Idea of test numbers

[Jillyb15]

Hi all

New here but been a member of HealthUnlocked for other problems for a loooong time!

My query is, having been diagnosed as at risk of developing diabetes, what sort of numbers are we looking at? My HbA1c is 43, the only info I can find relates to percentages, and I have no idea where this 43 lies on any range.

Sorry by the way if I’ve missed an obvious pinned post.

J

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Hi and welcome to the group, Jillyb15 . Thank you for introducing yourself.

What did the doctor say when the A1c result came back at 43? Did they suggest a low carb. high fat or low carb. high protein diet? What did you eat recently? Are you on insulin? Insulin/medication? Insulin/medication and exercise with diet?

[Jillyb15 in reply to Activity2004]

Thanks for reply, and apologies for my tardiness in responding.

I went for a blood test which was supposed to be for allergies, well they weren’t tested for so have had to go back for that. The blood test uncovered high blood pressure and cholesterol and low TSH, so in a follow up appointment with the doctor those three items were covered (no treatment for the first two as borderline and reduce my thyroid meds). The diabetes result was not mentioned EXCEPT I got a letter advising I am at risk of developing diabetes and to join the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. This was followed up last week by someone ringing me to follow up and find out why I hadn’t signed up. At the moment I’m trying myself to lose weight and am doing so. So no, I’m not on medication and except for the letter and a recent email regarding telephone or interactive on line meetings nothing direct from the doc. Which is why I was interested in what the ranges are so I could compare myself and find out how bad I am.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to Jillyb15]

It's okay if you need some time to get back to everyone. You have no reason to apologize for anything.

As for your doctor suggesting the Diabetes Prevention Program with the NHS, it sounds like a good idea. When would you be able to talk to them about the program?

[Walkingwoman]

Hi Jilly. The normal range is under 42. Pre-diabetes is 42 to 47 and 48 plus is diabetic. So you are at the lower end of prediabetic which means you can probably get back into the normal range using diet and exercise rather than having to rely on medication. However, your doctor will know the best route to take, especially if you have other underlying health conditions.

[Jillyb15 in reply to Walkingwoman]

Thanks so much, sorry for late response. Gives me an idea of where I stand, hopefully the fact that I’ve lost some weight should help me along.

[Walkingwoman in reply to Jillyb15]

Losing weight definitely helps. I have been on metformin for years but decided recently to try harder to tackle the problem. Last year I managed to get to 47 by losing a bit of weight but this year have lost 56lb since Christmas and my number is down to 36. I'm in the process of gradually decreasing my meds but as I have been T2 for 10 years I may not be able to get into complete remission. In your case as you are only pre-diabetic and not on meds, you should have a very good chance of nipping this in the bud and getting your numbers down by change of lifestyle alone. Good luck with it all.

[Jillyb15 in reply to Walkingwoman]

Congratulations on the weight loss, you must be so proud of yourself, and if not, you should be!