How does the blood glucose levels work

[Phil45]

I'm having a blood test next week and want to know how they work over the past 3 months with my blood glucose levels around 10 to 26 anyone help me would be greatful

 

[SB2015]

Hi Phil

Is the blood test specifically for your diabetes?
There are lots of different ones such as

HbA1c
This measures the amount of glucose stuck to your cells. This gives an average of your glucose levels over the past three months. For people with D this is done at least annually (in normal non COVID circumstances) and for some every 6 months.

C-peptide test
This measures the amount of insulin your pancreas is still producing. It is sometimes done at diagnosis for people suspected to have T1, and could also be relevant in 3c (@eggyg can you help?)

Gad antibody test
This checks for the antibodies present in T 1 which set about destroying the beta cells that make insulin. Not relevant to 3c

What steps are they taking to help you bring your glucose levels back in range.
I am presuming that you are managed by the specialist team from the hospital.

 

[eggyg]

Hi @Phil45 and welcome. I am assuming it’s a HbA1C they are doing. That is, checking your glucose levels over the last 6/8 weeks. If it’s a C-Peptide test, I don’t know anything about those as I was never “ allowed” one! But that’s a whole other story.

What medication are you on and what are the circumstances of you being diagnosed with 3c? If you’re not on insulin and the HbA1c shows very high levels they should hopefully start you on an insulin regime which will significantly bring down those high readings. The NICE guidelines do advise that Type 3c should be treat with insulin if everything else fails. For example, Metformin and / or Gliclazide.
Any questions re Type 3c please ask away and I’ll do my best to get some answers for you. Elaine.

 

[Phil45]

On Metformin and insulin twice a day and Creon cos I have chronic pancreatitis

 

[Phil45]

Hi Phil

Is the blood test specifically for your diabetes?
There are lots of different ones such as

HbA1c
This measures the amount of glucose stuck to your cells. This gives an average of your glucose levels over the past three months. For people with D this is done at least annually (in normal non COVID circumstances) and for some every 6 months.

C-peptide test
This measures the amount of insulin your pancreas is still producing. It is sometimes done at diagnosis for people suspected to have T1, and could also be relevant in 3c (@eggyg can you help?)

Gad antibody test
This checks for the antibodies present in T 1 which set about destroying the beta cells that make insulin. Not relevant to 3c

What steps are they taking to help you bring your glucose levels back in range.
I am presuming that you are managed by the specialist team from the hospital.

HbA1c blood test yh

 

[SB2015]

This will give you and them a measure of where you are starting from.

What medicines insulin’s are you using?
who is working with you in managing your D

 

[eggyg]

On Metformin and insulin twice a day and Creon cos I have chronic pancreatitis

If your insulin is twice a day I’m assuming it’s mixed insulin. Which is part long acting and part fast acting. They started me on that, it doesn’t work for Type 3c, you need to ask for a MDI regime. Multi daily injections. Slow acting ( basal) insulin once or twice a day, and fast acting ( bolus) with food. You will have to learn to carb count so you know exactly how much bolus to take. Your health care professionals should help you with that.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Phil,

We've got a really useful info sheet that may be of assistance so do have a look https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hba1c.