Confused about all the numbers

[Ann More]

Hi
I was diagnosed diabetic or prediabetic 2 June 2018, so this is day 8. I remember the nurse saying my number was 54 and should be 42. But on this website and lots of others I see a different sets of numbers. I bought a kit and just tested for the first time and it's 5.3. So I think it's come down (hardly eaten any carbs).

I have a problem with numbers (dyscalculia), so please don't ask me to add/subtract/or multiple.

Is 5.3 ok?
Why did the nurse say 54?
Why are there so many sets of numbers?

I don't mean to come across as angry, just confused and feeling rather stupid.
Thanks

 

[Martin Canty]

The numbers your nurse gave you are your A1c, which is an average of your blood glucose over 3 months.... the 5.3 is your current blood glucose reading (which actually looks very good)

 

[CathyB]

Hi Ann, there are two scales for numbers, Mmol which is the higher numbers and % is the lower ones, so your first number of 54 is in Mmol and would be around 7.2, if you are getting readings of 5.3 then you are doing great, that would be around 41!
You might find this link helpful...

https://www.hba1cnet.com/hba1c-calculator/

 

[trophywench]

Two totally different types of blood tests Ann - fingerprick test tells you what you are right now this very second but not what you were yesterday or will be tomorrow - whereas the HbA1c measures how much glucose has stuck itself to your red blood corpuscles over the last 12/13 weeks. It only sticks itself to our blood cells when there's too much of it floating around the body, for the body to need. Trouble is though it kind of damages the function of the blood by doing that, which can then cause damage to any other bit of our body.

Different tests measured in different units - both important but neither can be taken in isolation when trying to get a full picture.

 

[Ralph-YK]

It can be confusing. As people have said there are two tests, telling you different things. And two number scales, one for each test. To really confuse matters, the HbA1c used to be in a different scale, which some people still use.

 

[Ralph-YK]

54 is probably the HbA1c test. 3 month average.

Is 5.3 ok?

5.3 is Good

 

[Ralph-YK]

I suggest you get the nurse to write down which tests you've had and the results. (I find this helpful). And check with them the diagnoses.
Having an HbA1c of 54 means your diabetic. You are no longer pre diabetic.

 

[Deleted member 18634]

Welcome to the forum @Ann More! All the numbers can be confusing for any of us (even those who've been diabetic for while). I've shared a couple of links that explain what a HbA1c result is (your result of 54):

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hba1c

and also what your blood sugar targets should look like when you're testing yourself (your result of 5.3):

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/testing

There's also a handy little chart on there that explains the difference between your HbA1c test and your finger prick results.

Good luck and hope this helps 🙂

 

[Eddy Edson]

I found this graphic very useful for getting my head around the different numbers: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/images/hba1c-chart.jpg

 

[Ann More]

Thanks for all this, I'm slowly getting my head around this. Yes, I guess I am diabetic, not pre diabetic. But going to try hard to eat healthy now. Thanks for all your help everyone.

 

[CathyB]

Thanks for all this, I'm slowly getting my head around this. Yes, I guess I am diabetic, not pre diabetic. But going to try hard to eat healthy now. Thanks for all your help everyone.

Ann remember there is a difference between eating healthy and eating diabetic healthy 🙂 keep to low carb, watch the fruit and ask if you have any questions

 

[Martin Canty]

But going to try hard to eat healthy now.

I suspect that's how I developed D in the first place, nice plates of wholesome foods which just so happened to be full of carbs...... Now, going low carb, I think my diet is much better; I certainly get more green veggies & feel 20 years younger & look better.

 

[HOBIE]

Thanks for all this, I'm slowly getting my head around this. Yes, I guess I am diabetic, not pre diabetic. But going to try hard to eat healthy now. Thanks for all your help everyone.

Well done & good luck Ann 🙂

 

[Jeandp]

Hi @Ann More and welcome! Wow you are doing really well, great control so quickly, you are a fast learner. It took me ages to bring my numbers down to that level. You are clearly doing all the right things, cutting down on carbs and self testing. Way to go!