What do I need to know?

[Nemo72]

Hi all,

so a fortnight ago, I phoned the dr about an unrelated issue, and got called in for an appointment by a new Gp in the practice. She took a lengthy history, and then said that she thought something else was going on in addition to the problem I went in with - which was a suspected ovarian cyst. I do suffer with PCOS, and have had to have a couple aspirated.

anyway, she ordered a lot of blood work. A couple of days later my own gp requested repeat bloods and a telephone appointment for Thursday.

I went for the bloods today, the nurse said I was having my hba1c repeated, as my result was 7.2. My previous result (3 years ago) was 5.5 apparently.

Anyway, I might be second guessing the GP appointment, but researching diabetes I am certainly experiencing many of the symptoms. I am 48, very obese, history of PCOS, relatives with history (grandad with type2, dad with metabolic syndrome). I took metformin for PCOS to conceive.

I wonder really what to expect from the Gp on Thursday, and what questions I might need to be asking. Is the 7.2 a result indicative of diabetes?

sorry to ramble on, I just want to make sure I am prepared to ask the right things on Thursday.

thanks

 

[silentsquirrel]

Welcome to the forum!

I read your post that the 7.2 is your HbA1c reading, not a fingerprick test, ie your surgery are using the old units, 7,2%, which is equivalent to 55 mmol/mol.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%).

www.diabetes.org.uk

48mmol/mol is defined as diabetes.

Have a good read around the forum before Thursday, especially threads in the Newbies section, and ask any questions you may have. Your 7.2%/55 is not very far above the boundary, so changes to diet and possibly a return to the metformin (if you tolerated that well before?) should allow you to bring that reading back down.

 

[Docb]

Hi @Nemo72 and welcome to the forum. You ask what you might expect from your GP. From what you have said, I expect it will be mostly about the fact that the best way to get to grips with your problems, especially the elevated blood glucose, is to lose some weight. Not easy I know but that is the reality. A lot on this forum have lost weight to tackle their diabetes and are more than willing to share their experiences to help others, so see what happens on Thursday and come back to us with any questions you might have.

 

[Toucan]

Hello @Nemo72 and welcome to the forum.
I hope that all goes well for you on Thursday, and you get some clarification of diagnosis, and some helpful advice,

Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be positively managed and in many circumstances, you can do a lot to help yourself
and there is a help and support available. You will need to make a few changes though, and these need to be sustainable, as this is for the long term. For many of us, including me, this eventually leads to a much healthier lifestyle and often a lot more energy.

Please let us know how it goes, and we can give you a lot more pointers to things that may help