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Newly Diagnosed

Diabetic Connect Member punkyc

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my ac1 test is 13.5

by punkyc
July 8, 2009 11:34 PM
24 Replies
465 Views

everything is new to me. im totally scared. im only 27 and i let myself get to 406 lbs. now i am 285. i guess all i can say is i am scared.

Tags: ac1, high bs levels, serious, weigh gain, risk of complications

From Replies
Diabetic Connect Member BeckyJ
BeckyJ
BeckyJ replied July 9, 2009 12:01 AM 

Well you've come to the right place for some encouragement. I too started out at an EXTREMELY high A1C 13.5. After a very scary couple of months and a lot of help from friends and medical help I was able to drop down. I still struggle and am changing my insulin and other medications regularly. The first step is to talk with a specialist who knows about diabetes. Many family doc's just aren't equipped to handle the needs of a diabetic. As a new diabetic it is extremely helpful to attend an education course. Hopefully one is available in your area. Contact your local health dept if your doctor doesn't put you in contact with one. One other thing that truly helped me was to get in contact with a therapist/support group. Having someone to share your fears with is such a relief. I can't say that it gets easier overnight but over time it will get better. I wish you the best of luck. Any questions or concerns feel free to contact me or post on this wonderful site. Everyone here is amazing!

BeckyJ replied July 9, 2009 12:02 AM 

I meant to say that my A1C was 13.9...just came out wrong. My most recent A1C was 5.6

punkyc replied July 9, 2009 1:00 AM 

wow!! that is great! i am sure that it was a lot of work to get that number down. thank you so much for the info. i am currently in a class. even with that i am seriously scared. thank you!!

Diabetic Connect Member Turtle
Turtle
Turtle replied July 9, 2009 1:38 AM 

Hi punkyc,
I am sorry to hear your aic is so high but you are in the right place. Also, you are losing weight which is great. You may be able to get that aic under better control with diet exercise and whatever your doctor has recommended.
My a1c is slowly climbing because I cannot get the exercise I need right now. I hope to get to know you better.
Diabetic Connect Member BLC
BLC
BLC replied July 9, 2009 2:21 AM 

At diagnoses my A1C was 14.9. Its a good thing at the time I had no clue what that meant or I would have been terrified. At the next check my A1c was 5. 7! I worked really really hard to get it there. However since then I have let it creep back up to 7, 8, and now 9.1. A lot of that has been due to stress, lack of exercise, not being careful about what I eat and lack of exercise. But getting your A1c down is possible. Just don't be like me and let it come back up! You'll be fine. Sounds like you are doing great at getting your weight under control. With that kind of willpower you can do it. Best of Luck.
BLC

gretchensun replied September 27, 2009 11:38 AM 

what did you do to get it down/ mine is 12. what meds did you take and what did you eat..did you exercise everyday? I am new and taking byetta
Diabetic Connect Member Pat Roth
Pat Roth
Pat Roth replied July 9, 2009 4:00 AM 

Well, I seem to be the grandmother of this group, and they all are such a sweet!!, caring family, just the kind of folks to support and reassure you as you adjust to your new situation. It does take time, take it from a grunty guss, really to VENT helps so much, it gets it out of your system! NEVER keep STUFF all inside as that makes you sicker!

I am 77 yrs., had been borderline for over 50 years and was so smug, it was NEVER going to get me down, or go UP! But 3 years ago, it did, and I was ticked! No, not me, I have endured enough, back off life---ease up for I am so tired. But you know, I am adjusting and watching my diet, used to exercise, now swim--and I am happy as I have met the nicest people! Best of Luck! PR
Diabetic Connect Member lipsie
lipsie
lipsie replied July 9, 2009 12:47 PM 

Well hello and welcome to a great place of support let me tell ya. First, that is a great difference in your weight loss!! Great job there eh? I am opposite there, I am about 400 pds but my last ac1 was 5.7 I think. Anyhow...yours is quite high, that is great you are in classes...you seem very concerned, I think you are becoming more aware to things and obvious looking for help n support otherwise you would not be here, right? So no doubt we all are here to support you and help in whatever way we can. Please keep us updated...I would love to keep hearing how you are doing for one. *HugS* Sheila
Diabetic Connect Member cyncyn
cyncyn
cyncyn replied July 9, 2009 1:29 PM 

Welcome to the site! You have come to the right place. The people here, are amazing. There is plenty of advise, and support here.

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction! With the weight loss, you have what it takes, to make it!! Keep up the good work. As others suggested, find a good Registered Dietician. Your dr. can refer you, and most insurances pay for it. They can help you with your meal planning, and all the correct info you need, about your food intake.
You are doing great! So keep your head up high, and keep looking forward. You'll get there! Good Luck

HUGS
Cyndi
Diabetic Connect Member P2putt
P2putt
P2putt replied July 15, 2009 11:11 AM 

Last edited 4 months ago

Welcome ,good to have you at dc. would suggest that you log on to dc often.Discussions are very helpful. If you have any questions you are able to ask on Dicussions or message a friend. wishing you the best,stay tuned in. P.S. I've been a diabetic for over 25 yrs and my A1C reached 14.7, Yours will drop as you follow your Program. :o) Pete
Diabetic Connect Member kristyns way
kristyns way
kristyns way replied November 6, 2009 6:27 AM 

hi punkyc..i just saw your comment..your bg numbers are 13.5? have they givein you any additional insulin..or changed your current insulin?? my daughter who is 16 yrs old ..it took docters at 8.5 bg readings to change her insulin.. and this was happening for close to a year!!! ...outrages... plz respond if you will.. am concerned about you.. and how you are copeing now adays.. sincerly kristyns way
Diabetic Connect Member Pat Roth
Pat Roth
Pat Roth replied November 7, 2009 4:57 PM 

You know what------I recently learned that my own AIc was only in the 6's range---6.3, 6.1, then 5.9---to me this is silly that I have to try and monitor that kind of BS, especially if the Metformin had anything to do with my kidney cancer----!! And my BS only run up to 201 or so, without anything---And it seems to be coming down, since my surgery---I would rather watch my diet and exercise, even if it remains a tad hi, than to fight the LOWS of not getting the Glipizide dosage, correct----I am so TIRED of taking BP, Bs, weight every other day, because of one kidney---and now the cancer, which seems to be GONE!!! Guess I am just tired and cranky today---sorry, will go take a nap! Hugs to ALL, PR

jayabee52 replied November 14, 2009 2:09 AM 

Howdy PR, How ya doing today?
best wishes! James

Pat Roth replied November 14, 2009 5:25 AM 

Coming along, sir!! Thanks for asking, that really helps!!! PR

jayabee52 replied November 14, 2009 5:58 AM 

Last edited 6 days ago

Well I just HAD to ask the "grandmother of this group" how she was doing.

YOU are important to many of us! You would be missed if you went away.

You are most welcome maam! HUGS!

JB


Diabetic Connect Member jayabee52
jayabee52
jayabee52 replied November 14, 2009 2:20 AM 

Last edited 7 days ago

Howdy punkyC!

I can "ditto" most of what people wrote to you here as I am relatively new to this site, but not to the big blue D. I've had diabetes for about 15 years now.

I pray and hope things are going well with you. Please check in and give us feedback.

Best wishes,
James

Pat Roth replied 6 days ago 

Ok, Ok, now what is the big blue D???I may be the oldest but that sure doesn't mean I know the mostest!! Like going to an Applebees that advertised "a bar"---I thought that they meant a SALAD BAR--got inside, and guessed that was not the case! sigh---still love their food!

Then I ordered a yummy looking drink with coffee and ice cream the pic looked similar to that concoction that the Dariy Queen puts out, a mudslide or such--- NOT!! When I asked for a "to-go" cup, they said that they could not do that as I had a black straw! "Black straw"??? I also had stuck my clear, water straw in it too---then several of them delighted in explaining to me that Starbucks coffee liquer, and Godiva something or other, was a liquer too??? My, oh, my, what is an old lady to do??!! There was an elderly, male customer hanging on a stool, laughing his head off, while the "help" just laughed and said that they were glad that I had come in to brighten their day!!

So, guess that is my role in this lifetime, even my oldest daughter can't believe that I have functioned for 77 yrs and don't know the facts of life---oh, well---someone has to be naive, and I don't mind, I learn more, that way!!! haha-----nighty night!! Hugs to All---pat R

jayabee52 replied 5 days ago 

Well sometimes I can be so "clever" that I am not clear. You need not feel bad that you didn't know this "big blue D" [diabetes] because I made it up on the fly, as it were. I titled it that because I had been seeing advertisements about world diabetes day on Nov 14 [today] with the tagline the big blue circle, which is supposed to be the world symbol for diabetes. And I wanted to distinguish diabetes from another big D, a big brown D, aka "montezuma's revenge", "green apple quick step", "hershey squirts" or other "colorful" terms for that nasty bodily malfunction. If you don't get my drift, email me on DC and I'll explain it. [And I'll have to look up the proper spelling as I have trouble spelling that word]

So, I am sorry you felt puzzled by my attempt to be creative and lighthearted.

But you told a good story about your escapade in Applebees. Precious! I take it that county that Applebees was in was not one of the "dry" counties in KS as mine was when I lived in Deerfield.

Well don't feel too bad, I am still surprised by some new little wrinkle om the resturaunt scene. My wife still has to explain some things to me when dining out. Sometimes I feel like I am walking around with my knuckles draggin!

sleep well, Pat
James

Pat Roth replied 5 days ago 

Oh, now I get that---but isn't their an advertisement as to the "big, blue D" that has another meaning??

I loved your comparison to the "dragging your knuckles on the floor" ---although it took me 2 or 3 minutes to "get it"! haha--My daughter says that I laugh whether I get it or not! Of course, as I figure it, there is a punch line somewhere in a joke, and it takes me a bit to relax, and let it come!! haha--And I don't like to laugh alone, although I have!!! haha--

Take care and thanks for the comradship, helps to balance the nitty-gritty part of diabetis. Pat R
Diabetic Connect Member Kira_xo
Kira_xo
Kira_xo replied 6 days ago 

Hey! Welcome to the site!
I was just recently diagnosed as well at age 21. It's a little scary at first but only because you learn you have to pretty much change a lot of bad habits around which can be really tough. I've known about my diabetes for like a week now and at first I was really upset...but now I'm actually a lot happier than I was because now I know whats wrong with me, and I know what I have to do to fix it. Just stay postive!

Good luck girlie!!!

Pam from KCMO replied 6 days ago 

I understand your relief at finally knowing what was going on. I was undiagnosed, going through menopause, and thought I was falling apart. Blamed all my problems on menopause, then a nurse practitioner at my ob-gyn's office suggested I have my blood sugar tested (persistent yeast infections were a symptom) and voila - diabetes. Once I got over the initial shock and started my new 'life with diabetes,' the symptoms (including extreme irritability - I had turned into a witch!) abated. You'll be feeling better soon. Just keep taking care of yourself.

Karen(Lamb)Garber replied 6 days ago 

Kira
I don't think the shock is any less to someone as old as I am. At age 60 I was told I had type 2 diabetes. It's hard to get used to! I own a ranch and for years have cooked for any and all who darkened my doorway. It's hard to relearn a lifestyle. All we can do is try I guess. Snacks are the hardest for me. I don't use sweets but I cannot "love" sliced veggies as snacks. LOL Good luck hon...and know everyone with diabetes is struggling I think. It's a hard animal to harness!!
Diabetic Connect Member Susie624
Susie624
Susie624 replied 6 days ago 

Was fortunate in the fact I was on alert for diabetes as it runs in my family ,so at the first sign my dr. checked for it and the highest my a1c has been 7.5 and Dr jumped on that real fast . You are doing the right tings just keep up at it and it will all work out.
Diabetic Connect Member Sue Turner
Sue Turner
Sue Turner replied 6 days ago 

Hi Punkyc,

First off, I want to welcome you to this site. There are a lot of wonderful people on here to help and support you.

Were you diagnosed as a type 1, or type II? I know you are scared. I was diagnosed at the age of 60, right before my 61st birthday as type 1. I was terrified. I worked with a lot of diabetics in my profession,and I had some idea of what they were going through. However, you have a better appreciation of it, when it happens to you. I ended up in the hospital with a bs reading that was off the charts, and in full blown ketoacidosis. I had a very bad yeast infection, and a urinary tract infection. I was admitted to the hospital for several days so that they could get things under control. Try to stay calm, get you bs under control, and you will be ok. A lot of the time type 2 diabetics can control their diabetes with diet and exercise. Loosing the weight will also help tremendously. If your bs levels are running really high, insulin is also an option to get it under control.

Educate yourself, and a lot of the fears you have will go away. Knowledge is power. Take that power and go with it; use it to your benefit.

Remember, we are all here to help you through this. Just know that you are not alone, we all go through this. Like Becky said, a good therapist, and support group helps. It "is" a huge relief to have someone you can share your fears with.

Take care of yourelf, and keep us posted on how you are doing. Best of luck to you, Sue T.