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The Question
11/05/09 07:16 AM

"My numbers are at 6.3 to 6.5. I am going though some stess trying to go lower. I am 60 old, and I walk 3 miles every other day. are those numbers OK?"
Asked By: gentile631  
Category: Type 2

Background Info Hide
I am a diabetic and on meds. Type 2 I take Metiformin,and Avandia. I had a heart attack 10 years ago.

Expert Answers (2)

11/06/09 07:14 PM

:)Hello Gentile631:
The numbers you mention as A1c, 6.3 and 6.5, both register within the recommendations of <7%, so YES they are OK.
Good job with the walking the 3 miles, or approximately 30-45 minutes, per 3 miles, 3-4 times per week, or about 90-150 minutes per week. Recommendations for activity are to accumulate 150 minutes per week, so you are pretty much right on target! Additional suggestions, per ADA, would be to participate in resistance, (weights and talk to an exercise specialist), training 3 times per week, per PCP/Cardiologist "OK".

Other cardiac risk factors are :

  • Total cholesterol<200 mg/dl, LDL, recommended is <100mg/dl, HDL>50 for women and >40 for men, Triglycerides<150 mg/dl, Blood pressure<130/80 mmHg. (How do the numbers compare???

    I applaud and conclude, the heart attack you had 10 years ago, in the past and you are continuing to reduce the risk of another attack!!!

    Once diabetes is diagnosed, the first line of treatment is Metformin, it primary action is to reduce the release of liver glucose, and stimulate glucose uptake in insulin 'sensitive' tissues. Its' next action is to help insulin's function, (to help get glucose), into the muscle and fat cells.

    When glucose ranges are not met, additional medications are started, your Avandia®. Avandia®'s primary action is to cause the muscle and fat cells to be sensitive to your circulation insulin and also works to reduce liver glucose production, (usually released during the night). Combination therapy works because it selectively targets metabolic functions which fuel blood glucose levels, one medication will suppress excess glucose release, (metformin), and increase sensitivity of cells, (Avandia®).
    Thanks for calling on dLife, call again. Be your best, regards Sue

    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show
    11/06/09 07:10 PM

    Dear gentile631, Thanks for writing into dLife. If you were my patient and your A1c numbers were 6.3 - 6.5, I would be very happy. We don't refer to individual numbers on the scale used for glycemic index. The numbers are used to interpret the "average blood sugars" over 2-3 months before the test. You can read more about A1c numbers on the dLife web site by searching the information column on the upper left of this page.
    Answered By: Janice Fisher
    Accreditations: RD, LD, PHD, CDE, BC-ADM
    Sources Show

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