Looking for reassurance

[Cellro]

I had a routine blood test a month ago, which showed a Hba1c of 89. My mum has type 2, and so did my uncle, so there is a family history, but I wasn’t experiencing any concerning symptoms so this came as a surprise. I admit I had been eating too much sugar, and I’m overweight (obese) but I generally eat healthily. The only potential sign had been unexpected weight loss, which I put down to my relationship breaking up last year. I immediately put myself on the Michael Mosley 800 cal diet, and have lost almost a stone in a month, taking my BMI to 31. When my bloods were redone last week, my Hba1c had dropped to 83. I spoke to my GP yesterday and explained what I’ve been doing, but she said that drop wasn’t significant and because my levels are high she said she now wants to send me for an abdominal scan to check there are no other ‘structural reasons' for such a high level. I’m 50 and otherwise in good health. Cholesterol and all other blood results (liver, kidney function etc) were fine. All my appointments have been over the phone so it’s hard to get a sense of what’s going on, but I’ve never heard of anyone having a scan for this reason before and it’s sent me into a panic. Has anyone else experienced this? I was feeling shocked and worried about a type 2 diagnosis, but now I’m scared my GP thinks it’s something worse.

 

[EllieM]

I was feeling shocked and worried about a type 2 diagnosis, but now I’m scared my GP thinks it’s something worse.

There are different types of diabetes, and your GP may be wanting to rule out the possibility of other types before assuming you have T2. Honestly I think this is a good thing. Many non T2s have to spend a few years getting progressively sicker before their GP rules out other possibilities. I think your GP is just doing due diligence here.

And other types of diabetes aren't necessarily worse than T2, they are just different.

(T1 for 53 years here, so no experience with your issue other than to say that non T2 diabetics can lead good and healthy lives),

ps And welcome to the forums

 

[Cellro]

There are different types of diabetes, and your GP may be wanting to rule out the possibility of other types before assuming you have T2. Honestly I think this is a good thing. Many non T2s have to spend a few years getting progressively sicker before their GP rules out other possibilities. I think your GP is just doing due diligence here.

And other types of diabetes aren't necessarily worse than T2, they are just different.

(T1 for 53 years here, so no experience with your issue other than to say that non T2 diabetics can lead good and healthy lives),

ps And welcome to the forums

Thank you for your response, it’s a lot to take in and I do have a tendency to catastrophize!

 

[JoKalsbeek]

I had a routine blood test a month ago, which showed a Hba1c of 89. My mum has type 2, and so did my uncle, so there is a family history, but I wasn’t experiencing any concerning symptoms so this came as a surprise. I admit I had been eating too much sugar, and I’m overweight (obese) but I generally eat healthily. The only potential sign had been unexpected weight loss, which I put down to my relationship breaking up last year. I immediately put myself on the Michael Mosley 800 cal diet, and have lost almost a stone in a month, taking my BMI to 31. When my bloods were redone last week, my Hba1c had dropped to 83. I spoke to my GP yesterday and explained what I’ve been doing, but she said that drop wasn’t significant and because my levels are high she said she now wants to send me for an abdominal scan to check there are no other ‘structural reasons' for such a high level. I’m 50 and otherwise in good health. Cholesterol and all other blood results (liver, kidney function etc) were fine. All my appointments have been over the phone so it’s hard to get a sense of what’s going on, but I’ve never heard of anyone having a scan for this reason before and it’s sent me into a panic. Has anyone else experienced this? I was feeling shocked and worried about a type 2 diagnosis, but now I’m scared my GP thinks it’s something worse.

They are being thorough, and that really, truly, is a good thing. Lots of people on here would kill for a GP who'd actually listen to their patients and check whether something else might be going on.

https://josekalsbeek.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-nutritional-thingy.html might help a bit with the food, far as blood sugars and weight go. Personally, I think a 9 mmol/mol drop in a HbA1c is nothing to sneeze at, but who am I eh. You're doing well, and you'll be doing even better. Hang in there and chin up...! You've got people here who will help you if they can, and a GP who's actually interested in your well-being. Yay!

Hugs,
Jo