Now my question to the medical profession

I am looking at Mike's blood test result from the doctor visit. All counts within normal range, except for his HgbAIC which registers 13.7

Can anyone assist in this interpetation? All I know is that it has to do with his Diabetes and blood sugar, but beyond that?

MA, Pat will probably be along in a bit, but I can tell you a little about it. That particular # relates to what his average blood sugar has been for the past three months. If it reads at around 7, that is good, 'cause the average was around normal, mine that I just got back was 9.4, which my dr. said relates to an average of around 250 or so. The better we control the high spikes of readings with diet, the lower the number goes.....does that help any?

Cindy is correct MA on the interpretation of hemoAc1. Mike's is high, the normal range should be 4.3-6.1, but all labs differ slightly...even if you live in a high altitude area,it can vary. Your probably not surprised that Mike did not have his diabetes under control for quite a long time, so this reflects that. But take into account things that were not in his control, infection, stress, and trauma can also increase these values. This is a wake up call for Mike, as I'm sure you already know. When he is physically able, and after some kind and loving nagging from you he really should enroll in a class on diabetes management...most hospitals offer them free of charge. There are now better ways to test blood sugars, machines that don't even pierce your skin (something laser I believe) and machines where you don't have to use your fingers for the needle stick, which really do hurt. In my experience men esp fear lack of control in sick situations...maybe you have to drum into his head (I know you have already...I've heard the drums even in Brooklyn!) That by managing his blood pressure he can be in control of this disease, not the other way around. You have a tough job ahead of you MA...most diabetics can try the patience of Job....GOOD LUCK!

Yes, the test is to measure blood sugar over 3 months. Here is some basic clinical info from my lab. Most of it probably won't mean much to you but it shows the reference ranges at the bottom.

\t

GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN

TEST CODE:HGBAIC CPT CODE:83036

SYNONYMS:

TEST INCLUDES:
Calculated Mean Glucose Concentration and Calculated Total Glycated Hemoglobin Concentration
LABORATORY:
Toxicology
SPECIMEN:
Fasting; Lavender Top, 7 mL blood
MINIMUM VOLUME:
Lavender Microtainer, 600 uL
AVAILABILITY:
Monday-Saturday
TURNAROUND TIME:
24 hours
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

REFERENCE RANGE:
Normal <6; Diabetic under control <7; action required >8

Just one more thought MA...maybe you can arrange with his doc a tour of the dialysis unit at your local hosptial. Being hooked up to a machine 3 times a week for 3-4 hours at a time MIGHT motivate him to change his bad habits! Kidney disease/failure is just one of the many great side effects of diabetes.

thanks! I will look into that. I can tell he is losing weight. I have started walking too every other day, once he is strong enough he said he will join me. We went down and bought him an expensive pair of shoes custom made for diabetics. He says they are making a world of difference for him. Though tonight, before I could stop him, he cut his toenails or tried to, and he cut himself

Originally Posted by hissy

thanks! I will look into that. I can tell he is losing weight. I have started walking too every other day, once he is strong enough he said he will join me. We went down and bought him an expensive pair of shoes custom made for diabetics. He says they are making a world of difference for him. Though tonight, before I could stop him, he cut his toenails or tried to, and he cut himself

Click to expand...

YIKES...get thee to a podiatrist STAT. I'm sure he won't want to go, but nag him and tell him you don't want to be married to an amputee. Gotta do the tough love thing with Mike!

Hissy,

I don't know how I missed this earlier today..dang it. But, you've gotten great, detailed answers, so all I"ll say is it's a wonderful tool that lets you know what has been happening, especially if you are not checking blood sugars yourself.

Fwiw, I use a Freestyle Blood glucose monitor, and use it on my arm, rarely even feel anything when using it, and it's ex. quick.

I decided to never again to waylaid with a poor HgbA1C result, and chose to begin checking my sugars daily. In Mikes case, I think you are already checking it daily? just wanted to mention that I think my monitor is one of the most painless out there.

I have found that my blood sugars respond to daily walking (when I do it...ahem), so going walking with you will be helpful for Mike.