Newly diagnosed

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hi Saffron,

I have to go back in January 2025 for a repeat blood test to check my levels after 3 months. I received a letter following the glucose test to tell me that I have diabetes, not that I was prediabetic. I have already had a consultation with the Long Term Conditions team regarding diabetes and booking in for diabetic eye tests, bloods and an education course which they have recommended that I attend, hence my confusion.

Thanks,
Claire

Try not to get stressed by the paperwork and ticks in boxes @ClaireS91

You had a check which indicated a more dramatic glucose response than would have been expected, and historically that would have been an indication of diabetes. These days 2x HbA1c checks are more customary, because they examine glucose levels over a longer period and are less subject to glitches.

At an HbA1c of 38, your blood glucose management seems perfectly healthy. If classed as being ‘in remission’ you will still be offered annual checks of HbA1c and retinal screening, to keep an eye on things (which you may consider to be a helpful precaution), but you can always ask what the situation is regarding your earlier diagnosis at your follow-up HbA1c, and whether they now consider the earlier result to be a temporary glitch and that no further action is required. If you’d prefer to have your notes updated you can ask for that, since the follow-up checks have not confirmed the earlier diagnosis.

To be honest, one of the best ways to prevent diabetes is to behave as if you already have it, so you may prefer to just continue to have the regular checks.