There is a scoring system. A healthy bloodstream that is not in any immediate danger of slipping into the diabetic zone will have an HBA1c score of under 42 millimoles per mole. Anyone who records a score of between 42 and 47 is in the pre-diabetic category and those with a score of 48 or over are classed as Type 2 diabetics.
A year ago my score was hovering around 47/48. I was on the edge of becoming a card-carrying member of the Type 2 brigade. That was something I really did not want and so, without going crazy about it, I did three things. Firstly, I stopped adding sugar to hot drinks. Secondly, I greatly reduced my alcohol consumption. Thirdly, partly with the aid of weight loss reduction jabs, I shed a stone in weight (14 pounds) - limiting my daily intake of calories and learning to be more watchful about what I eat.
And now the good news is that my HBA1c score is down to 41! My doctor told me this at today's hypertension focused appointment. Jokingly, I told him I would celebrate with a few pints at my local tonight. I was delighted but when on such a health journey one should guard against complacency. It would be easy for the score to rise again - back to the threshold of full-blown diabetes.
We are going to Egypt in early March for a week long Nile cruise and our travel insurer needed clarity about my health before providing a quote. That's why I made a point of asking Dr Dale about my latest HBA1c score and when questioned he said, "No you are not diabetic and you are not pre-diabetic any more. You are in the normal range."
I have always wondered what it is like to be normal.
41 on HbA1c is normal. I always knew you was a Wery Normal Guy.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Hamilton my cousin is a world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon.
He's in Who's Who. When I see him he'll say, You look well.
George's Italian mother died some years ago. His father died in May age 104.
Well done lad
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being normal!
ReplyDeleteI have never asked or been told about my HBAIc levels. Maybe I should ask and find out if losing the 22 pounds and cutting back on sugar is working. I still need to lose another 22 pounds and from yesterday there are no coffees being had throughout the day, that's where I have too much sugar, three teaspoons per mug and I really don't need coffee anyway, it's just a lifelong habit.
Good on you for getting back to normal. It's also tough to stay on normal. Have a great trip.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll have to continue to wonder what it's like to be normal Mr. Pudding:)
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Terrific news! I'm still pre-diabetic although my A1C number dropped a bit. I don't drink much but I do love sweets. TOO MUCH.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, complacency is dangerous. The changes you have made should be permanent. Unhealthy habits have a way of creeping in, because we usually do not feel any immediate effect. And as you have experienced over the last year, it takes time for the body to re-adjust.
Keep up the good work!
Well done. I hover between 42 and 43 and was encouraged to go to the gym as i am already nearly 9 stone and eat healthily. I have heard that people over 70 should have a higher HBA1c cut-off of 58 and not 48.
ReplyDeleteThat's good news.
ReplyDeleteThats a great effort! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteIve never had hba1c tested but my fasting sugars were starting to creep up.
Congratulations for being firm with yourself and winning the game.
ReplyDeleteWhich of us are actually normal?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good effort, and came with good results. Added salt and sugar is not an issue for me, but no one can take away my wine.
Congratulations! That took real effort on your part and I applaud you.
ReplyDeleteI am curious as to whether you will continue on with the GLP-1 medication.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile- fantastic!
Congratulations! Those lifestyle tweaks have made a big difference.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the good numbers! I imagine that's quite a relief!
ReplyDeleteNormal? Many consider you extraordinary in many special ways.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and keep up the good work, Neil!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having reached the goal regarding the diabetes risk - and good luck with continuing to keep the values at a healthy level.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for the good score! Better than mine ...
ReplyDeleteThat is such terrific news! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! That's great news!
ReplyDeleteDiabetes runs in my family so I'm always aware. I try and keep my weight down through cycling. I'm carrying a bit more at the moment because of the festive season and the fact I had 2 months off cycling.
ReplyDelete