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Do two separate occasions of 49 hba1c mean I need test strips

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Pamela Giddings

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi, I got my glucose test results yesterday but got gp callback this morning. In July 2017 my hba1c was 49 and same results today. He has said I am diabetic but to review and repeat blood test in 3 months. Not sure what to do with test strips in meantime. I have not been prescribed medication for this. Info would be great.
 
Pamela Giddings said:
Hi, I got my glucose test results yesterday but got gp callback this morning. In July 2017 my hba1c was 49 and same results today. He has said I am diabetic but to review and repeat blood test in 3 months. Not sure what to do with test strips in meantime. I have not been prescribed medication for this. Info would be great.
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Pamela those results mean you're just in diabetic range...anything over 47mmols is in diabetic range...at 49 you are only just in the range...and you've kept your levels consistent for almost a year that's pretty good...I think it's excellent that your GP has not tried to start you on medication at this stage...with a review in three months you have time to lower your HbA1c further...I would keep testing...see how you can improve further on those results if you plan to try to come out of diabetic range...it's also important to keep a check on our BG levels so we can see how we're progressing...identify any problems or spikes...under 42 mmols is non-diabetic range.
 
Thank you will have to keep a diary of what you said. Just a bit confused, thanks 🙂
 
Pamela Giddings said:
Thank you will have to keep a diary of what you said. Just a bit confused, thanks 🙂
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Pamela I didn't get that from your post...what exactly are you confused about...is it about the next review...what your GP said...or the fact your HbA1c is identical to last year?
 
Hi I am understanding values etc, and gp seemed adamant things had got worse just am a bit confused as he said I've seen a nurse on what to do with diet, but only appt was Fri just gone to take blood. Hey ho 🙂
 
Sorry Pamela just realised I hadn't answered the question...yes I would say you should still test your blood sugars...although it has to be a matter of personal choice...you have good control of your diabetes with an HbA1c at 49...however testing does help us maintain that...you could try testing less often...or when trying new foods or activity...lots of us here are controlling our diabetes with diet & exercise alone...but still test...if you'd prefer not to that's fine...but overall it is a benefit for monitoring how we are managing our diabetes.
 
Pamela Giddings said:
Hi I am understanding values etc, and gp seemed adamant things had got worse just am a bit confused as he said I've seen a nurse on what to do with diet, but only appt was Fri just gone to take blood. Hey ho 🙂
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I'm confused now Pamela...if your HbA1c hasn't gone up in almost a year why on earth did he say your diabetes had got worse...yes you are in diabetic range only just...you've maintained it for nearly a year...I'd say that is good going...I'm still at 46mmols...which is pre-diabetic I hope to bring that down however overall I am happy with my management...often we're not given the attention necessary...to be honest you'd be better off here asking about diet...or posting any specific questions you have...likely get more support here with useful advice than you would get from your health care team on the evidence above...what diet are you trying...any activity if you're able to exercise...I'm surprised at the response you got from your GP & disappointed for you...absolutely no encouragement at all...shocking.
 
Aye I think I should as new foods, as you mentioned may need monitoring more I guess than regular food. Thanks for info 🙂
 
Pamela Giddings said:
Hi, I got my glucose test results yesterday but got gp callback this morning. In July 2017 my hba1c was 49 and same results today. He has said I am diabetic but to review and repeat blood test in 3 months. Not sure what to do with test strips in meantime. I have not been prescribed medication for this. Info would be great.
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You need to be using this intervening period and your testing strips to get out of diabetic range if you can Pamela. NICE recommend keeping levels below 48 to avoid diabetic complications. Good luck!
 
Ah I am on one today, I didn't mention I had gone down to either 42/45 in between and have gone up again...
 
Pamela Giddings said:
Ah I am on one today, I didn't mention I had gone down to either 42/45 in between and have gone up again...
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It’s an ongoing process I’m afraid Pamela and you’ll need to keep yourself on track to avoid going up again. Read as much as you can about low carbing and alternative low carb substitutes.
 
Pamela Giddings said:
Ah I am on one today, I didn't mention I had gone down to either 42/45 in between and have gone up again...
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Okay...that does make a difference...well he is right your HbA1c is higher...with a little work Pamela you can bring that down...adjust your carbs...increase your activity...I think he has given you three months to see if you can get back in range...if not he may suggest medication...you can get that number down with a little work Pamela...a further reduction in carbs...perhaps more good fat & protein...a gentle increase in activity...yes I would keep testing particularly if you want to avoid the need for medication and you haven't got too far to go to reach non-diabetic range...good luck...if you have any questions post them here...I'm sure one of us will have an answer for you.
 
My usual advice is to test. Before and 1-2 hours after eating. Keep a food diary along with a record of your BG levels. After a couple of weeks, hopefully you will start to see a pattern. You'll be able to see what effect different food, and then any changes you make, have.
As diabetics, it's not food generally, it's carbohydrates that affect our levels. So it's things like potatoes, pasta, rice, bread etc that you have to look at. We we can have some. Hopefully the self testing will help you work out which and how much.
 
Thanks you all, I will take note of these tips and advice. I got gp conversation muddled earlier and he has also referred me to the diabetic nurse... My bad. I'm guessing there will be a bit of reading and diary keeping eh...
 
Bubbsie said:
Pamela those results mean you're just in diabetic range...anything over 47mmols is in diabetic range...at 49 you are only just in the range...and you've kept your levels consistent for almost a year that's pretty good...I think it's excellent that your GP has not tried to start you on medication at this stage...with a review in three months you have time to lower your HbA1c further...I would keep testing...see how you can improve further on those results if you plan to try to come out of diabetic range...it's also important to keep a check on our BG levels so we can see how we're progressing...identify any problems or spikes...under 42 mmols is non-diabetic range.
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Why?
I was annoyed I was taken off Metformin, even though I reversed my diabetics, and maintain a normal hba1c. It seems to have other benefits even so.
And if it can move you down from pre diabetic to none diabetic, it would be a no brainer for me.
 
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