Received A1C This Morning

lewsterr · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 09:38 AM

I received my A1C results this morning, and really was not surprised that it went up a bit. My last one, taken 6 months ago, was 5.8. I received a 6.1 this morning.

My motivation slipped this past winter for about 6 weeks, and I decided to go off the Byetta from the middle of January to the beginning of March. During this time, my appetite increased, was constantly hungry, and put on a few pounds (okay, more than just a few). Things were looking good for a while, but then I began to get readings over 200. I then started back on the Byetta on March 1, but I'm not seeing numbers below 100 like I used to.

My confusion now lies with what the doc told me regarding my numbers. I am currently running between 110-133 upon waking in the morning. My after-meal numbers in the afternoon range from 120's to 150's after meals, with an occasional 200 here and there. Evening numbers are about the same. The doc told me that these are fine, and that if I can keep my A1C under 6.5 and my current readings under 170, he's fine with that. Needless to say, my goal is to do better, but don't you think his acceptable range is too high?

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 09:52 AM

Don't beat yourself up over your A1C going higher...you're only human, and we all go through times where its tougher to "walk the walk" than at other times. Sounds like you're getting back on track now and that's what matters most.

I do think your doc's acceptable ranges are too high....but they are typical to what i've been told as well. Seems they think its impossible for diabetics to have really good control, so they settle for okay control.

If you think about it, NORMAL blood pressure is 120/80....and doctors want us to take whatever meds/diet/exercise necessary to fall within normal limits. Same with high cholesterol...we should be within normal range. But for blood sugars, it seems they don't use the same rationale. Diabetes, it seems, isn't held to the same standards as far as staying at "normal" results as are other conditions.

I think the closer to normal that we can keep our blood sugars (whether through meds, diet, exercise or all 3) we should do so, regardless of what the doctor recommends. Afterall, HE isn't the one being affected by the complications of higher blood sugars.

lewsterr · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 10:06 AM

Linda, I'm waiting for you to hang a shingle outside your door with the words 'PrincessLinda, MD'. I'll come to you instead for my 6-month consultation.

princesslinda · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 10:12 AM

I'm not always right, but i'm definitely opinionated...(and you know what they say about opinions!)

CaptainMike · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesslinda

If you think about it, NORMAL blood pressure is 120/80....and doctors want us to take whatever meds/diet/exercise necessary to fall within normal limits. Same with high cholesterol...we should be within normal range. But for blood sugars, it seems they don't use the same rationale. Diabetes, it seems, isn't held to the same standards as far as staying at "normal" results as are other conditions.

That is a really excellent point, I have never thought about it that way, but I'm going to put that to my doc at my next appt. It certainly makes logical sense. (but then not a lot of medical professionals make logical sense to me most of the time)

To Lewsterr;
I'd bring up your concerns with your Doc at your next appt. Seems like a lot of MD's (particularly the older ones) are plenty happy with the whole A1c under 7% thing. Personally I think we'll see that recommendation go down to under 6.5% in the near future.

morrisma · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 11:04 AM

I agree with Linda & the Captain (welcome back) but a lot of folks will be leery after part of a big study was canceled due to excessive deaths trying to keep perfect sugar levels. The study was aimed at heart risk types but due to media frenzy, was more widely heard to say "don't try so hard". Shame really. Having that tight goal is motivational for me so I keep trying.
Mike

lewsterr · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 11:20 AM

Yes, that is an excellent point that Linda made, and one that I never thought of either. I will certainly ask the doc why that is next time I see him. I'll even ask other medical professionals as well, and report back what their responses are. This should be interesting.....

Leavenfish · #8 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morrisma

I agree with Linda & the Captain (welcome back) but a lot of folks will be leery after part of a big study was canceled due to excessive deaths trying to keep perfect sugar levels. The study was aimed at heart risk types but due to media frenzy, was more widely heard to say "don't try so hard". Shame really. Having that tight goal is motivational for me so I keep trying.
Mike

But isn't there a very similar European study that they did not find excessive risk and are continuing? My memory may be playing tricks on me but I think that is the case.

Jan B · #9 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesslinda

I'm not always right, but i'm definitely opinionated...(and you know what they say about opinions!)

Your opinions are always appreciated.

Linda would be a better doctor than many "real" ones . . . she could be the doctor of sense and practical, principled, useful knowledge.

notme · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 07:59 PM

Hey Linda, I have an opinion at least that is what I call it!

Lulika · #11 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 02:49 AM

I agree that doctors seem to "settle" for under 7.0.
I really like my doctor but my very first A1C was 7.1 and she said that she would be happy to see 6.8. I have since learned from people here that I should shoot for a 5.8...so that's what I am doing!

ant hill · #12 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewsterr

Linda, I'm waiting for you to hang a shingle outside your door with the words 'PrincessLinda, MD'. I'll come to you instead for my 6-month consultation.

LOL Lou, That's what my endo said although Endocrinology is a lot more complex than just controling Glucose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesslinda

I'm not always right, but i'm definitely opinionated...(and you know what they say about opinions!)

Linda, If we could be able to redo our nicname, I can just see your nic saying PrincessLinda M.D. Endocrinologist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan B

Your opinions are always appreciated.

Linda would be a better doctor than many "real" ones . . . she could be the doctor of sense and practical, principled, useful knowledge.

Heh, Another vote.

jerryn · #13 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 09:13 AM

I'm around the same but my morning levels are slightly higher.
When I get home from work I asually around 130. So my A1C has been averaging around 6.8 or so. I get blood drawn on saturday so will know how I did this winter. I just wish I worked out more this winter.

Kim_in_TN · #14 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 09:27 AM

My D.E. educator is very good at not overwhelming me. My A1c at DX was 8.3 so he told me that he liked to see it under 7. Now that I have gotten it down to 6.3 (one time is was even 6.2) he says he'd like to see it under 6.0. I'm hoping to have achieved that this time.