The day of reckoning

[silver minion]

Your HbA1c is still under the diabetes threshold, even if is not as low as you had hoped for. Remember you have come a long way in a relatively short time. Continue with your plan and maybe follow Barbara's suggestions. Good luck and best wishes

 

[JITR]

I think that now according to newer NICE guideline for people of a more mature age that would be considered an acceptable HbA1C,

This an excellent point.

However, I was unaware of the that guideline so I looked it up (NG28, 1.6.9):

Consider relaxing the target HbA1c level (see recommendations 1.6.7 and 1.6.8 and NICE's patient decision aid) on a case-by-case basis and in discussion with adults with type 2 diabetes, with particular consideration for people who are older or frailer, if:

• they are unlikely to achieve longer-term risk-reduction benefits, for example, people with a reduced life expectancy
• tight blood glucose control would put them at high risk if they developed hypoglycaemia, for example, if they are at risk of falling, they have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, or they drive or operate machinery as part of their job
• intensive management would not be appropriate, for example if they have significant comorbidities. [2015, amended 2022]

Not for me at 82! My long term target is as low as reasonably possible, preferably less than 40.

 

[Leadinglights]

This an excellent point.

However, I was unaware of the that guideline so I looked it up (NG28, 1.6.9):

Consider relaxing the target HbA1c level (see recommendations 1.6.7 and 1.6.8 and NICE's patient decision aid) on a case-by-case basis and in discussion with adults with type 2 diabetes, with particular consideration for people who are older or frailer, if:

• they are unlikely to achieve longer-term risk-reduction benefits, for example, people with a reduced life expectancy
• tight blood glucose control would put them at high risk if they developed hypoglycaemia, for example, if they are at risk of falling, they have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, or they drive or operate machinery as part of their job
• intensive management would not be appropriate, for example if they have significant comorbidities. [2015, amended 2022]

Not for me at 82! My long term target is as low as reasonably possible, preferably less than 40.

It really is a personal thing as to what your own aim is, I am 73 and wouldn't feel happy unless near to the 42mmol/mol.

 

[JITR]

It really is a personal thing as to what your own aim is, I am 73 and wouldn't feel happy unless near to the 42mmol/mol.

Yes, I agree.

The advantage of being below 42 mmol/mol, or 39 mmol/mol if you are German or North American, is to avoid the dysregulation of glucose, lipids and metabolism of the pre-diabetic range.

I am fortunate to have got back into the 30's. Where one can, getting down to 48 mmol/mol and as far below as is (reasonably) possible seems a good idea.

 

[Newbie777]

Hello, I am hba1c of 76! Your read of 46 is brilliant so far, well done on the hard work and am sure you meet the target range you want soon

 

[JimmyBlue]

Congratulations @Alan44 that was pretty impressive improvement in just 18 weeks. I think @rebrascora's suggestions are probably a good thing to consider dependent on what you want to do next. And at the end of the day, it is your decision - the doctor seems very happy with your improvement.

 

[mashedupmatt]

Well people, the results are in and not quite as good as I was hoping for, but, I guess not that bad either.

46 mmol/mol ( doctors notes on my records: "No action, safe & satisfactory for this patient") ??

Comments please

Alan 😉

Shame it wasn't a bit lower but that is still pretty good - well done Alan

 

[Alan44]

Thanks for all your comments, I have now formulated my next plan going forward and included some of the advice given.

I guess and have accepted that going from an HbA1c of 51 to 46 in 3 months was probably a good result, that said I could never have done it, or even known where to start if it wasn't for the advice given from the more knowledgeable members of this forum, either directly or indirectly by reading the posts of member which answered many of the questions I had.

Credit must also be given to DUK for providing such an excellent platform for people with diabetes which I'm sure is appreciated by all members.

One last thing, but very important, my wife, who had to do a crash course on low carb meals, because without her, I doubt I would have achieved anything, bless her. (don't tell her I said that )

Well that's it folks and many thanks

Alan 😉

 

[JITR]

Good luck, Alan.

My wife helped me enormously too. Joined in with my diet and walks, and is back in clothes she wore decades ago.

 

[Alan44]

Good luck, Alan.

My wife helped me enormously too. Joined in with my diet and walks, and is back in clothes she wore decades ago.

My wife has eaten the same as me, more or less (she will add potatoes on her main meal).

I have to go shopping this weekend for trousers as none of my now fit, all miles too big

 

[Leadinglights]

My wife has eaten the same as me, more or less (she will add potatoes on her main meal).

I have to go shopping this weekend for trousers as none of my now fit, all miles too big

My other half was really supportive of my low carb and although had a few extras he lost loads of weight which he wanted to do but that was all scuppered by him being on IV steroids for 2 weeks then 3 months of oral steroids for a Crohn's flareup which made him put weight back on, now struggling to lose it despite sticking with my low carb regime.

 

[Alan44]

My other half was really supportive of my low carb and although had a few extras he lost loads of weight which he wanted to do but that was all scuppered by him being on IV steroids for 2 weeks then 3 months of oral steroids for a Crohn's flareup which made him put weight back on, now struggling to lose it despite sticking with my low carb regime.

My daughter has Crohn's, horrible disease, fortunately, she has it under control with medication and just the very odd flare up.

 

[Leadinglights]

My daughter has Crohn's, horrible disease, fortunately, she has it under control with medication and just the very odd flare up.

Other half has had it for a long time but largely asymptomatic with the occasional mild flare up but then 2 years ago he had a really bad attack with a perforated bowel but it turned out to be stump appendicitis, a small bit of appendix had got left behind when he had his appendix out 55 years previously, luckily he recovered with antibiotics and IV nutrient feed for 2 weeks. Then a year ago what we thought was a recurrence was a bad Crohn's attack which is why he ended up on steroids which he had avoided up to then having another oral medication. When he then had a review with the consultant she took him off that medication and he has had nothing for the last 9 months with no problem. Touch wood.
It is one of those conditions which seems very variable in different people.