My A1c's 1980-2009

[Richard157]

As part of my preparation for my taking part in the Joslin Medalist Study I am supposed to have a listing of all my A1c's that have ever been done. My doctor has been very cooperative but there are several gaps in the list. The years 1990-1994 were not available. There are many other other gaps as well. I hope this incomplete list will be acceptable at Joslin on Nov 30.

A1c's became available in 1976. My doctor started having his diabetic patients get A1c tests in 1980. Below are the A1c's that he was able to retrieve from his files.

1980...10.6, 9.6, 9.0
1981...11.8
1983...9.2
1984...9.2, 9.7, 8.9
1986...11.1
1987...8.0, 9.8, 10.3
1988...10.5, 7.7, 7.7
1989...7.3

1995...6.8
1997...6.0, 5.4
1998...6.5
1999...6.8, 6.7, 6.5
2000...6.3, 6.1, 5.5
2001...5.8, 6.0, 5.6, 6.0
2002...6.0, 6.4, 6.2, 6.0
2003...5.6, 5.4, 5.9
2004...5.9, 5.7, 5.8, 5.6
2005...5.6, 5.8
2006...5.6, 5.7
2007...5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 6.1
2008...5.7, 5.9, 5.7, 5.6
2009...5.6, 5.8, 5.8

Notice the drop from the 10's to the 7's in early 1988. That is when I read an article in a magazine that said diabetics should follow a low carb diet. My doctors never told me that. Then about the start of the new century I was permitted to use basal/bolus control. In 2007 I started pumping. My A1c's have been very good during the new century.

I was diagnosed in 1945. I took only one injection of beef/pork insulin per day. That continued for more than 40 years. Can you imagine what my A1c's would have been during those years? Those were the years before my doctor started having my A1c's done.

I feel so lucky to be alive and healthy, without complications. Is it good genes? Is it the C-peptide in the beef/pork insulins? Maybe the Joslin Study will help answer those questions.

[CaptainMike]

WOWZA!, Richard, you are an inspiration to many of us here, I wish you another 40 years of good health!

[fairyblood]

Wow Richard what a great record. I amazed that you consistently had such great A1c's since 1995. I really should look at what mine have been like over the years. Granted I have only had diabetes since 1996 but I still think it is fascinating to see it laid out like that.

Keep up the good work. :)

[jer.lawrence]

I agree, that is fascinating. It's also cool how you can see the substantial drops at points where you figured something out or got a new method of treatment.

I guess I'm lucky to have been diagnosed so recently with all the new treatments that are available.

[sumi]

Great genes indeed Richard! Following that trend of A1C's into the future, it looks as if you will be able to sell your blood as an anti-diabetic med within 2 years.

[Subby]

Great genes indeed, but also a wonderful longterm dedication to keeping control, Richard. A wonderful testament to daily control efforts over many years. You've been by and large well ahead of the mainstream standards for some time now, and I bet that has had a role to play to do with your lack of prolific complications. Thanks for posting.

[pixelgirl]

Richard thanks for posting these a1c's. It gives me hope now because my A1c's have NOT been the greatest since I was dx in 2002 and had been getting worried but now I'm a little more at ease. What great control you got from 89 on!

[lark 27]

Thanks for posting these Richard. Your consistency since the 90's really is inspring. It's numbers like yours that makes me realize I don't need to be satisfied with 6.6 and 6.5. Right now I have problems imagining consistently being in the 5's, but good on you for showing the example that it's doable.

[poodlebone]

What was your doctor's opinion of those early results in the 9-11 range? Was that considered normal then?