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hemoglobin A1C elevated :(


Mandylubug
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Allow me to pout :( I had gestational diabetes 7 years ago but it was first noticed at 9 weeks into my pregnancy. Was diagnosed with diabetes not gestational due to how early in the pregnancy it was notice. Fast forward to now, my A1C has been under control for 7 years, in the normal ranges of 5. Until today :( Today it is 7.5...

 

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That does feel crummy. Pout away. How often do you see your endo? My daughter with type 1 has to go every three months. I know the feeling of leaving the office with a bad number. (Last time she was close to 8 or maybe 8. I can't remember.) You beat yourself up about it, I know. But the good news is that number can change. We've tightened up a few things and look forward to a better number in a couple of months. I give you permission to wallow for as long as you need and then get back on the balance beam that is diabetes. Hang in there!

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Thanks. I actually haven't had to even change my diet. After I had my twins my levels were back to normal. I hadn't checked my levels daily in years because I could drink and eat anything and be fine. But my doctor always told me that there is no way with family history that it was a fluke test, to be prepared for one day it will resurface. I have had a good seven year laugh about it all. I really thought maybe they were wrong after all. The laughs are on me :(

 

I will put on my big girl panties after I finish my sugar filled coffee (the one I was drinking when they called with my results)

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You've got my sympathy!! It is frustrating, isn't it??!!

I started out at 12.7 last February and got it down to 6.2 through total diet change by August. Then, my mom became ill and died unexpectedly in November and no matter what I did, my numbers were high. Stress is a huge factor. My next A1C was 6.8 and my doc was ready to go to meds. She's giving me another 3 months to get it down under 6.4. I'm hoping to have it in the 5s, but we'll see.

It's good that yours has been tracked and you've caught it somewhat early. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, it changes.

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You've got my sympathy!! It is frustrating, isn't it??!!

I started out at 12.7 last February and got it down 6.2 through total diet change by August. Then, my mom became ill and died unexpectedly in November and no matter what I did, my numbers were high. Stress is a huge factor. My next A1C was 6.8 and my doc was ready to go to meds. She's giving me another 3 months to get it down under 6.4. I'm hoping to have it in the 5s, but we'll see.

It's good that yours has been tracked and you've caught it somewhat early. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, it change.

 

So sorry about your Mom. :grouphug: But have to say, "Wow!" 12.7 down to 6.2 - that is huge!

 

OP, pout away. I fear I may be pouting with you next time mine is checked. Eek. If you need a buddy getting back on the wagon, I'll buddy up with you.

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Thank you, all! The last time I was watching my diet, I had a huge calorie allowance due to the pregnancy with twins. I suppose things will be slightly different this go? I am assuming still to eliminate most carbs and starches like pastas, white breads and white potatoes. Increase proteins? Of course get back to running (I have been slacking)

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Thank you, all! The last time I was watching my diet, I had a huge calorie allowance due to the pregnancy with twins. I suppose things will be slightly different this go? I am assuming still to eliminate most carbs and starches like pastas, white breads and white potatoes. Increase proteins? Of course get back to running (I have been slacking)

 

 

What is working for me is LCHF. I gave up just about all carbs. I still eat dairy, nuts and a few veggies. But, no more pasta, beans, grains, flours (I use almond flour or coconut flour), fruits, most veggies, potatoes, sugars, etc. Replace the carbs with more good fats and protein. I was amazed that my doctor was familiar with this way of eating and totally supportive. After the first few days, the carb cravings go completely away.

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What is working for me is LCHF. I gave up just about all carbs. I still eat dairy, nuts and a few veggies. But, no more pasta, beans, grains, flours (I use almond flour or coconut flour), fruits, most veggies, potatoes, sugars, etc. Replace the carbs with more good fats and protein. I was amazed that my doctor was familiar with this way of eating and totally supportive. After the first few days, the carb cravings go completely away.

 

 

I am probably going this direction as well. The sad thing is breads, pastas and potatoes really allow me to stretch my dollar grocery wise with four kids.

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I understand!! I've had gestational twice and both times it was diagnosed in the first trimester. Just over 10 years ago, when my youngest was a toddler, my A1C was also a 7.something. They gave me a referral to a nutritionist and an exercise coach. With diet and exercise alone, my A1C had been between 5.2 and 5.4 ever since then. This last time, in early Jan it was 5.8, so it is creeping back up. I'm thinking all that Christmas fudge was not a good idea :)

 

Are you going to get a nutrition consult or referral? That helped me the most. It was confusing at first. I had a lot to learn about fats, fiber, GI charts, protein, etc. Everyone is different and responds to food differently. But, it is manageable and treatable. Hang in there!!

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I understand!! I've had gestational twice and both times it was diagnosed in the first trimester. Just over 10 years ago, when my younges. t was a toddler, my A1C was also a 7.something. They gave me a referral to a nutritionist and an exercise coach. With diet and exercise alone, my A1C had been between 5.2 and 5.4 ever since then. This last time, in early Jan it was 5.8, so it is creeping back up. I'm thinking all that Christmas fudge was not a good idea :)

 

Are you going to get a nutrition consult or referral? That helped me the most. It was confusing at first. I had a lot to learn about fats, fiber, GI charts, protein, etc. Everyone is different and responds to food differently. But, it is manageable and treatable. Hang in there!!

 

 

Not sure the game plan yet. I have seen a nutritionist before and open to going again. My bloodwork was completed by my gyn so I had to call my pcp and schedule an appt for next week to discuss action plans. I can't find my old glucometer either. Atleast I am experienced with daily testing, etc.

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I am probably going this direction as well. The sad thing is breads, pastas and potatoes really allow me to stretch my dollar grocery wise with four kids.

 

 

If you are the only one making the diet change, the cost might be quite so bad.

If your whole family is making the change, you may find that they don't eat quite as much food. I know that with the increased fat, I'm not eating the volume of food I used to eat. And, they could probably continue to eat fruits and veggies that you may need to pass on.

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If it's any consolation, I work as a tech at a medical lab/clinic, and it seems like everyone's A1C has been running higher than usual lately! Just remember that the past three months have had Thanksgiving and Christmas - just think about all the extra goodies that show up that time of year! Diet will have a big effect; they refer all the diabetic patients at the clinic to a diabetic conselor who goes over diet and exercise with them. FYI, some potatos have more starch and some less (http://www.potatogoodness.com/Content/pdf/PPNHandbook_Final.pdf & http://www.foodsubs.com/Potatoes.html) so you might not have to cut those out entirely, just choose wisely. Same with grains/starches, looks like whole grains are a better choice as far as gylcemic index. ( http://www.glycemicindex.com/, http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods.htm) Of course, you don't have to eat as much bread and pasta as the kids do!

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If it's any consolation, I work as a tech at a medical lab/clinic, and it seems like everyone's A1C has been running higher than usual lately! Just remember that the past three months have had Thanksgiving and Christmas - just think about all the extra goodies that show up that time of year! Diet will have a big effect; they refer all the diabetic patients at the clinic to a diabetic conselor who goes over diet and exercise with them. FYI, some potatos have more starch and some less (http://www.potatogoodness.com/Content/pdf/PPNHandbook_Final.pdf & http://www.foodsubs.com/Potatoes.html) so you might not have to cut those out entirely, just choose wisely. Same with grains/starches, looks like whole grains are a better choice as far as gylcemic index. ( http://www.glycemicindex.com/, http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods.htm) Of course, you don't have to eat as much bread and pasta as the kids do!

 

thanks for the links. I actually was doing Insanity workouts and behaved very well this holiday. Wish I could blame extra sweets, etc but I already eat quite decent minus the occasional pasta and bread or potato :( I drink no sodas, juices or teas. Just water. Big bummer.
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I'm sorry. My A1C was 9.6 right before Thanksgiving. I go in for my 3 month labs this week, with my doc appt next week. I'm hoping to be in the 5's. Like a previous poster, I gave up grains, sugar, fruits except for berries, and starchy veggies. That, along with walking a lot, has really helped. Hopefully it's reflected in my numbers this week.

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I'm sorry. My A1C was 9.6 right before Thanksgiving. I go in for my 3 month labs this week, with my doc appt next week. I'm hoping to be in the 5's. Like a previous poster, I gave up grains, sugar, fruits except for berries, and starchy veggies. That, along with walking a lot, has really helped. Hopefully it's reflected in my numbers this week.

 

hope you have great numbers!
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