Good morning all , im 42 recently had some blood tests done due to feeling unwell,water retention in my legs , pain in my kidneys ect .My results came back as low ferritin which I was prescribed tablets for but was then told my hba1c was borderline for diabetes, the nurse said that it will be checked again in 6 months & I need to try to eat healthy ect & said nothing else about it .Over the last 2 days I have checked my sugar levels on a home monitor.levels have been 13.1 15.1, 15.8 this morning when I got up .is this normal for pre diabetes? I’m unsure if I should contact the gp or not . I do feel tired a lot but I thought this could be due to low ferritin & also have weak bladder but put that down to peri menopause any advice I would really appreciate it.
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Hi newbie here Hba1c back borderline but home readings seem high
- Thread starter Shell1426
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Leadinglights
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The readings you are getting from your monitor do seem a bit high for a prediabetes HbA1C level even at the upper end and could well explain your symptoms. Tiredness, thirst and frequent urination are pointers to high blood glucose.
I would certainly speak to your doctor or nurse and report your readings.
But just be careful that you wash your hand before testing and maybe test over the course of a few days to make sure it is not just a one off.
Some people do get higher readings in the morning so you could do a few tests before meals when you would expect to be in the 4-7mmol/l range.
It would be worth keeping a food diary of what you have to eat and drink together with your readings.
If you would like to post the sort of meals you are having then people might spot things which could be elevating your readings.
Making sure you stay hydrated is important even though the temptation is not to drink to avoid those dashes to the loo.
I would certainly speak to your doctor or nurse and report your readings.
But just be careful that you wash your hand before testing and maybe test over the course of a few days to make sure it is not just a one off.
Some people do get higher readings in the morning so you could do a few tests before meals when you would expect to be in the 4-7mmol/l range.
It would be worth keeping a food diary of what you have to eat and drink together with your readings.
If you would like to post the sort of meals you are having then people might spot things which could be elevating your readings.
Making sure you stay hydrated is important even though the temptation is not to drink to avoid those dashes to the loo.
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An HbA1c between 42 and 47mmol/L can suggest someone is at risk of developing diabetes. HbA1c shows what glucose levels have been like over the preceding 3-4 months because it revolves around red blood cells which live for around 120 days.
I‘m not sure how ferritin relates to anaemia? Have you been told whether or not your iron levels have been affected? Anaemia can have an impact on HbA1c reliability, so sometimes fructosamine is measured instead?
High glucose levels can make you feel quite lethargic and lacking energy, and can also make people feel hungry as the body os aware it’s not accessing the energy from food properly.
I‘m not sure how ferritin relates to anaemia? Have you been told whether or not your iron levels have been affected? Anaemia can have an impact on HbA1c reliability, so sometimes fructosamine is measured instead?
High glucose levels can make you feel quite lethargic and lacking energy, and can also make people feel hungry as the body os aware it’s not accessing the energy from food properly.
Eddy Edson
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Those are pretty high numbers. No need to panic, but I think it'd be a good idea to talk to yr GP.
harbottle
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Those readings do seem high for a hba1c of 44, which isn't actually particularly high.
I'd expect a fasting reading to be between 5.6 and 6.9 for pre-diabetes. I'd contact the GP, especially as you're not feeling too good.
I'd expect a fasting reading to be between 5.6 and 6.9 for pre-diabetes. I'd contact the GP, especially as you're not feeling too good.
Inka
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Speak to your GP @Shell1426 Give them the readings you’re getting. Being anaemic might have affected your HbA1C so do ask specifically.
Thank you for your replies. I have been trying to eat porridge with , kiwi , blueberries for breakfast. Lots of water in between. Cups of tea. Evening meal salad or vegetables chicken / turkey with jacket potato or new potatoes. Wholemeal bread , rice . I having eaten anything as yet. First reading 15.8 . 2 cups of tea with half of sugar. Just checked now before having breakfast it’s 18.1 . I did read that ferritin can affect the blood results but I previously have had iron problems but nothing ever came back with the hba1c before . I’m going to give the gp a ring now & see what they say.
Leadinglights
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I think that is a wise move to speak to your doctor. However you are having quite a few foods that people with Type 2 would be regarded as too high in carbs. Porridge, bread, rice, potatoes are high carb and you may need to be more careful of the portion size.
You might want to try to wean yourself off having sugar in your drinks.
You might want to try to wean yourself off having sugar in your drinks.
I’ve tried the gp & was told to ring tomorrow as they don’t have any free appointments today due to half day closing. I thought porridge ect would be better? it’s hard to know what to eat & drink..I’ve cut down my sugar in tea to half a spoon then totally take it off in the next few days .What type of drinks can you have besides water ? Can you have squash? No added sugar? Sorry for all the questions it is quite daunting at the beginning isn’t it . I’ve googled that much I’ve overloaded my brain! Lol. thank you once again
Leadinglights
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I have flavoured sparkling water but there is still water if you prefer in various flavours. Be careful of those which say no added sugar as they can still be high in carbs from the natural fruit so look at the total carbs for the amount you might have and as long as you are not drinking gallons it may be fine. Some will have artificial sweeteners so it depends on how you feel about those.
The tricky thing is to recognise the foods which are high carb, anything with wheat, grains and starchy veg and some fruits as well as things with 'sugar' like cakes, biscuits, pastry, are best avoided.
The things people have for breakfast are eggs in any form, but go easy on the toast or Greek yoghurt with berries.
Meals based on meat, fish, eggs, cheese, vegetables and salads with very small portions of high carb foods will still give lots of options.
This link may help with some explanation and ideas for meals. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Many who are Type 2 find a low carb approach successful in reducing blood glucose.
If you were having quite a high carb diet then it is better to reduce it gradually to allow the body to adjust.
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