Diagnosed with type 2 yesterday - number meaning please

[AndyDB2]

Hi all..
So i've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with no symptoms.
My last blood result was:
HbA1c levl - IFCC 56
Standardised: mmol/mol
My Doctor has prescribed me 2.5mg Ramipril one a day and Metformin 500mg three times a day.
Can anyone advise just how bad my diabetes is please?
Many Thanks
Andy

 

[Bruce Stephens]

HbA1c levl - IFCC 56

Slightly over the diagnostic criterion for diabetes (which is 48)

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%).

www.diabetes.org.uk

My Doctor has prescribed me 2.5mg Ramipril one a day and Metformin 500mg three times a day.

Again, first line medications (Ramipril is more for blood pressure rather than diabetes) suggesting your doctor isn't panicking.

 

[AndyDB2]

Thank you Bruce - I really want to reverse this and not have to take the pills.
I'm 56 by the way and thanks again
Andy

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Thank you Bruce - I really want to reverse this and not have to take the pills.
I'm 56 by the way and thanks again

Based on what other people have reported that doesn't seem impossible. (Try not to feel too bad if that fails and you do find you need some medication.)

 

[Drummer]

Hi all..
So i've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with no symptoms.
My last blood result was:
HbA1c levl - IFCC 56
Standardised: mmol/mol
My Doctor has prescribed me 2.5mg Ramipril one a day and Metformin 500mg three times a day.
Can anyone advise just how bad my diabetes is please?
Many Thanks
Andy

If you are 'just' an ordinary type 2, your main concern is going to be hoping that you don't react badly to the Metformin - it can be a real pain if you do.
A low carb diet could put you back in normal numbers very quickly.
There could be more going on of course, but with any luck a bit of carb counting and a few swaps or exclusions and you'll be fine.

 

[Martin.A]

Hi all..
So i've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with no symptoms.
My last blood result was:
HbA1c levl - IFCC 56
Standardised: mmol/mol
My Doctor has prescribed me 2.5mg Ramipril one a day and Metformin 500mg three times a day.
Can anyone advise just how bad my diabetes is please?
Many Thanks
Andy

You should be able to get that down with some simple lifestyle changes, predominantly by cutting down on carbohydrates. Many of us have managed to do so from much higher numbers, often 3 figures.

 

[Leadinglights]

That is not too desperately high and with some dietary changes should be very possible to bring it down to more normal level. Metformin just helps the body use the insulin it produces more effectively and reduces release of glucose from the liver but it is not a quick fix and dietary changes are needed. Losing weight and getting more exercise also helps.
Have a look at this link for some ideas for modifying your diet, there are some menu plans but also some do's and don'ts. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
I found that approach successful, I followed the principal rather than the menu plans as such and it is now my new way of eating.
Low carb is suggested as being no more than 130g per day as being a good starting point for reducing carbs it is not NO carbs.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @AndyDB2

Glad you’ve joined us 🙂

 

[AndyDB2]

Thank you all for supplying the inforation.
Knowing that my diagnosis isn't overly high has really perked me up.
I'm going to take a look at some of the links provided so again, many thanks
Andy

 

[Inka]

Welcome @AndyDB2 and Good Luck 🙂

 

[lordburnside]

Hi all..
So i've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with no symptoms.
My last blood result was:
HbA1c levl - IFCC 56
Standardised: mmol/mol
My Doctor has prescribed me 2.5mg Ramipril one a day and Metformin 500mg three times a day.
Can anyone advise just how bad my diabetes is please?
Many Thanks
Andy

Hi,

I dont think its bad as I was 55 5 weeks ago. I have amended my diet and started walking every night. I use a continuous monitor at the moment to see what spikes my glucose. I have given up spuds, alcohol and anything nice! Not taking meds until I have my next blood test in April by which time I am expecting my reading to be 45 as I have been a very good boy!