New to all this

[yorkybarkid]

Hi everybody I am here looking for general info information as this is all new to me

 

[Docb]

Hi @yorkybarkid and welcome to the forum. There is loads of information both on the forum and the main site. How did you come to be diagnosed and do you know your HbA1c, the result of the test that led to the diagnosis? I'm not being nosey, those are the starting points from which to work out where you are on the diabetes scale and develop a plan to get back on track.

 

[yorkybarkid]

Routine blood test follow up for breathlessness I think the result was 55 which it seems reading here tone relatively low but still too high to be ignored. I am not sure what normal is.

 

[Windy]

Morning Yorkybarkid, normal, non-diabetic levels are under 48mmol/mol. You're not too far over that. Have you had any advice from the GP/nurse how to tackle it?
Mine was 82mmol/mol at it's highest, and I've got it down to non-diabetic levels by diet and weight loss. I read a book by Prof. Roy Taylor which covered how to put your diabetes into reverse and followed the guidance in there. The study that Prof Taylor did on diabetes reversal was paid for by Diabetes UK and the proceeds from the book have been donated back to the charity, so he's not making any money from it. I can recommend picking up a second hand copy from Amazon etc and seeing if you think you can make it work. In short, he recommend losing 15Kg, and in his study, this was enough to give the people on his trial normal blood glucose levels. More information here on the university website.
There's other ways to tackle your T2 diabetes, ie low carb, plus other things too, I recommend finding something which works for you.
Best wishes, Sarah

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Routine blood test follow up for breathlessness I think the result was 55 which it seems reading here tone relatively low but still too high to be ignored. I am not sure what normal is.

Welcome to the forum @yorkybarkid

An HbA1c of 42-47 is sometimes called ‘prediabetes’, though prediabetes as a term isn’t actually a formal diagnosis as it isn’t a specific condition, it’s just a shorthand expression for someone being at risk of diabetes.

Once the HbA1c has risen to 48 or above that tips you into a full diabetes diagnosis. Some GPs like to get 2 readings above 48 to be on the safe side.

HbA1c is a measure of how many red blood cells have been affected by glucose in the blood stream. Glucose ‘sticks’ to the haemoglobin and changes it, and the more glucose you have circulating in your bloodstream, the more red blood cells get changed. Since red blood cells live for about 120 days before being recycled, if you measure the amount of glycosylated haemoglobin you can get a sort of proxy measure for general glucose levels over the preceding 3-4 months.

At 55 your HbA1c suggests definite diabetes, but also that moderate changes to your diet and exercise should have the potential to make a big difference. Things like cutting back on sweet and sugary things, and reducing portion sizes of starchy carbohydrates, plus aiming lose any extra weight you are carrying (especially around the middle) and increasing your level of activity and exercise.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[Leadinglights]

As well as the Learning Zone here you may find this link useful for a good explanation of how to go about changing your diet which will be the most effective way of bringing your blood glucose level back to normal of below 42mmol/mol.

Freshwell Low Carb Project - Home

lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk

 

[trophywench]

'Normal' is actually 42 and under. Once over 42, definitely 'at risk' so need to take action pdq to stop it shooting up higher and becoming full blown diabetes.

'Lifestyle' change is usually cited but that means upping the exercise and reducing the amount of carbohydrate you eat, and people frequently choose to ignore that, coming up with any excuse not to.

But we're gonna tell you that you need to do exactly that, plus suggest a few other things too......

 

[yorkybarkid]

Welcome to the forum @yorkybarkid

An HbA1c of 42-47 is sometimes called ‘prediabetes’, though prediabetes as a term isn’t actually a formal diagnosis as it isn’t a specific condition, it’s just a shorthand expression for someone being at risk of diabetes.

Once the HbA1c has risen to 48 or above that tips you into a full diabetes diagnosis. Some GPs like to get 2 readings above 48 to be on the safe side.

HbA1c is a measure of how many red blood cells have been affected by glucose in the blood stream. Glucose ‘sticks’ to the haemoglobin and changes it, and the more glucose you have circulating in your bloodstream, the more red blood cells get changed. Since red blood cells live for about 120 days before being recycled, if you measure the amount of glycosylated haemoglobin you can get a sort of proxy measure for general glucose levels over the preceding 3-4 months.

At 55 your HbA1c suggests definite diabetes, but also that moderate changes to your diet and exercise should have the potential to make a big difference. Things like cutting back on sweet and sugary things, and reducing portion sizes of starchy carbohydrates, plus aiming lose any extra weight you are carrying (especially around the middle) and increasing your level of activity and exercise.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

Hi, thank you for replying.
I am getting to grips with it all but it can seem very complicated I will just keep reading and learning. My original trigger from the GP was the annual MOT which came back apparently at 55. My wife who is a nurse found an Accu check machine and I have worked out how to use it. She doesn't tell me everything and ignores all the technical bits but gives me general information leaving me to research on my own. Since the original, in mid-July, my readings have been 52 57 42 38 the last one a few days ago. I am being very careful about the obvious stuff like chocolate sweets buns ice cream and strangely dried fruit. My weight is falling down to 16st 7lb T 5ft 8in and that's the best for years last Christmas I was 18st. I am quietly pleased so far but I have arranged another blood test at the Drs next week as I need to if possible get the all-clear. We go abroad quite a lot (approx 6 months a year) and with another three-month trip looming It would be nice to be clear to avoid any more cost to the private insurance bill which was £400 for me earlier this year. I am 77 so it is going to cost something but keeping it low would be good as well as being as healthy as possible. The latest problem seems to be carbohydrates, for me, that means bread and potatoes, and that on top of the other stuff is going to be a challenge still nobody said life was easy Ha ha.
Regards

 

[yorkybarkid]

'Normal' is actually 42 and under. Once over 42, definitely 'at risk' so need to take action pdq to stop it shooting up higher and becoming full blown diabetes.

'Lifestyle' change is usually cited but that means upping the exercise and reducing the amount of carbohydrate you eat, and people frequently choose to ignore that, coming up with any excuse not to.

But we're gonna tell you that you need to do exactly that, plus suggest a few other things too......

Thank you
I have vastly reduced sweet things including ice cream yes I have cut out ice cream its a surprise to me too. the alcohol is under review and is now much less than before. Just finding out carbs are bad as well so that's bread pastry and potatoes this is becoming very difficult. Don't get the wrong idea I am not fixated with this and spend all my time thinking about it but it is becoming part of my life. Good to see your definition of 42 and under I have been up to 57 but am now down to 38 provided it stays there. My weight is down from 18 stone at Christmas to 16st 7lbs and that's my best for years. I am realising that even if I get this below the level it's still a good plan for the future
Regards

 

[EmmaL76]

Routine blood test follow up for breathlessness I think the result was 55 which it seems reading here tone relatively low but still too high to be ignored. I am not sure what normal is.

Funny this was exactly me, hba1c of 55 found whilst investigations for breathlessness.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you
I have vastly reduced sweet things including ice cream yes I have cut out ice cream its a surprise to me too. the alcohol is under review and is now much less than before. Just finding out carbs are bad as well so that's bread pastry and potatoes this is becoming very difficult. Don't get the wrong idea I am not fixated with this and spend all my time thinking about it but it is becoming part of my life. Good to see your definition of 42 and under I have been up to 57 but am now down to 38 provided it stays there. My weight is down from 18 stone at Christmas to 16st 7lbs and that's my best for years. I am realising that even if I get this below the level it's still a good plan for the future
Regards

The numbers you are quoting are usually from the Hba1C test which is normally only done a minimum of 3 months from the previous one as it is an average of blood glucose over the previous 3 months. That would not be something you would get from finger prick tests.
Some monitors will give a prediction but it is not usually very accurate as they measure something different. It would be mid October when an HbA1C will tell you if your changes have been effective.

 

[Windy]

Congratulations on your weight loss @yorkybarkid , sounds like you're doing well to me.
Sarah

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Routine blood test follow up for breathlessness I think the result was 55 which it seems reading here tone relatively low but still too high to be ignored. I am not sure what normal is.

my HbA1C was 55 at diagnosis. I was 15kg overweight, sleepy and weeing a lot more than usual.
I have lost weight on low carb and now feel shed loads better. I used exante shakes with the Newcastle diet to speed me off and now maintain on low carb high protein high veg. No beige foods.

 

[yorkybarkid]

The numbers you are quoting are usually from the Hba1C test which is normally only done a minimum of 3 months from the previous one as it is an average of blood glucose over the previous 3 months. That would not be something you would get from finger prick tests.
Some monitors will give a prediction but it is not usually very accurate as they measure something different. It would be mid October when an HbA1C will tell you if your changes have been effective.

Yep, it would normally be Mid Oct but we are going away for three months so it's being brought forward to see if it can be anticipated and to give the opportunity to put something in place whilst we are away. I appreciate the home tests are only an indication but they are showing good results so I am really wanting to believe them I may come down with a bump next week.

 

[yorkybarkid]

my HbA1C was 55 at diagnosis. I was 15kg overweight, sleepy and weeing a lot more than usual.
I have lost weight on low carb and now feel shed loads better. I used exante shakes with the Newcastle diet to speed me off and now maintain on low carb high protein high veg. No beige foods.

Well done just found out about carbs being bad thats something to think about

 

[yorkybarkid]

Morning Yorkybarkid, normal, non-diabetic levels are under 48mmol/mol. You're not too far over that. Have you had any advice from the GP/nurse how to tackle it?
Mine was 82mmol/mol at it's highest, and I've got it down to non-diabetic levels by diet and weight loss. I read a book by Prof. Roy Taylor which covered how to put your diabetes into reverse and followed the guidance in there. The study that Prof Taylor did on diabetes reversal was paid for by Diabetes UK and the proceeds from the book have been donated back to the charity, so he's not making any money from it. I can recommend picking up a second hand copy from Amazon etc and seeing if you think you can make it work. In short, he recommend losing 15Kg, and in his study, this was enough to give the people on his trial normal blood glucose levels. More information here on the university website.
There's other ways to tackle your T2 diabetes, ie low carb, plus other things too, I recommend finding something which works for you.
Best wishes, Sarah

Thanks Sarah you are correct there are lots of ways to look at this I am finding out. Got some reading material and will spend a bit of time thinking this through. I am beginning to think that this is fairly easily controllable in my case but its something that will not go away as i get older or put weight on so its a lifetime thing once I get it sorted

 

[yorkybarkid]

Welcome to the forum @yorkybarkid

An HbA1c of 42-47 is sometimes called ‘prediabetes’, though prediabetes as a term isn’t actually a formal diagnosis as it isn’t a specific condition, it’s just a shorthand expression for someone being at risk of diabetes.

Once the HbA1c has risen to 48 or above that tips you into a full diabetes diagnosis. Some GPs like to get 2 readings above 48 to be on the safe side.

HbA1c is a measure of how many red blood cells have been affected by glucose in the blood stream. Glucose ‘sticks’ to the haemoglobin and changes it, and the more glucose you have circulating in your bloodstream, the more red blood cells get changed. Since red blood cells live for about 120 days before being recycled, if you measure the amount of glycosylated haemoglobin you can get a sort of proxy measure for general glucose levels over the preceding 3-4 months.

At 55 your HbA1c suggests definite diabetes, but also that moderate changes to your diet and exercise should have the potential to make a big difference. Things like cutting back on sweet and sugary things, and reducing portion sizes of starchy carbohydrates, plus aiming lose any extra weight you are carrying (especially around the middle) and increasing your level of activity and exercise.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

That's very technical but really helpful as a definitive definition of the condition and the rationale behind the measurement system. All I ned to do now is memorise it so It sticks in my mind for future reference.
Thanks

 

[yorkybarkid]

'Normal' is actually 42 and under. Once over 42, definitely 'at risk' so need to take action pdq to stop it shooting up higher and becoming full blown diabetes.

'Lifestyle' change is usually cited but that means upping the exercise and reducing the amount of carbohydrate you eat, and people frequently choose to ignore that, coming up with any excuse not to.

But we're gonna tell you that you need to do exactly that, plus suggest a few other things too......

Yep the message is getting through loud and clear sort your diet and up the exercise. I have a bit of a problem with exercise as duff knees spoil most exercises I tried yoga earlier this year but found I was sitting on the floor watching for half the time with no prospect of altering that. The only stroke I can swim is breast-stroke and the knees prevent that. So it has to be concentrated on diet. That is working I am losing weight and altering my whole way of eating. Now if I can just find a diet that includes four pints of bitter a night instead of a month I can really crack this problem