All blood test results now in from Tuesday. HbA1c has increased from 37 (June '24 when diagnosed) to 38. This was the one I was worried about but perhaps not as bad as could have been? Or, is this likely to become more of an issue the longer I'm on Pred? Bone profile calcium increased slightly from 2.26 to 2.33. Vitamin D up from 73 to 100 so this seems well above sufficient. Prescribed Calci-D couple of weeks ago. I was taking 1000mg Vitamin D before but stopped this as Calci-D same amount. Prior to result was thinking about increasing but is the extra now not needed? Full blood count-some 'out of range' again including neutrophil (9.98), white blood count (11.4), lymphocyte (0.75). Basophil 0.00 🤔. On checking these seem to be all connected with autoimmune/inflammation so perhaps not surprising? GP has marked as 'satisfactory'. CRP and ESR not done on this occasion. Intend reducing Pred from 9mg to 8mg from Sunday, using DL's 5 week taper plan so see how it goes.
Blood Test Results : All blood test results now in... - PMRGCAuk
Blood Test Results
Things look pretty good and your HbA1c is normal. Pity they did not do your CRP/ESR was not done at the same time. Also your doctor is happy. Good luck reducing.
HbA1c of 38 is still well within the normal range. No point in checking it more often than 3-monthly and usually 6-monthly or even at annual check-ups. Keep up the good work with watching your carbs!
Some of us taper by 0.5mg at each drop, once we get under 10mg. See how you get on with the reduction - your body should tell you how it feels. Symptoms are key.
Best wishes - it was good to meet you at the support group this week.
My GP commented that at the moment he will look to repeat the HbA1c next March. That's assuming he doesn't know about the 4 pack of hot cross buns that jumped into my rucksack, going through Leeds Market on Wednesday whilst finding the John Lewis store to attend my first support group 😋 Yes, it was nice to meet you and others too. Hopefully, if fits, will make the next one too. I am now on the Yorkshire email list and have become a member of PMRGCAuk too.
Hba1c is likely to fluctuate slightly and a change of 1 at that level is not worth worrying about, it is still well in normal range.
A pred effect is to cause increased numbers of neutrophils, one of the white cells, and that also results in a higher WBC count, For basophils, 0,0 is the bottom of the normal range - they rise in allergic reactions, no reaction, few basophils. Low lymphocytes are due to many immunosuppressant drugs - including steroids.
All normal for the circumstances.
Thank you for the clarification, that is reassuring. Never had blood tests before PMR!
I wish my Hba1c was that good! Been fine forever but shot up to 47 in November... Down to 41 in March after more care with carbs .... Hope staying ok from now on 🤞
I've certainly not gone low carb but have made a conscious effort to reduce the amounts of these on my plate. I'm afraid too fond of pasta, potatoes and a nice wholemeal cheese sarni. Not to mention trying to curb my rather sweet tooth. I'm hoping blood sugar won't increase too much but I suppose unless have any evident symptoms won't know until test next March. GP indicated this particular one would be done annually. I'm keeping the weight off too and still not gained fully the 6lbs I lost prior to diagnosis/Pred. You're going in the right direction and as you will know 41 is 'just' in range. Good luck going forward.
In steroid patients Hba1c should be checked every 3 months to identfy any rising trend. Otherwise annually would be fine.
Thank you. I'll certainly bring up at next review. I've just found on NHS app my last HbA1c result (prior to diagnosis June '24) was 6 years ago (taken as part of a new a new patient 'MOT') it was 37, so appears possibly consistent up to this recent increase to 38. Regarding my earlier comment on Vitamin D3 at 100 would it be appropriate to just continue with the 1000mg the Calci-D provides (as well as diet) or increase dosage. Don't want to overdo it and cause other problems.
I had my annual blood test about 10 days ago, most of the results were ok, but my HbA1 result was 66, I have got to speak to the GP tomorrow, I am on metformin and gliclaside.Iam down to 7mg prednisalone. can't seem to get any lower. Have had PMR/GCA for 5 years.
Oh dear. What was the result last year? I don't know anything about those meds but can see they are used to treat diabetes. Hopefully your GP will have some sound advice.
Has your Hba1c been that high previously? Does your GP not check it every 3 months?
I rang the G.P today to get an appointment, and was told that the nurse will ring me on April 28th. I suppose they will just change my medication.
I wouldn't be happy with that with an Hba1c that high - but I suppose it is Easter next weekend and that will put everything behind for the rest of the month.
Blood results for Vit D and Cholesterol
Good blood test results... but what does it mean?
Help! increasing the pred doesn't seem to be working.
Blood test results - help please!
