"Newby" and just joined the group HbA1c result 44

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David123

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At risk of diabetes
Hi to everyone. I have just joined the group as a "newby" and this post is by way of introduction. I am still in a state of shock. My age is 66. A week ago my blood pressure measured at home was "off the scale" at 170/104 (Stage-2 high blood pressure) and I was close to hypertensive crisis! It was just by chance that I measured my blood pressure. I did have some occasional blurred vision and sometimes headaches. After a "priority" doctors discussion and a week later I am now on Amlodipine 5mg. (Interesting that the BP machine at my surgery was out of calibration -giving readings about 20 too low! The receptionist said it needed calibration! ). Blood tests have shown my HbA1c at 44 which is pre-diabetic. Being a non-smoker and non-drinker and vegetarian all this was surprising to say the least. Weight was 82.5kg and after serious dieting am now 79.3kg and still dieting. I suffered an emotional crisis a year ago as my mother passed away. She was severely disabled and I gave up work to care for her for 15 years - neglecting my own health. I am guessing my lack of attention to myself and to sensible eating (chocolate, cakes, etc) has been a factor in the cause of my demise.I usually do try to lead an active life - cycling and dog walking and such. I have had blood tests and all other results are in the middle. I also had a retinal examination and there were no problems. I have to admit to having been lazy for about 2 months - very little exercise and poor sleep pattern, stress from PTSD and autistic has probably not helped. I suppose the obvious question is can I get my blood pressure and HbA1c down with lifestyle changes and without medication? So far no side effects from Amlodipine 5mg and I am seeing the doctor again in about 3 weeks for a "review". My BP is now about 129/86. Wondering what the doctor will advise?
 
David123 said:
Hi to everyone. I have just joined the group as a "newby" and this post is by way of introduction. I am still in a state of shock. My age is 66. A week ago my blood pressure measured at home was "off the scale" at 170/104 (Stage-2 high blood pressure) and I was close to hypertensive crisis! It was just by chance that I measured my blood pressure. I did have some occasional blurred vision and sometimes headaches. After a "priority" doctors discussion and a week later I am now on Amlodipine 5mg. (Interesting that the BP machine at my surgery was out of calibration -giving readings about 20 too low! The receptionist said it needed calibration! ). Blood tests have shown my HbA1c at 44 which is pre-diabetic. Being a non-smoker and non-drinker and vegetarian all this was surprising to say the least. Weight was 82.5kg and after serious dieting am now 79.3kg and still dieting. I suffered an emotional crisis a year ago as my mother passed away. She was severely disabled and I gave up work to care for her for 15 years - neglecting my own health. I am guessing my lack of attention to myself and to sensible eating (chocolate, cakes, etc) has been a factor in the cause of my demise.I usually do try to lead an active life - cycling and dog walking and such. I have had blood tests and all other results are in the middle. I also had a retinal examination and there were no problems. I have to admit to having been lazy for about 2 months - very little exercise and poor sleep pattern, stress from PTSD and autistic has probably not helped. I suppose the obvious question is can I get my blood pressure and HbA1c down with lifestyle changes and without medication? So far no side effects from Amlodipine 5mg and I am seeing the doctor again in about 3 weeks for a "review". My BP is now about 129/86. Wondering what the doctor will advise?
Click to expand...
You absolutely can, your blood pressure has responded to quite a low dose of amlodipine which is good so a bit of attention to your diet should sort out you prediabetes diagnosis. 44mmol/mol is just into prediabetes and by your own admission your diet has not been the best so lucky it was not worse.
Have a look at this link, it is a low carb approach which many have found successful at lowering blood glucose and losing weight. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/ Remember low carb is not NO carb and no more than 130g per day is suggested but as prediabetic then you may have a bit more leeway.
Although being vegetarian makes it a bit more difficult as meat and fish are carb free there are still plenty of options if you eat cheese and eggs.
There are also some good veggie recipes on the food forum (drop down menu on the top left)
Any exercise you can do will also help, walking being a good option, no need for the gym unless that is your thing.
 
Leadinglights said:
You absolutely can, your blood pressure has responded to quite a low dose of amlodipine which is good so a bit of attention to your diet should sort out you prediabetes diagnosis. 44mmol/mol is just into prediabetes and by your own admission your diet has not been the best so lucky it was not worse.
Have a look at this link, it is a low carb approach which many have found successful at lowering blood glucose and losing weight. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/ Remember low carb is not NO carb and no more than 130g per day is suggested but as prediabetic then you may have a bit more leeway.
Although being vegetarian makes it a bit more difficult as meat and fish are carb free there are still plenty of options if you eat cheese and eggs.
There are also some good veggie recipes on the food forum (drop down menu on the top left)
Any exercise you can do will also help, walking being a good option, no need for the gym unless that is your thing.
Click to expand...
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for the reply. I have already printed the info on the link. Thank you. I am strong willed and am able to be strict with myself. I have already given up chocolate completely. I have started a regular exercise routine of 15 minutes on the exercise bicycle (not too high a setting) every day. Thank you again.
 
Well done on your weight loss @David123 - that will certainly help.

Hopefully the positive changes you have been making will reduce your HbA1c down and reduce your risks of progressing towards a diabetes diagnosis.

We have a number of veggies on the forum, so it is certainly possible to eat in a diabetes-friendly way while avoiding meat 🙂
 
Thank you for the veggie info 🙂 So far I have been on a crash diet and lost nearly 3kg in a week and my BP has reduced to on average 120/80. The diet has been quite easy - no chocolate, plenty of fruit and drinking more water and no salt on meals and no soft bread 🙂 Still on the Amlodopine of course which is supposed to reduce your BP by about -17/-7.
 
I want to publish an update here on my HbA1c result 44 from January 8th this year. My latest blood test results are now in. I had a phone call from my doctor yesterday - who told me my HbA1c has dropped 3 points to 41 - which means I am no longer a pre-diabetic risk. The journey has not been easy - and my experiences may help others. Ok - so the nitty gritty is very high BP levels 170/104 were treated initially with Amlodopine 5mg in January. I stopped eating chocolate (I was eating loads) and ice cream. Started eating fruit (bananas and apples). Stopped adding extra salt to food, cut out coffee and tea, (only having herb teas with a dash of sweetner), I don't smoke or drink or eat meat anyway (vegetarian) and now have a stable weight of around 77kg. I have started to use my 1970's restored racing bicycle (not going fast!) for journeys into town and I have perfected a technique for taking blood pressure accurately. My BP average over 30 readings is 130/78 but the level reduces to about 120/78 after 15 minutes of "resting". I tried THREE blood pressure monitors - and found only one (not expensive) - recommeded by the British Heart Foundation (A&D Medical UA611) to give accurate and consistent results. That is such a big point to make - relying on a BP monitor that gives widely varying results is no help to anyone. This one has a well built flexible but strong cuff that really helps give reliable results. The technique to take accurate BP is to sit down on a chair with your back supported and both feet flat on the ground - and your arm resting on a pillow with palm upwards. Place cuff on arm - then WAIT FIVE MINUTES before taking a reading. Then take another three readings - one every five minutes. This allows your veins to relax back, the BP monitor to settle (it's not a hospital piece of equipment - most are not) and gives YOU time to relax and rest. I sometimes have quiet relaxing music playing quietly. After taking the readings THEN write them down. The UA611 stores 30 readings and also gives you an average of the 30 readings. The average is JUST an indication - I have read that your lowest readings are actually good to note. So - doing that - and measuring say 4 or 5 times during the day I get to relax - and can see how my BP varies during the day. Now that the readings are lower I only measure about 2 or three times a day. OK - so the medcation. What happened? Well after 4 weeks of being on the Amlodopine 5mg I was getting terrible back pain and back muscle pain and pain in my spine when I moved my head! It was so painful just to walk upstairs! My BP was about 120/80 though (yeah but!). I saw the doctor and changed to Lercanidipine Hydrochlopide 10mg (alternative calcium channel blockers) and the pain went away! Great you think! Problem solved. No no no. After two weeks my PULSE RATE AT REST was 120 and 150 when walking. (My normal pulse rate is 60 at rest and never goes above 110 when exercising). So I stopped the Lercanidipine. I have been without any BP medication now for 4 weeks and BP is averaging about 120/78 at rest. My doctor knows I stopped the meds and said I did the right thing by doing that. My blood test results confirm all bad values are reducing to normal except for trigliceride level 3 (was 4 in January) - but I am expecting that to drop further. Another blood test next week to see if my statins should be changed - but so far the end results are looking good. I found that just walking for half an hour each day helps reduce bp levels (I am doing more). I hope my account encourages others to monitor BP and pulse rate accurately and to really concentrate on losing weight and to be aware of what medication side effects can do.
 
Last edited:
David123 said:
I want to publish an update here on my HbA1c result 44 from January 8th this year. My latest blood test results are now in. I had a phone call from my doctor yesterday - who told me my HbA1c has dropped 3 points to 41 - which means I am no longer a pre-diabetic risk. The journey has not been easy - and my experiences may help others. Ok - so the nitty gritty is very high BP levels 170/104 were treated initially with Amlodopine 5mg in January. I stopped eating chocolate (I was eating loads) and ice cream. Started eating fruit (bananas and apples). Stopped adding extra salt to food, cut out coffee and tea, (only having herb teas with a dash of sweetner), I don't smoke or drink or eat meat anyway (vegetarian) and now have a stable weight of around 77kg. I have started to use my 1970's restored racing bicycle (not going fast!) for journeys into town and I have perfected a technique for taking blood pressure accurately. My BP average over 30 readings is 130/78 but the level reduces to about 120/78 after 15 minutes of "resting". I tried THREE blood pressure monitors - and found only one (not expensive) - recommeded by the British Heart Foundation (A&D Medical UA611) to give accurate and consistent results. That is such a big point to make - relying on a BP monitor that gives widely varying results is no help to anyone. This one has a well built flexible but strong cuff that really helps give reliable results. The technique to take accurate BP is to sit down on a chair with your back supported and both feet flat on the ground - and your arm resting on a pillow with palm upwards. Place cuff on arm - then WAIT FIVE MINUTES before taking a reading. Then take another three readings - one every five minutes. This allows your veins to relax back, the BP monitor to settle (it's not a hospital piece of equipment - most are not) and gives YOU time to relax and rest. I sometimes have quiet relaxing music playing quietly. After taking the readings THEN write them down. The UA611 stores 30 readings and also gives you an average of the 30 readings. The average is JUST an indication - I have read that your lowest readings are actually good to note. So - doing that - and measuring say 4 or 5 times during the day I get to relax - and can see how my BP varies during the day. Now that the readings are lower I only measure about 2 or three times a day. OK - so the medcation. What happened? Well after 4 weeks of being on the Amlodopine 5mg I was getting terrible back pain and back muscle pain and pain in my spine when I moved my head! It was so painful just to walk upstairs! My BP was about 120/80 though (yeah but!). I saw the doctor and changed to Lercanidipine Hydrochlopide 10mg (alternative calcium channel blockers) and the pain went away! Great you think! Problem solved. No no no. After two weeks my PULSE RATE AT REST was 120 and 150 when walking. (My normal pulse rate is 60 at rest and never goes above 110 when exercising). So I stopped the Lercanidipine. I have been without any BP medication now for 4 weeks and BP is averaging about 120/78 at rest. My doctor knows I stopped the meds and said I did the right thing by doing that. My blood test results confirm all bad values are reducing to normal except for trigliceride level 3 (was 4 in January) - but I am expecting that to drop further. Another blood test next week to see if my statins should be changed - but so far the end results are looking good. I found that just walking for half an hour each day helps reduce bp levels (I am doing more). I hope my account encourages others to monitor BP and pulse rate accurately and to really concentrate on losing weight and to be aware of what medication side effects can do.
Click to expand...
Hi David, wow all your comments/results are amazing,I was in the same position as you 5 weeks ago , routine blood test showed high BP and ‘ 44 ‘ Pre-diabetic and issues with my heart ( still ongoing ) . I was put on same BP tablet as you , last week seen GP , had to take 8 days of readings, my BP is perfect now, the meds have done what they were supposed to do. 2 weeks ago like you one night felt a bit off so checked BP , 202/120 , was taken into A&E and thought I was having a stroke in my brain,,all very odd and my BP returned to normal after about 5 hours.I will continue with the meds as been told that they are doing what they are prescribed for. I have totally changed my diet and lost 5lb , I exercise regularly but my sweet tooth was shocking which I now realise.I use an app My Fitness Pal, not only does it track my calories it gives me my fats carbs etc for the day I find this invaluable until I get this sorted , I am 65 and am determined I will get my numbers down ,with what I’m doing and reading your comments I will do this..
 
@David123
What sort of exercise do you do?
I can triple my heart rate to close to 180 when I really push it, but try to get to at least 150 on a decent work out.
(My BP is good though)
 
I train in the gym , mainly weights with some cardio,and usually get 10000 steps in every day, I also have a personal trainer,, at the moment am very aware of my heart rate when training until we sort this heart issue out ,,I love it when it peaks at 160+, I know I have worked hard. .I have worked out for a long time because I enjoy it more than anything, I am slightly overweight and carry it round my middle that and my dreadful sweet tooth is at the root of these recent issues.,
 
David123 said:
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for the reply. I have already printed the info on the link. Thank you. I am strong willed and am able to be strict with myself. I have already given up chocolate completely. I have started a regular exercise routine of 15 minutes on the exercise bicycle (not too high a setting) every day. Thank you again.
Click to expand...
The chocolate isn't the problem, it is the loads of added sugar.
I am full on diabetic, but can have the 95% cocoa chocolate from Lidl - though I only have one square as it is strong stuff.
Icecream can be made low carb, but bananas and apples are not on my menu - they are high in carbs, but I have frozen berries on hand to eat with full fat yoghurt.
You are still on the lower slopes of diabetes though, so you might be able to cope with some fruit, but they are not something to eat freely as your liver always has to deal with fructose as a matter of urgency.
Lowering of high blood pressure is often reported on the low carb group I am on, and you did the right thing stopping them - there have been reports of falls due to going dizzy after continuing to take the tablets. One fall was on stairs and was rather serious.
 
Toddyken said:
Hi David, wow all your comments/results are amazing,I was in the same position as you 5 weeks ago , routine blood test showed high BP and ‘ 44 ‘ Pre-diabetic and issues with my heart ( still ongoing ) . I was put on same BP tablet as you , last week seen GP , had to take 8 days of readings, my BP is perfect now, the meds have done what they were supposed to do. 2 weeks ago like you one night felt a bit off so checked BP , 202/120 , was taken into A&E and thought I was having a stroke in my brain,,all very odd and my BP returned to normal after about 5 hours.I will continue with the meds as been told that they are doing what they are prescribed for. I have totally changed my diet and lost 5lb , I exercise regularly but my sweet tooth was shocking which I now realise.I use an app My Fitness Pal, not only does it track my calories it gives me my fats carbs etc for the day I find this invaluable until I get this sorted , I am 65 and am determined I will get my numbers down ,with what I’m doing and reading your comments I will do this..
Click to expand...
Good to know you are improving. I have found the best way to get fit is for me to do some cycling. Just about 6 miles a day - 3miles one way and then having to come back. The exercise bike was a waste of time - but cycling outside - well - after 3 miles you do have to come back! My BP after now clocking up about 80 miles over a few weeks is 120/80 or lower when at rest!
 
Drummer said:
The chocolate isn't the problem, it is the loads of added sugar.
I am full on diabetic, but can have the 95% cocoa chocolate from Lidl - though I only have one square as it is strong stuff.
Icecream can be made low carb, but bananas and apples are not on my menu - they are high in carbs, but I have frozen berries on hand to eat with full fat yoghurt.
You are still on the lower slopes of diabetes though, so you might be able to cope with some fruit, but they are not something to eat freely as your liver always has to deal with fructose as a matter of urgency.
Lowering of high blood pressure is often reported on the low carb group I am on, and you did the right thing stopping them - there have been reports of falls due to going dizzy after continuing to take the tablets. One fall was on stairs and was rather serious.
Click to expand...
I recently had an update on test results - and my tryglicerides are normal - as is all other blood test results. My doctor actually phoned me and sent a congratulatory text! For me the answer is strict avoidance of caffine - I drink loads of mint tea made with real leaves now - no sugray snacks, eating apples and bananas and cycling on a real bike outside about 6 miles a day. I found the cycling was the thing to really lower my blood pressure at rest to 120/80 and sometimes 116/75. I am not saying this to brag ´but to give hope to others that you can make lifestyle changes. I have also lost a stone in weight which I am maintaining. I am not a gym person but just going out on a normal bicycle cycling through the park and such - not fast - but determined - is enough to make a real difference.
 
Toddyken said:
I train in the gym , mainly weights with some cardio,and usually get 10000 steps in every day, I also have a personal trainer,, at the moment am very aware of my heart rate when training until we sort this heart issue out ,,I love it when it peaks at 160+, I know I have worked hard. .I have worked out for a long time because I enjoy it more than anything, I am slightly overweight and carry it round my middle that and my dreadful sweet tooth is at the root of these recent issues.,
Click to expand...
I have found the best way to get fit is for me to do some cycling. Just about 6 miles a day - 3miles one way and then having to come back! The exercise bike was a waste of time - but cycling outside - well - after 3 miles you do have to come back! My BP after now clocking up about 80 miles over a few weeks is 120/80 or lower when at rest!
 
travellor said:
@David123
What sort of exercise do you do?
I can triple my heart rate to close to 180 when I really push it, but try to get to at least 150 on a decent work out.
(My BP is good though)
Click to expand...
I have found the best way to get fit is for me to do some cycling. Just about 6 miles a day - 3 miles one way and then having to come back. The exercise bike was a waste of time - but cycling outside - well - after 3 miles you do have to come back! My BP after now clocking up about 80 miles over a few weeks is 120/80 or lower when at rest!
 
I do realise I should excercise to get my readings down but in a lot of pain as awaiting a new knee so can't.dr put me on an insulin(I am type 2)and turn pen up every 2 days until get a number that suits me.cant have surgery until levels are under control.i went from pen on no6 and today started on number 26!was better 2 hours after lunch but know it will change after dinner .I believe I could benefit from a different type of insulin.what do people think?I am desperate now as need operation
 
christine smith said:
I do realise I should excercise to get my readings down but in a lot of pain as awaiting a new knee so can't.dr put me on an insulin(I am type 2)and turn pen up every 2 days until get a number that suits me.cant have surgery until levels are under control.i went from pen on no6 and today started on number 26!was better 2 hours after lunch but know it will change after dinner .I believe I could benefit from a different type of insulin.what do people think?I am desperate now as need operation
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum
I think people would need a lot more information before being able to comment. Are you able to fill in a bit more detail. Like what your HbA1C is, what specific insulin and other medications are you taking and what dietary regime are you following.
 
David123 said:
Good to know you are improving. I have found the best way to get fit is for me to do some cycling. Just about 6 miles a day - 3miles one way and then having to come back. The exercise bike was a waste of time - but cycling outside - well - after 3 miles you do have to come back! My BP after now clocking up about 80 miles over a few weeks is 120/80 or lower when at rest!
Click to expand...
I’m currently in Mexico, just catching up with the posts, I have good news, just before I came away i got my HbA1c down to 36.1 , I was so determined to do this and done everything I could to fight Pre-D , I am aware that I need to keep on top of this but now can relax a bit
 
Toddyken said:
I’m currently in Mexico, just catching up with the posts, I have good news, just before I came away i got my HbA1c down to 36.1 , I was so determined to do this and done everything I could to fight Pre-D , I am aware that I need to keep on top of this but now can relax a bit
Click to expand...
You certainly can.
That's amazing result!
 
David123 said:
I recently had an update on test results - and my tryglicerides are normal - as is all other blood test results. My doctor actually phoned me and sent a congratulatory text! For me the answer is strict avoidance of caffine - I drink loads of mint tea made with real leaves now - no sugray snacks, eating apples and bananas and cycling on a real bike outside about 6 miles a day. I found the cycling was the thing to really lower my blood pressure at rest to 120/80 and sometimes 116/75. I am not saying this to brag ´but to give hope to others that you can make lifestyle changes. I have also lost a stone in weight which I am maintaining. I am not a gym person but just going out on a normal bicycle cycling through the park and such - not fast - but determined - is enough to make a real difference.
Click to expand...
Gold star for you-- and for your doctor! Very well done you; and, if more doctors were as supportive and encouraging, more people might be able to make real, sustained lifestyle changes.

(I know, I know-- the problem is that most GPs, and hospital doctors, don't have the time; as far as I can tell, most of them wish they did have the time to provide the support and encouragement that they know would benefit their patients.)
 
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