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Help with test numbers please!

S

samcogle

Well-Known Member
Messages
411
Location
Durham
Hi, I have read the 'tests' thread and think my numbers are ok but can someone clarify please as the letter I received this morning from the specialist still says he wants me to go on statins but I would argue. Here goes:
my HbA1c Jan 9th = 10.1, 2 weeks later = 9.2 and in March = 7.8.
my cholesterol = 2.7
trigycerides = 0.67
LDL = 1.4

I am well chuffed, but not good with numbers so am I missing something? He says in the letter my profile is excellent but would still recommend statins!!!
Thanks :D
Oh forgot to say he has recommended a DEMOND course. What's that please?
 
Hi sam.

Statins should be considered for all patients, including the elderly, with symptomatic cardiovascular disease such as those with coronary heart disease (including history of angina or acute myocardial infarction), occlusive arterial disease (including peripheral vascular disease, non-haemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischaemic attacks).

In patients with diabetes mellitus, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease depends on the duration and complications of diabetes, age, and concomitant risk factors. Statin therapy should be considered for all patients over 40 years with diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2). In younger patients with diabetes, treatment with a statin should be considered if there is target-organ damage, poor glycaemic control (HbA1c greater than 9%), low HDL-cholesterol and raised triglyceride concentration, hypertension, or a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.

Hope this helps ?
I'm sure someone else will explain your numbers soon ?

Ken. :D
 
cugila said:
Hi sam.

Statins should be considered for all patients, including the elderly, with symptomatic cardiovascular disease such as those with coronary heart disease (including history of angina or acute myocardial infarction), occlusive arterial disease (including peripheral vascular disease, non-haemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischaemic attacks).

In patients with diabetes mellitus, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease depends on the duration and complications of diabetes, age, and concomitant risk factors. Statin therapy should be considered for all patients over 40 years with diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2). In younger patients with diabetes, treatment with a statin should be considered if there is target-organ damage, poor glycaemic control (HbA1c greater than 9%), low HDL-cholesterol and raised triglyceride concentration, hypertension, or a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.

Hope this helps ?
I'm sure someone else will explain your numbers soon ?

Ken. :D
Click to expand...
Thanks ken, that makes sense then as i am over 40 [just mind :)].
 
If offered a DESMOND Course, I would take it, but my local PCT doesn't offer anything like that.
I questioned that and they told me they can't afford it!!
they are obviously saving up to treat all the complications that local diabetics develop.
 
hanadr said:
If offered a DESMOND Course, I would take it, but my local PCT doesn't offer anything like that.
I questioned that and they told me they can't afford it!!
they are obviously saving up to treat all the complications that local diabetics develop.
Click to expand...
Have to admit I am not holding out. He has recommended to the doc that I attend regular meetings with the DN at my surgery, but I don't think we even have one and have a feeling they will say the same thing. Shows how much he knows as well as he's called in DEMOND :lol:
 
All the diabetes magazines praise the DESMOND course, but I know a couple of PCTS who don't offer it.
I know ours has 2 diabetes educators, but haven't found out what they do.
 
samcogle said:
Hi, I have read the 'tests' thread and think my numbers are ok but can someone clarify please as the letter I received this morning from the specialist still says he wants me to go on statins but I would argue.

Here goes:
my HbA1c Jan 9th = 10.1, 2 weeks later = 9.2 and in March = 7.8.
my cholesterol = 2.7
trigycerides = 0.67
LDL = 1.4


Hi sam.
As nobody has so far posted anything about your numbers, here is some information to help.

HbA1c:
A typical normal range might be 4.3%-5.9%
At this reference range, if your HbA1c is above 10%, there's plenty of room for improvement.
If it's 6.5% that's pretty good.
5.9% would be classed as excellent.

Your cholesterol test result:
Cholesterol level varies from person to person. The government advises that adults should have:
Total cholesterol lower than 5nmol/L
LDL cholesterol lower than 3nmol/L
Total cholesterol:
This is the single figure for your cholesterol level, which is all the subtypes combined.
The desirable upper limit of total cholesterol (TC) for people who have diabetes is 4mmol/l.

Hope this helps.
Ken. :D
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Ken, it does. The doc went on so much about me having high blood pressure, being overweight blah blah blah, that it would be inevitable that my cholesterol, LDL etc would be way high as well. So when i looked at the figures I was rather impressed then, knowing what I am like with numbers, I thought I must have got it all wrong so he can poop off cos I think they are ok and I am working on the HbAc1 :)
Cheers again for all the advice.
 
If I did the calculation correctly that gives you HDL around 1, trigs/HDL is 0.67 which is half the mazimum recommended level of 1.3

HDL is low but your LDL is very low and trigs excellent. Frankly statins would be a waste of money but your GP probably gets a bribe for prescribing them anyway.

A bit more saturated fat and maybe monounsaturated fats would probably improve the HDL, also plenty of exercise and conceivably also some red wine.
 
Wow i never thought of it that way...that I should try to raise them a little. I have been off work this week and walked my little legs off...something i have never done being an exercise-phobe, so the exercise increase is a definite as for the red wine.... I have tried to keep off it as I love a glass with my meal so that will start again tomorrow....thanks Trink I love you :D
As for the statins I think I will politely refuse and see what he says!
 
Sorry, another question...senior moment time again. What is the difference between LDL and HDL again? Is the HDL the bad one and the LDL the good one so to speak?
 
Hi sam.

HDL Cholesterol
Also known as: HDL, HDL-C, "good" cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol
Also known as: LDL, LDL-C, "bad" cholesterol

:D
 
Bloody hell, you are both speed typers :lol:
Thanks, realised i shouldn't be so lazy so did a search on here and found it. Right, will have to re-jig my brain as I keep getting them the wrong way round :roll:
 
samcogle said:
Wow i never thought of it that way...that I should try to raise them a little. I have been off work this week and walked my little legs off...something i have never done being an exercise-phobe, so the exercise increase is a definite as for the red wine.... I have tried to keep off it as I love a glass with my meal so that will start again tomorrow....thanks Trink I love you :D
As for the statins I think I will politely refuse and see what he says!
Click to expand...

Be careful what you wish for! Hahahahaha

By a very strange coincidence I have a degree in psychology from Durham University, I take it you work in the Psychology Department up on top of the hill? Who's in charge now?

Also I used to have a yellow Beetle, but now I have a diesel Renault.

Phew, I've read and written enough for today and dinner's nearly ready, talk to you later
 
Wooooo, my degree is from Sunderland. I work in Newcastle now but did do half a masters at Durham uni and did a bit of teaching there; went everyday in my blue beetle :)
I have a new beetle now but miss the old ones. Still in a VW club though and go to some of the shows...small world :)
 
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