results from Siehara's blood work

So, I don't know if I told everyone, but when Siehara went to the dr when she was sick, they were a bit concerned about some markings on her neck that are typically reflective of a precursor to diabetes in African Americans.   I took her for bloodwork on Saturday and just got the results back.  We were quite concerned, but according to the nurse who called things are much better than they were back in 2008 when we last did bloodwork!! WOO HOO

We only did blood sugar stuff and here are her numbers:
    glucose: 83, normal is 65-99
    hemoglobin A1C: 5.5, normal is less than 5.7  (how can we lower this more? and should we?)
    insulin 14, normal is less than 17

I am going to tell her that her numbers are still borderline so we can continue to keep her healthy and not have this scare again in the future.  I do NOT want her to end up like I was.  I want her to at least maintain the weight she is at now, if not lose some.  And, I want her healthy.  

Oh Lisa, I can just imagine how relieved you must be!!!  That's great news!!!  But I agree with you in telling her that she's still borderline.  We all know how easy it is to just keep going and end up where we were.  Best to develop good habits and health now!!!

Lisa,
Good news all around! I know how scared you and Siehara were. I also agree with Julia and you that it's important to start them off right from the beginning so that our children do not have to go under the knife like we had to. You are a good role model so I have no doubt she will do great.

Lisa - what a great relief ! I agree with telling her that the numbers are borderline. We have lived thru being overweight and I wouldn't wi**** on any child.
Lisa

Great!  Glad to hear that your concerns have been alleviated.

glad to hear the numbers were good but I agree 100% with how you are  handling it. To lower A1C you have to lower daily blood sugars and keep them stable. Cut out refined carbs and keep her moving!! Good luck!

Lisa,
I am glad the numbers were good.  I agree with Liz, cut out the carbs (and snack foods) and keep moving.  I am a diabetic and it is no fun at all.
-Sara

Great news Lisa! Kids have enough to deal with these days without throwing something like that on top of it.

Lisa, I know that you both must be relieved.  As others have stated, I would do as you are doing.  It's bad enough being overweight as an adult, but kids are so unforgiving with one another, and say such awful things. (along with diabetes concern)  it is something to keep up with.  You are a good Mom, and Siehara is lucky to have you watching out for her.
Ena

Hemoglobin A1C is what I call a "cheater test". What I mean is......a person can eat good for a few days to a week and have good glucose numbers. However HA1C will tell if a person has continuously been eating well. It tracks more accurately to a persons overall change in diet, not just an immediate one.

So truly, that number will lower with consistent healthy eating habits. Lower carbs, lower sugars, increase in veggies and whole grains.....etc.

I don't know if the docs tell patients this......but the docs I work for are more happy for a lower A1C because it shows a more consistent healthy diet. Glucose can be cheated with a few days of healthy eating.

So bottom line, she needs to eat a more "diabetic" diet for an amount of time. Which of course, is often easy for us post ops too, so it's a "win/win" for both of you.