A1C 5.6
Celebration
Unless you or someone you know has diabetes, the series of numbers and letters in the title of this post are gobbledygook.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on March 29, 2022. Every three months, I have to get an A1C. This is a blood test which measures my blood sugar levels over the past three months.
I had mine yesterday. I was worried as I always am. In November, I had Covid. For a week, I could barely eat and I didn't test my blood sugar levels but I suspect they were low. For two weeks I barely did my usual fitness regime: three 75-minute workouts a week plus walks of at least 30 minutes daily.
Also in November, my husband was laid off. So life became very stressful. They say that stress has a negative effect on blood sugar levels.
So yesterday when I took the 15-minute walk at 7 am to the local Dynacare Lab—I always try to be there at least 15 minutes before the lab opens to avoid long waits—I walked quickly. Somerset was mostly quiet. Nothing was open yet. I passed someone I know who had a coffee warming his hands, but I said nothing. I couldn't slow down.
In the front entrance to the building where the Dynacare Lab is, I stood with 12 other people also waiting to get bloodwork done. I thought about how, for these people also, this bloodwork is important. We are early and waiting quietly. A man in his eighties has ridden a bike to get there. He sets up a plastic stool and sits. It breaks. He falls. He is ok.
The technician comes out before the lab opens to take requisitions and health cards. My test is free but some tests cost money now.
More people arrive. Some wait outside. Only two of us wear masks. The staff wear masks.
At 730, the door is unlocked. I get a seat. In less than half an hour, I'm chatting wi5h the regular technician about the raven tattoo on my forearm while she's taking my blood. She's been there for three years. I am not good at remembering names so I don't know hers.
This morning I checked my results. 5.6 means I am at what is called “normal” or non-diabetic level. PHEW! Yay!
Since August 2022, my blood sugar levels have been in the 5 range, non diabetic. I work my ass off to keep them there. I manage my blood sugar levels through a healthy low carb diet of unprocessed meals, made lovingly by my husband with my help, and my fitness regime.
Every three months I walk to the Dynacare Lab: February, May, August and November. I am always a little nervous about this walk. I don't want to be on meds for diabetes, especially now that we no longee have a drug plan to pay for medication. So, yes. I am relieved.
It's interesting to track my life in three-month intervals like this. In May, I will do the rushed walk again, through the park at 7 am.
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I survived a near-death health crisis in 2009. I am grateful to be here and I will continue to fight like hell to survive and to thrive, to lead a life full of joy and whimsy. To bring joy to others and celebrate this beautiful, difficult, complicated life.