HbA1c Tests and Watching Out for Possible Diabetes

[Rimmy]

Hello Everyone

Ever since starting to take Prednisolone for both PMR and GCA I have been trying to keep an eye out for the possibility of developing one of the most undesirable side effects - diabetes. My GP has given me quite regular HbA1c tests (Hemoglobin A1c (“HbA1c” or just “A1c”) is the standard for measuring blood sugar management in people with diabetes) which have come through as in the 'normal' range for the last two plus years. I was however bothered to see my last result was a little higher but still in the 'normal' range and my doctor seemed unconcerned at this one variation. Anyway I decided at that point to reduce my carbs and try to be a little more sensible with my diet as I have always had a sweet tooth and trouble keeping my weight down - which isn't a dramatic problem - but results in me sitting usually in the low-med 'overweight' range.

Having just about got home following a more indulgent holiday in NZ than I intended- I am about to rejig my lifestyle - the one I happily boasted about as doing me so much 'good' before my holiday (sigh) - I have been reading about this test as I will soon need to have a fresh set of bloods done for my doctor. Although the discussion about HbA1c tests are generally aimed at people with pre-diabetes or diabetes itself - I was surprised at the number of factors discussed in this article which can affect the accuracy of readings such as iron deficiency or anemia and B12 levels. Most of us know that anemia is itself a symptom of some auto-immune diseases including PMR - so this could be a complicating factor. I myself don't eat red meat and have a vegan partner which means my iron levels are often too low unless I remind myself to take supplements and if I recall correctly B12 levels can also be affected by long term use of PPIs.

So for those who may be interested I have attached the article where I was reading about these matters and other issues which I found quite interesting. I am far from an 'expert' on anything to do with developing diabetes - so your comments and experiences would be much appreciated.

diatribe.org/whats-normal-a...

Meanwhile it's back to a world of none (or very few) of those delicious home-baked NZ 'goodies' people so kindly offered me on holiday !! (I should add this is my first holiday for since I got PMR/GCA and apart from a head cold I probably caught on the plane - no surprises there - I felt extraordinarily well nearly the whole time !!!)

Best to wishes you all.

Rimmy

[SheffieldJane]

Thanks for posting this update and useful link. I am glad that your holiday went well! Watch that cold and nurse it beyond the ridiculous. I have been knocked sideways by a streaming cold ( caught at the theatre I think). I think it is the worst cold I have ever had. It left me exhausted with a bad case of Herpes Simplex under my nostrils. Finally ( sluggish Adrenals of course) I doubled my Pred dose yesterday due to real deathly fatigue and the feeling that the whole thing was returning for act 2. Today I have woken feeling so much better, even the cold sore is going. What a difference 5 mgs made! 🤷🏼‍♀️

We are a full time job! Beautiful picture, I long to go. Just looking at nature’s wonders helps everything!

[Rimmy in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks SJ - I have actually been trying to ignore the cold as determined not to let it ruin the last few days of our holiday. But you are right - and it is the first one I have had ever since my dx over two and a half years ago. I have some lower throat congestion but it hasn't (thank goodness) sunk to my lungs and I don't have a temp. But I am delaying the flu vax I was intending to have on my return for a few more days and I thought I might need the protection of that vax looking after grandies for a while in October (around the late 'peak' flu season here). But as you say SJ - we ARE a 'full-time job' - although the gorgeous NZ scenery, some delightful long walks and lovely family members made me feel so well for a few weeks !!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ahh, those busy NZ roads!!

Give us a clue on picture - guess it’s on SI?

[AntBrad in reply to DorsetLady]

My guess is Mt Hut in the distance on the way to Methven.

[Rimmy in reply to AntBrad]

I think you are right AntBrad - that's the way we drove in the first part of our holiday - we went as far south as Dunedin and also managed to drive around Wanaka, and Lake Hawera near Mt Aspiring and through the Crown Range where my partner (thankfully I was the driver) got 'vertigo' !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to AntBrad]

Yes I thought Mt Hutt in background - and sort of recognised road! - my daughter lives not far from there & Methven on the Rakaia River Road.

[Rimmy in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes the SI - and now I am hard-pressed to say exactly what road we were on then but as there are mountains everywhere - so it could almost have been anywhere - we did drive south from Christchurch though so that is a 'hint' !! The SI is exceptionally beautiful and we were lucky with weather - it was almost 'warm' for this time of year with only a dusting of snow on the mountains so no worries with chains on tyres or ice on roads.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rimmy]

My daughter flew out to UK on Tuesday. They had snow on Sunday! but fortunately gone quickly.