The Verdict is In!

I am not being sentenced to an early death.

I Finally made it to the docs and received my blood results I was so worried about as mentioned  in my previous post.

It has been way too long since I have gone to my doctor for an official diabetes checkup.  I usually go for prescription refills, or other issues. But I booked this one just for my diabetes.  I feel a bit hypocritical telling others to followup regularly with their Doctor and diabetes team when I am not doing this myself.

My A1C came back at 8.2%  down .4 from the last one over a month ago.  I'm not surprised, and I know the next one will be a lot better.

My kidneys are doing well as indicated by my Micro Albumin Creatinine Ratio being normal.  So, no dumping mini protein in my pee!  Great news!

My livers doing well, I'm not surprised, as I rarely indulge in the sauce(Alcohol)  Good to check on it though, as I take a low dose Statin(Cholesterol lowering medication) and sometimes the Liver Enzymes can spike up a bit.

Electrolytes also good, also telling me my kidneys are working well. I also take an ARB (BP lowering Medication) that also prevents Mircroalbuminuria, and it can cause your Potassium to go high, which mine didn't. My BP hovers around 115/60. So I am good in that department.

TSH, which checks my Thyroid function, was elevated, meaning I may need to increase my dose of thyroid medication. I know; I totally feel geriatric some days being on multiple medication but most are preventative and my choice.

Another note about my dysfunctional thyroid gland, is it's very common to develop hypothyroid if you have diabetes, and therefore should be routinely checked. Another common disorder us PWD need to be screened for is Celiac Disease. So far I don't have Celiac.

Now my Lipids, or Cholesterol results were fab!
My Total Cholesterol was 3.95 (<6.2)
HDL was 1.22(>0.90)
LDL was 2.5(As low as you can get em! usually a 50% reduction if high risk)
Trigs were 0.51(<1.7)
(Canadian values)

I remember the lipids this way;  Lousy LDL the bad stuff, Happy HDL, the good stuff, and Triglycerides, well they suck too, and are triggered by the sugary starchy food, and alcohol over-consumption.  The targets for PWD are a little tighter.  Normals are noted in the brackets.

Well, Dr C, seemed to think I worry too much. But I know he sees a lot of poorly controlled PWD as I work in Primary Care as well. My standards are a little higher. But I am happy I'm healthy, and remain complication free. Well I still need to see my Eye Doc. But I think it'll be okay.

I also find going to the Doc motivates me to be more accountable.  As a result I have booked to see him in 3 months.

Well, here's to good health!

Trev

Post Lab Visit - What Ifs...

Well, I decided since I was booked to see my Physician on Monday it was time to get my blood work done.

It has been harder and harder to get this done.  Not the act of getting the blood drawn, but finding the time to get to the lab, wait, fast, etc.  I always find excuses not to get it done.

I did manage to make it to the lab, pee in a cup, get the three vials of red stuff sucked out of me, and back to work with my morning coffee in tote. 

Diabetes, and its time suckers I tell ya. Normally a trip to the lab takes 1-2 hours out of my day. Today was a good day, in and out in an hour. I am glad to get it done, but a little worried about the result. I haven't been a well behaved PWD over the winter. Oh well, we shall see in a couple of days.

It is the what ifs that haunt me while I wait for the results.

Like What if....

-I'm spilling protein in my urine, called Microalbuminuria.....
-my Lousy Cholesterol(LDL) is increased.....
-my HgA1C completely blows...
-my kidney function (tests) worsens

 I pretty much worry about every single lab result and what it means and how it could potentially effect my lifespan.

When you've had the big D for a long time, these things start to seep into the thoughts, and consciousness, as you contemplate mortality with diabetes.

One things for sure is the DOC has numerous stories and people who have been dealing with D for decades and are living proof that it is possible to live a long, complication free life.

 I know the research(DCCT Trial Info) states it is possible to reduce complications, but I want to avoid complications not just reduce.

Well until Monday the fingers are crossed. 

Have a great week-end!

On a funny,  not so serious note, check out my new VLOG below of my toddler providing music on my daily commute. Note this is on the way there and the way back.