a1c of 5.7??

[vulnerable26]

I have a friend who has PCOS and went to an endo to seek futher treatment. When the endo had tests run, they found out her a1c was 5.7. Ever since I found out I was diabetic she tested her levels and even after eating she never ran over 100. The past month and a half her vision has been getting worse, blurry, going to the bathroom more, thirsty, and her readings have been going up to 127 or so 2 or 3 hours after eating. Her endo does not want to treat her and said her numbers are fine. I am just wondering what you all think, I know you are all very educated people. thanks

[art]

on the surface the numbers are good.
there's something else going on.
I'd suggest she see another doctor fast.

Art

[Keezheekoni]

Remember that A1c is an average of the previous three months, so 5.7 is probably reflecting a little bit of a rise within the last two weeks, the rest being normal values.

Have her test two hours after each meal instead of fasting. The fasting number is always the last number to go wonky, so I discount fasting numbers in someone who is just starting to have symptoms. If her numbers postprandial are above 140, then she probably is diabetic and needs to get aggressive with her doctor. :)

PCOS is responsible for insulin resistance...or is it vice-versa? I can never remember. Seemingly they go hand in hand though.

[Ronin]

Hi Vulnerable!

The HbA1c number for your friend does not come into the range of "Diabetic." The Endo's reluctance to begin "treatment" probably means that the Endo will not prescribe medications. That being said, the first line against the onset of diabetes is to adjust diet and exercise patterns.

I am not sure what effect that PCOS has on the ability of a person to reduce their carb intake and/or increase their exercise load. However, if she can undertake additional exercise and reduce her dietary intake of carbs, she doesn't need an Endo to do that -- just the motivation.

If life-style changes do not move her BG levels then another visit to an Endo is in order.

[Tropo]

Welcome to the 5.7 club!