OK, Hard question

[mindylee]

I was diagnosed in Oct 06 with an A1C of 7.2. I am taking Metformin 500mg 2x a day. I had a rough time accepting it and doing a low carb diet. Finally this month I said to quit feeling sorry for myself and just do it. I've been doing pretty good, some bad days in there. Here's the question. I'm supposed to go in to have my A1C rechecked this week for a dr appointment next week. I'd really like to just wait another month. Doo you think I should have it checked even though I know it won't show improvement? I don't want to get too discouraged and get depressed. What's your advise?

[princesslinda]

Hi Mindy:
Sounds like you're back on track with your control now...that's a BIG step. I was diagnosed in Aug 06, so i'm new as well. It does take awhile to get use to everything and it does feel overwhelming.

To answer your question, yes, I think you should go ahead and have the test done. When you see your doc, tell him the truth, that you've not been as diligent as you should be and perhaps he won't adjust your meds until after another A1C.

I think you need to SEE the results of your actions on your blood sugar, GOOD or BAD. This way, you'll see even better results on your next blood test after taking really good control of things...otherwise, it's easy to be somewhat in denial about your level of control.

I don't think you should be depressed or discouraged...this is all part of adjusting to this disease. But, seeing a High A1C may be the jolt you need to take better care of things.

Hang in there with the metformin....I think we have to watch what we eat more on this medication than on some others to get good results, but if you maintain a low-carb diet and get regular exercise, I think you'll see a big difference in your next test.

[Stuboy]

I would get it done, whether it's good or bad, you will learn from it. The actions you've taken (or lack of) so far will reflect in your A1c, so if you haven't been actively trying to control your diabetes, then you will see just how that affects your A1c. and you will noticed a marked improvement from that, to when you really do try and control.

[Dan Gato]

Hi Mindy, How your BG's averages have been? .

The A1C will give a highest weight average to your last 30 days, like 50% of the total.

[paulT2]

Hi Mindy,

I agree with everyone else - have the A1C test done.

Good or bad the result will help you 'come to terms' with your diabetes and show you how your diet, exercise and medication style are affecting your blood glucose levels.

Knowledge is power.

[labob]

Not to jump on the bandwagon, but take the test. You're doing this for you, not your doctor. You also might be surprised at the results.

My morning levels have been going up and up lately, and I was sure that my most recent A1c (January 2007) would reflect a big bump. Whereas I was getting fasting readings in the 80 mg/dl range about a year ago when I first started taking glyburide, now that I'm taking Actos I've recently been waking up with fasting readings in the 110s, 120s, and sometimes even the 130s. But (and this is an important but) my post-meal readings are much better on Actos than glyburide. So it's been kind of an experiment to see how these different medications affect me.

The most recent result: my January A1c was 5.2, up just 0.1 from my October A1c of 5.1, despite the ever increasing fasting readings. (My initial A1c in December 2005, by the way, was 13.4, so it's not like I was a "borderline" diabetic.) I'll adjust the meds, diet and exercise as the numbers dictate. But to repeat, take the test. No matter what the result is, it's knowledge that you can put in your pocket.

[Emm]

No matter what the result is, it's knowledge that you can put in your pocket.

Just another vote for going for it. As labob says above, it's helpful knowledge. Try to see it as just a number - it's early days for you and you need that number for information. Don't worry too much about what the actual result is.

The best bit about having an a1c done now is that you have a point to look back on when you do your next one. Make a graph or mark them in some way so you can see your progress and so you'll notice if things go amiss.

I also agree with what was said earlier - let your doc know you've had some trouble but are ready to take it seriously. Doc probably wont be surprised... Most of us go through a bit of denial or slack control for some reason or another.

[2high]

Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto

Sorry, I'm with these guys.

Definitely get it done, and don't be too hard on yourself if it's not too great!!

You are making the effort now, you want things to be better, so take pride in that fact, rather than being mad at what you did in the past :)

[v3xtr0n]

I agree with everyone else, get it done!

If it's good then great, if not then you can use that as motivation to get the next one lower. :)

Let us all know how you get on and what your results are when you get them.

[clee]

I was diagnosed in Oct 06 with an A1C of 7.2. I am taking Metformin 500mg 2x a day. I had a rough time accepting it and doing a low carb diet. Finally this month I said to quit feeling sorry for myself and just do it. I've been doing pretty good, some bad days in there. Here's the question. I'm supposed to go in to have my A1C rechecked this week for a dr appointment next week. I'd really like to just wait another month. Doo you think I should have it checked even though I know it won't show improvement? I don't want to get too discouraged and get depressed. What's your advise?


1. Have the test done. It's something that will need to be done anyway.

2. Use the results as a gauge for improving your numbers (especially if they are not especially desirable).

3. Keep striving for a healthy life style and you'll be more apt to feel better and stave off complications and extend your life expectancy. :thumbsup:

Clee