Not sure what to think.

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Honey&lemon

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Good evening all.

So, my story is that in October I was told I had a HBA1C of 48 following a set of blood tests. Then again in April there it was 48. The dr has said this means I’m diabetic and has told me to go lose some weight and referred me to foot clinics and all sorts. No medication or anything at this stage but I’ve been absolutely terrified.

This all came as a bit of a shock, as the reason I went for blood tests was to check my iron levels. I’ve had anaemia pretty much all my adult life due to heavy periods. It’s only under control when on contraception that stops periods but I’ve been off that for a year.

My iron levels after both these blood tests came back as very low and I’ve been given iron tablets both times to take (I’m taking them again now) The second set of bloods was taken the week after an extremely heavy period and also after I’d had an awful run of the colds and bugs at the start of this year (child in daycare = lots of bugs)

I don’t have any typical diabetes symptoms. All my symptoms that led to the blood tests e.g tiredness, low mood, hair loss, all resolve with iron tablets. I’ve read that iron deficient anaemia can falsely elevate the HBA1C.

In addition, although I wasn’t told to, I bought a blood sugar monitor. Generally upon waking its around 4.3 and 2 hours after food around anywhere from 6-7.8. I’ve been using it for 3 weeks now, and only once after a particularly carb heavy meal (57g) it was 9.4 2 hours later, 8.4 2.5 hours later and back to 7 by bedtime.

Basically what I’m asking is, can I ask for a different test for diagnosis? Or is it too late now I have the “marker” on my medical notes. I’m just not entirely sure I am diabetic and that the HBA1C is flagging because of the anaemia. Obviously being diagnosed as such means declaring it for all sorts of things like insurance etc and I want to ensure it’s accurate?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading.
 
There is an alternative test fructoseamine which can be used when people have anaemia so you could ask for that.
If you are Type 2 dietary managed it is not something that usually affects insurance etc. but at least your diagnosis gets you foot and eye checks and annual blood tests.
The readings you are getting seem to be within what people aim at 4-7mmol/l before meals and fasting and below 8.5 2 hours post meal.
It is good having your monitor as you can establish which meals suit you.
 
Whilst most type 2s who get their test numbers to go down are classed as in remission, there is another category of diabetes resolved, which could be what you achieve. Maybe discuss it with your GP if it proves necessary.
I am in remission and it seems to have very little impact on my life.
 
Drummer said:
Whilst most type 2s who get their test numbers to go down are classed as in remission, there is another category of diabetes resolved, which could be what you achieve. Maybe discuss it with your GP if it proves necessary.
Click to expand...
What is the Diabetes Resolved category? Criteria? Who decides?
 
I would think it is a good indication that you have diabetes or are at risk of really getting it If you do not ease it into remission 48 is low as a diabetic some say 42 is the cut off but it is not severe at 48. However, it has the potential to develop and in so many people it has. Drs. are more aware that it can be prevented and to do so saves lives and horrible consequences if they do not treat asap. Getting into remission some can say how much but it improves quality of life that is a certain fact. I would have liked to keep it under control as now I have it in higher numbers on medication and food does not seem to really help me. I can eat bad things and have a lower meter reading n eat an omelette and it can go high. My liver seems the problem as I am fat. So losing weight does help me and a lower carb is good but does not help the cholesterol or my bloods. So a dietician says low fat and a healthy diet is better for me. It is all about trial and error as I am not losing weight easily. Some the Low carb is really the only thing and they get fab results and if it works then it is great. Instead of fear think it as a good boost of being aware and taking the reigns and move forward trying to be the best healthiest person you can be.
 
JITR said:
What is the Diabetes Resolved category? Criteria? Who decides?
Click to expand...
It is, as far as I know, what is put on your file at your GP surgery in some circumstances.
Although unusual, when the problem is caused by something temporary, curable or transient and that has been sorted out so the diabetes is no longer relevant, then there is no need for further eye and foot checks, blood tests and monitoring - so there is a category for it.
Of course the more usual state is in remission and checks are scheduled, but there is that other option.
 
Nayshiftin said:
So losing weight does help me and a lower carb is good but does not help the cholesterol or my bloods.
Click to expand...
I am in the same position, I need to both lose weight and reduce triglycerides (I also need to lower cholesterol).
I recently did some more research and found multiple reputable health organisations saying that carbs contribute to triglycerides, which shocked me as I had somehow missed that info before.
The sources were all unanimous in saying that cutting back on easily digested carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, chips, and sugar-laden foods/drinks could help lower triglycerides.
This link explains it well NHS Cambridge University Hospitals: Dietary advice for management of high triglycerides
 
My cholesterol has gone down since diagnosis, despite stopping the Atorvastatin after 5 weeks from diagnosis.
 
Welcome to the forum @Honey&lemon

Given your anaemia, and the right-on-the-dividing-line nature of your checks so far I wonder whether you should follow up with a request for confirmation, because of the impact anaemia / iron deficiency can have on HbA1c results.

bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com

The effect of different types of anemia on HbA1c levels in non-diabetics - BMC Endocrine Disorders

Background Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. HbA1c remains one of the most important methods for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. Since HbA1c is a reflection of the glucose attached to red blood cells, factors...
bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com
 
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