• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep working at

A

adrianbo

Member
Messages
6
Hello,

For anyone that is new diabetes and wondering if they will inevitably suffer complications brought about by high BG levels...it is possible to get things under control and to give yourself something positive.

I am a 54 yr old male. diagnosed as T2 6 months ago. My HBa1C at diagnosis was 99 and weighed 92 Kg, 2 weeks ago my HBa1c was 35 and my weight down to 80 Kg. I had been on 3 x 500mg metformin but GP has taken them away now...I am pleased but ever so slightly worried that I can keep it low without the metformin. On a positive though my weight hasnt shot back up again so hopefully I really can do it.

I'd like to say it was easy ...it wasnt but it happened so its possible. I hope that you too can leave a visit to your DB with a big smile on your face and feeling good :)
 
Re: lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep workin

Congratulations on a great result.

I was diagnosed in 2011 and like so many others didn't really understand the condition and just believed the Metformin would deal with the problem (a bit like taking antibiotics to deal with an infection). Gradually the dosage kept increasing and Glicazide added to the mix but still my BS levels were not coming down enough.

I think I finally woke up to reality when injections were mentioned as the next stage of my treatment.

Whilst doing further research on the internet I came across this forum and it has changed my life. I got myself a testing kit, started to look very closely at my diet (reducing carbs etc), increased my exercise. Within 2 months I have lost nearly a stone in weight, my BP is consistently down to normal levels and my average BS level is down below 6. Just waiting for my next HBA1C and hoping that shows my progress.

Am aiming to try to reduce my medication.



Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Re: lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep workin

Hi Madbazoo,

Sounds like you are managing your condition very well now.

I think the thing that made the difference for me was loosing the weight and giving my insulin a chance to do its job.
Achieving the weight loss was by determined changes to what I was eating: reducing the carbs, cutting out snacks etc. I took my diet back to what I knew to be good. Higher fibre, unprocessed fresh foods. I suppose that as a vegan I have been used to looking around what I eat and thinking aout balance and content.

I still have a little way to go yet and need to get a a good exercise regime in place so I shall be following your example

This website is a truly marvellous place: Informaton, facts, advice, support, encouragement

Thanks to all those that contribute to make it what it is.
 
Re: lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep workin

Congratulations.
However, I'd suggest you ask your Gp if he'd give you back one metformin per day. Not that you'd need it, but it would get you free prescriptions.
I'm sure you can manage on diet as long as you watch the carbs and monitor daily.. Will your GP prescribe trips for you?
Hana
 
Re: lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep workin

Congratulations.

I found losing weight had a good effect on me as well.

Similar diet, but I had a meter and found what carbs affected me badly early on.
Then I had a similar diet regime to yours I think, but built around food that didn't affect me badly.

Low calorie, low fat, lots of good vegetables, unprocessed food, little meat, (but allowed myself small amounts of chicken and fish), no snacks, and more exercise.

Keep it up, you're doing great.
 
Re: lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep workin

Thank you all for the supportive and kind words.
I was reminded that I had been given a meter which was a tremendous help in identifying what affected me badly and what quantities had good/bad effects...invaluable and would recommend anyone newly diagnosed to have one. In my review with the GP, when he took the metformin away, I told him that the meter was invaluable in getting me to where I am now and asked to have more strips to help with the transition away from medication..his reply was that 'there is no clinical evidence to the benefit of BG measuring in T2 diabetic control' . Whilst I accept that there may be a lack of clinical my own experience is most definitely one of benefit... I have the data and result to support it. In the end I did get another set of strips but suspect that this will be the last ones prescribed. I may, as I do believe they are so useful, have to purchase my own from that point. It sort of odd...medication or strips.... seems the overall benefit to the individual and the system must by to give strips and get good control with fewer complications and I would have thought that the financial benefits would accrue in time.
 
Re: lowered HBa1C...it seems it can be done...so keep workin

It can be done. Although it's hard work.

I was diagnosed in March 2013, with a HBa1C of 55, and weighed 18st 7lbs. 3 months later I was 15st 6lb and HBa1C was 31. Low carbing and daily treadmill were the things that made it all happen !

Now, I'm 14st 10lb and HBa1C stayed the same.
 
Back
Top