Can I trust my A1c?

After revising my analogue insulin regime, calculating my Insulin to Carbs Ratio (ICR) and Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF) with my endo...

Jeng Jeng Jeng Jengggg. I got my A1c blood test back to me yesterday: 7.3 %

Fuiyohh (Omg) it's like the highest number on that lab paper ever in my life.

(If you notice the right bar in my blog, the numbers were actually climbing up)

So, I messaged my mom. I decided not to call her because I know what she gonna say, anyhow she gave me a kinda long reply message (刻苦铭心，用心良苦 from-the-bottom-of-heart and well-intentioned kinda message). 

Considering those reading my blog now, please do not give me that "Aren't you a dietitian?" look. Please let me have the chance to express my internal feelings as a patient on intensive insulin therapy. 

Let me review these 3 months back...

• Lesser hypoglycemic episodes (used to be once every 4-5 days on average)
• Sugar high (about 8-15mmol/L) while I was adjusting my insulin to find out the right ICR and ISF.
• A1c 7.3% gives me an average of sugar level 9mmol/L. (hmmm fair enough)
• So, I can say: Those previous blood tests of lower A1c at 6.5% were probably falsely low because hypo episodes were very frequent. And therefore, those hypos numbers actually even out all the high numbers, leading to a lower A1c (%)? 
• Check this with the endo, she said yes it could be!
• All of a sudden, a realization that A1c can only be trusted after a good review. 

I have to work hard for a lower A1c next round. It's not easy, but I must do it! Already forward my A1c reading to my family, bf and friends, please keep an eye on me and encourage me! :p 

Saw that there is this new insulin pump-sensor combination system being approved by FDA: Animas Vibe Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor System. The whole DOC is so excited about it. Unfortunately, I don't see it coming in Malaysia yet. 

Planning to get the Metronic pump in Mid December. Will join the 1 month pump trial first. *finger crossed

From www.medcomic.com

10 good things about diabetes

Obviously I hate diabetes. I can list down thousands of bad things about diabetes. I actually crack my head for these 10 good ones. 

But, life is about finding simple happiness even at your toughest moment, right? 

Yes, so today I am going to list out 10 good things about #T1DM, for me, at least. 

#1: Toleration to needles.

One example of toleration: I always do my injections in the car. Mostly moving cars. For countless time.

#2: Toleration to blood scene.

I have bigger response when I see a huge pimple on my face, than when I smear blood on my white bed sheet/cloth.

#3: Better diet. Better lifestyle.

I eat mindfully. I eat well for the sake of diabetes control. (I eat all the things that you eat, just that I eat with IQ and EQ and whatever QQQ, for most of the time)

#4: More health checks.

I draw blood every 3 months. I see the doctor 4 times/year. I check my eyes yearly. (Hmm not sure if visiting to hospital for health checks so frequently is a good thing lol)

#5: Mutual stranger friends.

I chat with T1D strangers. Can't believe I actually talked to strangers spontaneously. And yeah, now I enjoy making friends with strangers now! (Of course, strangers with T1D only la)

#6: I learn not to judge people.

Because some people irritated me so much when they judge me just by seeing some numbers. So, I promised that I will not give the same irritating feelings to other people.

#7: People concern about you more.

Actually, I am not sure if it's a good thing or what. I tend to back off a little bit when someone keeps an extra eye on me, because they think I am very vulnerable. lolll. (I will feel geli/awkward a bit when someone concerns about me overly, but deepest appreciation from me!)

#8: Wonderful sweet treats at home.

There is always chocolate in the fridge. Juice box in the fridge. Candies on the table. Coke in the car and Mentos in your pocket. (For hypo's sake)

#9: A reason to excuse yourself.

When people want to offer you more alcohol or extra food, and you actually don't feel like taking any more. Just tell them, sorry, you may offer other people. 

#10: Job employment.

Ah! Something new right? Last time I used to think that companies might not want to employ me because I am unfit/unwell. But now, totally different. Because I might be in a better position to do that job, than other well people.

Memes from http://imagestointrigue.blogspot.com/2012/03/exclusive-memes.html

HbA1c (%)

If you notice the changes in the HbA1c reading over the right sidebar of my blog, my HbA1c has been increasing steadily (not dramatically) over the past 10 months.

HbA1c is an indicator of diabetes control over a period of 3 months. Further explanation, click here.

HbA1c & Average BG level

5% = 5.5 mmol/L
6% = 7.5 mmol/L                     
7% = 9.4 mmol/L                     
8% = 11.4 mmol/L                   
9% = 13.3 mmol/L                   
10% = 15.3 mmol/L                     

11% = 17.2 mmol/L                     

12% = 19.2 mmol/L                   

source:http://www.accu-chekdiabeteslink.com/

Saw my endo in August and she sort of like teased me: Ha! I thought you're a dietitian? Why HbA1c increased?

But, I am still very much a lay-man patient, doctor! I do my part as patient in counting the food that I eat. But, sometimes diabetes stories are complicated. (very complicated)

So Dawn Phenomena it is. And we decided to change my insulin to Analogue Insulin (I always wanted to start using analogue insulin. It was just that the government clinic refuses to prescribe, because they don't think my HbA1c is dangerous enough *sighed). 

Started my MDI (multiple daily injections) with Novorapid and Lantus. I would say very good! As for now, I don't get morning high BG with unknown reason anymore. I go to bed with in-range BG and woke up with in-range BG. I am very glad :)

Just that...I have to pay more. lolll.

Following up with endo again end of this month. And will need her help to refer me to government specialist clinic. 

Later on, the next big thing is: Get An Insulin Pump! (which costs like a second-hand Perodua car in Malaysia)

I need sponsor a lil bit, also I need to work harder and smarter to cover necessary expenses for that pump! I simply can't wait! :)

This pump key chain is too cute!