Confused HbA1c

[sweetsatin]

I asked my doctor today what my HbA1c result was on diagnosis, she said
HbA1c was 14
fasting was 8
Cholestrol 5.8....i thing 5.!!! whatever...

Since being Diagnosed i have kept my BG's at 4.2- 7.6 only had one reading at 9.0 in the last 3 weeks.
I thought that was great, so pleased with myself as i have had the willpower not to have chocolate & watch my other half eat it while i'm cursing under my breath. lol
I asked for some more test strips as i have been trying new foods so needed to test.
She told me i shouldn't be testing at all now as T2's don't get hypo's.
Confused now cos i do get the symptoms.
My confidence has shattered now cos i felt safe taking my own BG's, surely i know my own body & know how i'm feeling. I need to manage my on diabetes & eat what is right for me & monitor my BG's.
I have done so well & lost over a stone in weight in such short time & never felt fitter in years.
I understand that i will get these symtoms as my BG's were high for a while before being diagnosed & do know it will get better in time.
Question is ...Do T2s get hypos ?
How would you feel about not testing ?
Personally i shall carry on cos i need to know what direction my diabetes is going.
Still awaiting the desmond course in hope of understanding this more.
Thank you for reading this rant over...

 

[Northerner]

Hi Anita, you have been doing extremely well - well done you! This testing business appears to be a bit of a minefield, particularly with Type 2. Some health profs seem to think that you don't need to test, most likely driven by cost, although there also is an argument that people may not act on their readings. This isn't true in your case - you are modifying your diet and encouraged by your readings - the meter is giving you greater flexibility and freedom over your lifestyle. So, I think you have a very good reason to test. As far as I know, hypos are rare with Type 2, unless you are on certain medications or insulin when the risks can be increased. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't be aware of how certain foods affect your BG in order to keep within your range - this is very important both for your peace of mind and quality of life.

Do not let the economic arguments of your GP dissuade you from demanding the strips. They should consider the mental health aspects of being confident in your diet/exercise choices as well as your long-term health and weigh these against the relatively small cost of strips when you feel you need them.

You're doing a great job, keep it up!🙂

 

[bev]

Sorry i cant give any advice about type 2 - but just wanted to say i think your doing brilliantly! Also, i think your doctor sounds a bit stupid - how can you avoid certain foods etc if you dont know how they affect you? I would find out whether there are any NICE guidelines regarding your right to have them prescribed!🙂 Bev

 

[Proudspirit]

hi. although ive only gone down to 4.7 i felt a hypo, false or not, but i was glad to have machine, have felt ill for a few days now and thought maybe hypo but as i could test i think it was something else.

i'd read the nice guidelines and see what they say, a gp friend said that type 2 should test for 6 months, once we know what food/drink to avoid we dont need to test as often.

HTH

good luck

Julie xx

 

[sweetsatin]

Thank you for your replies, no i don't take any meds for diabetes just diet & exercise.
I like to check my levels to enable me freedom over my lifestyle & gives me peace of mind. My nurse told me not eat to my meter readings, that's also confusing.
My DSN says that's where people with diabetes go wrong.
I'm just going to take charge of my own diabetes, after all i'm the only one that knows my body & can alter my diet when required.
I would never neglect my diabetes, the odd treat yes as we all deserve that 🙂
Anyway i give up stressing over this, i guess it's trial & error from now on.

 

[runner]

Hi Anita, I think your attitude is spot on and don't understand some of the statements your DSN has made. I would have thought if you go on the DAPHNE course, you'll need to test? Once again surely you should be encouraged to continue managing your diabetes so well, and if its your choice to use a meter then it should be supported.

Anyhow - contratulations on the results! 🙂