs. In theory my body cant really tell the difference it is still getting the balance of the food it needs from fat.
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Tablets (oral)
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Cruelty towards animals.
@egglet

Hello Egglet and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Have a look at the Low Carb Program which is linked to below. Ask as many questions as you want and someone will help.



BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 250,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. They're all free.
  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 

callumchilled

Member
Messages
19
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Bigotry, Superiority, Bullying.
I found out by accident yesterday from a friend who is a diabetic nurse in the hospital I'm currently in that I have type 2 diabetes. She said that my blood test HbAc1 test had come back with a result of 92.4. Which she said was pretty high. they have been doing my blood glucose finger prick levels while I've been here in hospital, and they are ranging from 14.9 in the morning, to 22.9.

I'm sort of scared as none of the drs have said anything, and I've been in hospital for well over a week now.