Latest HbA1c

[sanguine]

I just had my 6-month HbA1c test yesterday, and I'm now down to 42 (6.0%) from 45 in July, which I'm happy with since it puts me at the top of the non-diabetic range, especially given recent heat and stress which won't have helped! That was the only test done, I was hoping for lipids as well - is that normal for a 6-month?

The mmol/l equivalent of this is 7.0, which as others have found seems a bit higher than my normal readings, and it makes you wonder what the equivalence actually means; but I'm not going to worry too much about that.

Since March when diagnosed, I've also got my weight down to 72 kg from 90 kg (20% loss, BMI now 24.7) and blood pressure nicely averaging around 120/65. And I'm probably fitter than I have been for over 20 years

So, off to see my DN in the morning to discuss ...

Oh, and @Bluetit1802 this gives you another crack at getting to 40 first!

 

[AndBreathe]

I just had my 6-month HbA1c test yesterday, and I'm now down to 42 (6.0%) from 45 in July, which I'm happy with since it puts me at the top of the non-diabetic range, especially given recent heat and stress which won't have helped! That was the only test done, I was hoping for lipids as well - is that normal for a 6-month?

The mmol/l equivalent of this is 7.0, which as others have found seems a bit higher than my normal readings, and it makes you wonder what the equivalence actually means; but I'm not going to worry too much about that.

Since March when diagnosed, I've also got my weight down to 72 kg from 90 kg (20% loss, BMI now 24.7) and blood pressure nicely averaging around 120/65. And I'm probably fitter than I have been for over 20 years

So, off to see my DN in the morning to discuss ...

Oh, and @Bluetit1802 this gives you another crack at getting to 40 first!

Well done Sanguine. It's a good feeling to go over the threshold.

I must admit, I have been pleasantly surprised to have had the full profile - glucose, lipids, liver and kidney stuff done along with the HbA1cs I've had done in the UK. The overseas one included almost all of that, but not the full lipid profile, and I must admit, I was kicking myself for not ensuring it did.

As your cholesterol appears to have improved last time, I might be inclined to see if I could have that tested, to see how that's trending. It seems harder to guestimate for ourselves; unlike the blood glucose where we have at least a decent idea if we're doing OK, or if it's likely to be a diabetic car crash.

Again, well done on your improvement.

 

[sanguine]

As your cholesterol appears to have improved last time, I might be inclined to see if I could have that tested, to see how that's trending. It seems harder to guestimate for ourselves; unlike the blood glucose where we have at least a decent idea if we're doing OK, or if it's likely to be a diabetic car crash.

Thanks, and yes I'll raise this with the DN tomorrow. After the previous HbA1c and lipids the GP commented that he'd like to see further improvement in cholesterol (as would I, but neither of us need to see much more). When I asked him if lipids would be done at the next test he just said 'the nurse will deal with that'. A bit of a lack of joined-up thinking I suspect.

 

[cold ethyl]

I was told that my next test in Jan would just be a HbA1c and that the full blood profile stuff would be done at the annual review in May next year. I suspect cost is the major factor! well done on the lower HbA1c- I don';t think the relationship between that and the normal blood glucose readings is one that is easily translated into an equivalent figure- I seem to recall reading that somewhere on here.

 

[SueKen]

Woohoo! Well done you.

 

[sanguine]

Just been to see my (nice) DN who couldn't really say much other than 'well done', 'how did you do it', and 'I wish all my diabetic patients were like you'. Like me, she couldn't understand why the threat of unpleasant complications wasn't incentive enough for everyone.

I told her I low-carbed (she doesn't really see any logic in the healthy plate either) and that I would be increasing portions a little to put the brake on my weight loss. 'Introducing more carbs?' she suggested - 'Er, no.'

HbA1c is all you get at 6 months apparently, and because I am well-controlled I don't get any more until a full blood and urine test at 12 months, so next March.

 

[kimbo1962]

Just been to see my (nice) DN who couldn't really say much other than 'well done', 'how did you do it', and 'I wish all my diabetic patients were like you'. Like me, she couldn't understand why the threat of unpleasant complications wasn't incentive enough for everyone.

I told her I low-carbed (she doesn't really see any logic in the healthy plate either) and that I would be increasing portions a little to put the brake on my weight loss. 'Introducing more carbs?' she suggested - 'Er, no

HbA1c is all you get at 6 months apparently, and because I am well-controlled I don't get any more until a full blood and urine test at 12 months, so next March.

Fantastic Rod!! You should be proud......big well done!

 

[rden66]

Well done.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Just been to see my (nice) DN who couldn't really say much other than 'well done', 'how did you do it', and 'I wish all my diabetic patients were like you'. Like me, she couldn't understand why the threat of unpleasant complications wasn't incentive enough for everyone.

I told her I low-carbed (she doesn't really see any logic in the healthy plate either) and that I would be increasing portions a little to put the brake on my weight loss. 'Introducing more carbs?' she suggested - 'Er, no.'

HbA1c is all you get at 6 months apparently, and because I am well-controlled I don't get any more until a full blood and urine test at 12 months, so next March.

Well done Rod. I've been wondering how you got on. That is brilliant, also your BP stabilising at an ideal level. You must be relieved after your more recent fasting results were higher than you wanted. Yes, I have another crack at getting to 40 first, but this is very, very unlikely, and I would be delighted with your 42. (next test in December). Like you, I am still mystified as to why my mmol/l equivalent was 7.4 when I hardly see any 7's and certainly nothing high enough to give me an average of 7.4, even when I did my every 30 minute testing over 2 days the average was 6.5. It's a puzzle.

I asked for a full lipid test. I wouldn't have got one otherwise. I put a case forward that the GP wants me on statins, so I wanted to see how my cholesterol was doing. I didn't have to argue. Maybe you could just ring and ask for one, pointing out it is making you a bit stressed. Honesty not always the best policy!

Good luck with the weight maintenance. It is harder than you think.

 

[zand]

@Bluetit1802 You're back! I've missed you!

 

[sanguine]

Thanks Bluetit, hope you had a good holiday!

 

[cold ethyl]

I have been trying to find stuff that might explain the discrepancy .. I think that there is supposedly a linear relationship between the two measurements but that a particular HbA1c has a range of BG values that is " equivalent" to it. Apparently analysis has shown that people with the same HbA1c result might actually have very different BG testing profiles. So your 42 or whatever is quoted as having a 95% tolerance range of 5.5 - 8.5 BG with 7 being the midpoint. As had been said before life expectancy of the red blood cells and various other ailments and medications can affect the test.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I have been trying to find stuff that might explain the discrepancy .. I think that there is supposedly a linear relationship between the two measurements but that a particular HbA1c has a range of BG values that is " equivalent" to it. Apparently analysis has shown that people with the same HbA1c result might actually have very different BG testing profiles. So your 42 or whatever is quoted as having a 95% tolerance range of 5.5 - 8.5 BG with 7 being the midpoint. As had been said before life expectancy of the red blood cells and various other ailments and medications can affect the test.

Thanks Ethyl, that makes sense .... I think! Still jet lagged after my jollies, so brain not yet in gear.