That's right, after LOWERING my dosage of metformin (generic glucophage) six months ago; my HbA1C went DOWN to 5.5 from 5.8.  Yes, I brought my average blood sugars DOWN by reducing my medication and increasing my cardio and strength training.  It's only a decrease of about 8 mg/dl but that's an average over 24/7.  AND I went from 2000 mg metformin to 1500 mg.   I know "they" say it can and should work that way, but I'm the first to admit I didn't believe it.  (Or that was my excuse for not trying harder).

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discouraged. No, that's not the right word.  Or maybe it's that it's not the only word.  Cocky is one, disappointed another. Defeated is too strong, but more internalized than disappointed.  Judged for sure, as it really does feel like my "grade". 

Following gestational diabetes, I was "diagnosed" with type 2 by an A1C result of 6.0 by an endocrinologist who shall remain nameless to protect the incompetent. It was later that I discovered that the A1C is NOT a diagnostic tool and you shouldn't be diagnosed by it. 

There was some debate once I changed endos as to whether I was "pre-diabetic" or actually had diabetes.  After several years on metformin, and another round of insulin-dependent gestational diabetes, with only a 0.2 improvement in my A1C, I think the debate is over. (READ MORE)

My job will be ending sometime this summer. Consequently, I am investigating our health insurance options. Since hubby is self-employed, we have always covered the family under my work policy.

Now, I know that "health care in this country is in crisis"!  I know this is a huge touchpoint for political candidates.  Yes, I know all this intellectually. 

Now it's PERSONAL.  COBRA, offered by my employer by federal mandate, is more than a house note EVERY month.  Private insurance is still pricey - more than what we paid on 2 car notes.  And it carries a $2000 deductible per person.  Some sloppy math later and it could be $15,000 a year before they pay any expenses for us.

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I went for my 6 month endo appt week before last. I finally got my bloodwork back in the mail. That's one thing I really dislike about my doctor. I think it would be so much more effective to have the test results in front of us for the discussion.

By the way, where I write "doctor", feel free to substitute "physcian's assistant". As with most doctors who are in demand, he has 4 PAs that also see patients. The office tells you that you can make appointments with anyone, but if you want to see the actual MD, it takes a couple more months of waiting or accepting the oddball times, like 7:45 am on a Monday or 11:55 on a Friday - they close at noon on Fridays.

My HbA1c went up from 5.5 to 5.7. I realize that is still an awesome result and nothing to complain about, but I'm sure it's directly related to the 12 lbs I have gained in the past 6 months. That dreaded holiday weight that I was so afraid of? Yes, that would be about 8 of those pounds. (READ MORE)

Just some random thoughts and factoids for you today. (READ MORE)

When I wrapped my last entry, I had just received my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, in a non-standard manner.

In hindsight, I'm sure she was just trying to scare me straight. Maybe I'm not really a type 2, but that's what the paperwork says and as you'll see; if it's not 1000% correct today, chances are very high that it will be within the next 10 years.

Gosh, definitely don't tell my insurance company, or I'll be scrounging for strips like my friend Julia. (READ MORE)