HbA1C

[Wolff]

Hey Everybody,

How critical is it to have an HbA1C on diagnosis?? Shouldn't one only have one 3 months after diagnosis to check control? I mean I can anticipate that it will be high because i was just diagnosed??

[NoraWI]

Not critical but certainly good to know where you are starting. My A1c was 13% at time of diagnosis and down into the 6 percentile 3 months later, eventually working down to the 5%s. Don't you want to know what progress you have made? Unfortunately, there is no other measure than the A1c at this time. Yes, the A1c does measure (to some degree) the reduction of glycated blood cells which regenerate every 3 months or so. The test is more heavily weighted towards the last month.

[xMenace]

For the record if I see a new D in the teens I tell them to get complete labs done and see an opthamologist. IMO it indicates you've been high for some time and you should be examined for any damage.

[keri]

i think that you need to have it every 3 months, there is also some companies now where you can get a home kit to do it yourself. I think you have to mail it to them for results though

[Wolff]

i think that you need to have it every 3 months, there is also some companies now where you can get a home kit to do it yourself. I think you have to mail it to them for results though

Would anyone know where I could get one of these, and who makes them?? Are they any good?? Otherwise I'll just go down to the hosp and get one done.. Thanks for the advice

[ladytaz]

They never did one on me at first. In fact, I'd changed docs 18 months later, and that was my first one! [Though, I didn't see a doc for a year either, but that's besides the point] So, I'll never know exactly how far I've come! I can only "guesstimate" what mine was when I was dx'd.

As for the "home tests", I know you can get them at some of the online pharmacies. Not sure how accurate they are. I personally don't trust them. Only because, I don't like the fact that they blood has been sitting on that thing for God only knows how long, until they are able to test it (cuz you gotta mail it to them), and how hot or cold it got. At least with a lab, you know it's done in a reasonable amount of time, as in a day or so, and I believe that things are kept in a somewhat climate controlled environment. That's just "my thing" tho. *shrugs*

[Catcount]

If you want to see how you stack up against the recommended values, its a good idea to get the test. You will then know where you are regarding the Sugar attached to your blood cells, floating around depositing sugar to your organs.

I have a test every 3 months (sort of recommended time table based on the life cycle of a blood cell) to tell me if I have improved or have gotten worse. That's on top of Finger testing when I need to know how I am reacting to a new situation.

cant do any harm to get a test, so go for it.

I see you are in SA, dont know much about the heath care systems there, but I,m supposing that you have good access to right people and medications

Catcount
Insulin Dependent

[Wolff]

Ok, I went down to my nearest lab (Lancet SA) and they took a sample, I am expecting the results in the next 2 hours or so. Quite anxious to see my result. :confused:

[mho357]

Wolff,

I did the BioSafe home kit recently - I bought it at drugstore.com (I think it was around $24). About a month later I had a lab done and the numbers were similar (see my signature).

Be advised that it takes more blood (and a bigger stick) than your meter.

Mark

[Wolff]

Hey, I got my results, HbA1C = 12.8% and I've been on insulin for about three weeks already.

[ladytaz]

WOW, that was quick!!! Now you'll know just how far you've come, when you have the next one!! :0)

[Catcount]

Good on you to get the test done and so quickly. Your value is somewhat high, but I guess you know that. So now its time to get that number down so good luck with your Plan and remember everybody here is routing for you and willing and able to listen and help.

Catcount

[Wolff]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the great info and advice. I'm really not sure how i would've made it through finding out i was D without a support system like df.com. Greatly appreciated.

[Gary_W]

Hi Wolff,

This place has helped me to feel the best I've felt in years so you've come to the right place.

Just wait until your HBA1c comes down to the 6's or 7's and you'll be amazed how much better you'll feel.

Gary

[Spbeyond]

Nice to see you on the boards! I really miss SA. :( I only lived there for two years but I really think about going back alot.

[wiseguy]

Would anyone know where I could get one of these, and who makes them?? Are they any good?? Otherwise I'll just go down to the hosp and get one done.. Thanks for the advice
I have used the BioSafe (http://www.lab-123.com/diabetes.php) A1c test and it appears to be as accurate as the lab tests.