HbA1C Result...

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CharleyWheeler

CharleyWheeler

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Hi there,

I'm new here, so please forgive any mistakes I make whilst posting!

I've recently gotten my HbA1C result back, and due to complications with my mental health I've not been looking after my type one diabetes AT ALL, and my result is 11mmol/l :(
I know this is terrible, but I've taken control of my life, and am making changes and so far am doing really well. My general control has improved, and although it's been only been a week, I know this time it will stick.

I'm testing LOADS, injecting when I should, and counting my carbs correctly. Before hand I'd barely test, often not inject, and then treat the highs so I was constantly fluctuating.

My question is, if I continue like this, how soon will I be expecting to see a result in my HbA1C? I have an appointment in a month with my Doctor, and would love to see a decrease in the number. I'm hoping for a result below 10mmol/l, but is this achievable in such a small amount of time?

Thanks in advance!

Charley xxx
 
CharleyWheeler said:
My question is, if I continue like this, how soon will I be expecting to see a result in my HbA1C? I have an appointment in a month with my Doctor, and would love to see a decrease in the number. I'm hoping for a result below 10mmol/l, but is this achievable in such a small amount of time?
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Hi Charley, welcome to the forum 🙂 Well done for your determination to get to grips with things and turn them around 🙂 The HbA1c is a sort of 'average' - a reflection of how your blood sugar control has been over the 6-12 weeks prior to the test being done, so whilst you might see a change after a month, the test probably isn't worth doing until 3 months are up. Be patient, and I'm sure you will get there 🙂 I'd also suggest that you don't go completely 'all-out' - try and improve things gradually, and don't be too aggressive with the changes you make. The reason for this is that a sudden and rapid reduction in your HbA1c can cause damage as the body doesn't have time to adjust properly. It's not inevitable, but best to be cautious, although I know you are full of enthusiasm at the moment! 🙂

Let us know how you get on, and if you ever need some words of encouragement, let us know 🙂 You're right, it's good to keep talking, and especially to people who understand just where you are coming from 🙂
 
Northerner said:
Hi Charley, welcome to the forum 🙂 Well done for your determination to get to grips with things and turn them around 🙂 The HbA1c is a sort of 'average' - a reflection of how your blood sugar control has been over the 6-12 weeks prior to the test being done, so whilst you might see a change after a month, the test probably isn't worth doing until 3 months are up. Be patient, and I'm sure you will get there 🙂 I'd also suggest that you don't go completely 'all-out' - try and improve things gradually, and don't be too aggressive with the changes you make. The reason for this is that a sudden and rapid reduction in your HbA1c can cause damage as the body doesn't have time to adjust properly. It's not inevitable, but best to be cautious, although I know you are full of enthusiasm at the moment! 🙂

Let us know how you get on, and if you ever need some words of encouragement, let us know 🙂 You're right, it's good to keep talking, and especially to people who understand just where you are coming from 🙂
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Thanks for the reply, and the great advice! I have my appointment booked anyways, so although it may not be representative, my Doctor would still like the result. So we'll see! And thank you for explaining about the 'all-out' thing - I had no idea!

I'll try and ease into it. I worry I'll go off track, so I as I stated before, I'm going to try and keep talking about it. My housemates have been briefed that if I stop talking about it, then I'm probably falling off the wagon and need a kick up the a*se!
 
Hi Charley and welcome to the forum.

@Northerner makes some good points and even if you only see a slight improvement, don't be down hearted, remember it will be a step in the right direction and encourage you to keep up the good work to the 3 month test and by then it will be second nature anyway.🙂

Don't beat yourself up should you step of the wagon for a moment, just hop back on.... you'll get plenty of encouragement here! 🙂
 
Hi Charley...not sure if the appointment you've booked is to discuss the HbA1c result you have had back already...what most of us here would call our review...or is it for a subsequent test?...either way if you are doing as much as you can...all you can do...good advice not to rush... do things at your own pace...if you want a timely reminder to keep 'things' fresh in your mind...why not try the 7-day waking blood sugars thread...where many of us 'check in' with our waking BG levels...mostly every morning...gives us a starting figure for the day...discuss good/bad results...often pick up tips/advice...not competitive or judgemental in any sense...may help you get into a routine (figure of speech)...good luck with your appointment.
 
Bubbsie said:
Hi Charley...not sure if the appointment you've booked is to discuss the HbA1c result you have had back already...what most of us here would call our review...or is it for a subsequent test?...either way if you are doing as much as you can...all you can do...good advice not to rush... do things at your own pace...if you want a timely reminder to keep 'things' fresh in your mind...why not try the 7-day waking blood sugars thread...where many of us 'check in' with our waking BG levels...mostly every morning...gives us a starting figure for the day...discuss good/bad results...often pick up tips/advice...not competitive or judgemental in any sense...may help you get into a routine (figure of speech)...good luck with your appointment.
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I had my most recent HbA1C done when ill in hospital, so the subsequent appointment is just my review which I then have to send off bloods prior to.

I commented today on that post, thank you for the suggestion and I'll keep going with it 🙂 I think routine is key, and just getting into good habits after years of not doing it properly.
 
Welcome to you Charley.

The folks in here will ride over the hill on many white chargers.
 
Hello Charley and welcome to the forum. So good that you are taking charge of your diabetes that takes will power and determination. 🙂 You will certainly get there if you persist. Don't get discouraged if things are not a whole lot better in a month. My experience is that it all takes time and sticking power it the key. It is often said on this forum that it is a marathon and not a sprint and it is so true. Do keep in touch and ask any questions that you have. This forum has lots of lovely people on it who know so much and are happy to share their knowledge with others. Good luck 🙂
 
Hi and welcome to forum
 
Hi! This is my first message here.. but just wanted to offer you a virtual pat on the back for taking control of it and making the right changes. It's all very trial and error, but from what I know, the hbA1c number changes at various rates depending on the rate of haemoglobin production, certain meds, metabolism (how quick the liver processes cells being turned over) etc etc. So do not be disheartened if it takes a good 3-6 months to start dropping to your target levels on the blood tests. If you are testing regularly each day and seeing good numbers, your a1c will eventually follow suit and you'll be reaping the benefits in other ways physically 🙂
 
p.s. The most I've seen mine drop in one month (they usually do them every 3-6 months) is from 8 to just below 7, so it's definitely possible to get a significant reduction in the time frame you're talking.
 
Hi Charley and Quaidy and welcome to the gang 🙂. Any questions just fire away and one or more of us will help wherever we can.
 
CharleyWheeler said:
I had my most recent HbA1C done when ill in hospital, so the subsequent appointment is just my review which I then have to send off bloods prior to.

I commented today on that post, thank you for the suggestion and I'll keep going with it 🙂 I think routine is key, and just getting into good habits after years of not doing it properly.
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Okay Charley...that makes things a lot clearer...obviously there is no guarantee...however since you have been working hard...making changes...testing...hopefully you should see a reduction in your next HbA1c...even if it's not as much as you would want...don't get discouraged...any improvement is beneficial in managing your diabetes...11 mmol is high...but not insurmountable...at my DX (diagnosis) my blood glucose was 17.4...it's taken me just over a year to lower it to an average of 5.8...your resolve sounds strong...clearly committed to getting those levels down...but...don't be hard on yourself...expect too much too soon....when you're managing more than one health condition things can/do go array at the best of times for no particular reason...it happens nothing we can do about it...important to refocus...treat it as an interruption...move forward...good luck with your appointment...be interested to hear of your progress.
 
Hello Charley and Quaidy and welcome to the forum. 🙂
 
Hiya Charley.🙂 Well done for grabbing the bull by the horns! You sound really determined. :D

I agree with Northener's advice about taking baby steps, tho. We're all in this for the long-haul.😉 I try to tackle one problem at a time and if I feel fed up, I stop focusing so hard for a few days, then get back to work after my refreshing break. We're only human, after all.😛

Good luck and keep posting.🙂
 
Quaidy said:
Hi! This is my first message here.. but just wanted to offer you a virtual pat on the back for taking control of it and making the right changes. It's all very trial and error, but from what I know, the hbA1c number changes at various rates depending on the rate of haemoglobin production, certain meds, metabolism (how quick the liver processes cells being turned over) etc etc. So do not be disheartened if it takes a good 3-6 months to start dropping to your target levels on the blood tests. If you are testing regularly each day and seeing good numbers, your a1c will eventually follow suit and you'll be reaping the benefits in other ways physically 🙂
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Hello Quaidy and welcome to forum
 
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