So after a chat with my diabetic care pharmacist, I feel like maybe I should do a GLP 1. She said in a nutshell even at 6.5 a1c I am still damaging my organs. Really? I was so proud that I went from 8 to 6.5. And recently hit high 90s over night. Any advice? I am still on low carb diet and staying a
8 => 6.5 is a major reduction in risk for complications.
Talk to your primary care doctor or endocrinologist (if you have one) for actual medical advice.
I will thank you
What's a "diabetic care pharmacist"?
A 6.5 A1C is great, so you might want a 2nd opinion.
Yeah that's all bullshit less than 7 is great
I think going from a 8 to a 6.5 is awesome! You should be very proud of yourself. It’s really tough so keep up the good work.
Just for FYI 🙂 -There are Pharmacists now that are integrated into the patient care. You can have a clinic that has a doctor, PA/NP, PharmD, social worker, etc all working as a team.
Basically a pharmacist would be looking at the doctor-patient discussion and goals and then educating the patient on diet, changing units of insulin (if they are on it), recommending medications, hypoglycemia discussion, monitoring adherence, etc. they do this not only for Diabetes but also many other disease states. Most Physicians love it now when they have a pharmacist on their team.
I have one of those. She checks in with me once a month to see if I have any questions and if I'm taking my medication. She reviews my blood sugar logs. She's generally encouraging.
I have one too. I have a care nurse too. They're generally great. The care pharmacist is right though. Technically a 6.5 A1c is still damaging buts its still a good number for a diabetic.
Is this something your insurance pushed on you?
I'm not sure. I did ask my doctor for support because I wasn't sure about the new rules for eating. They sent me to a diabetes education class and I got a call to schedule an appointment to talk with a pharmacist. The class cost me money but the pharmacist call is free. It's probably because I asked for help.
None of this sounds right. Your doctor is responsible for teaching you what you need to know about diabetes. A pharmacist is not a doctor. I would zoom out and look at your options and who’s pushing what.
Us pharmacists have taken on the role of patient educator for several decades now. Usually in the realm of anticoagulant therapy, asthma/allergic rhinitis, and diabetic management. While there are specialized diabetic counselors that help with meal planning and carbohydrate counting, we as pharmacist usually are counted on to provide the necessary education regarding insulin therapy, drug interaction, and finding ways to tailor insulin usage with your daily meals. We always aim to provide positive reinforcement and encourage the patient to take ownership of the change they want to see in themselves. OP's educator is a fuckwad. End rant.
I don't want to turn down extra support. This has been a life altering diagnosis and I feel overwhelmed occasionally. I like being helped from different sources. My diabetes class took 10 hours over 3 days. I don't know a doctor who has that kind of time to give at a price I could afford. I like having someone hold me accountable to take my medications and blood sugar readings. It's easy for life to get in the way. Why would I reject help that is covered at no additional cost to me?
Pharmacists in the US are doctors and it is becoming common for pharmacists to manage diabetes in collaboration with a supervising medical doctor. Generally they are well trained in diabetes management, though it sounds like OP may be better suited with a new care team.
Drs refer patients to nutritionists here in Canada after being diagnosed, at your request..
Is that really so weird?
Type LADA
I don’t think u have to ask in Canada well in Toronto Ontario I didn’t have to ask my dr sent me to a diabetic clinic in downtown Toronto and they set u up with everyone to teach u about what u shouldn’t eat and what’s good to eat also someone to check ur feet and do ur toe nails etc
We're talking about pharmacists, not nutritionists. I don't think it's weird for diabetics to talk to nutritionists - or, in the US, the legit ones are called registered dieticians - at all.
I'm aware. Just asking.
We have prescribing pharmacists and specialist pharmacists here in Ontario, on top of doctors. We get sent to them too. They can prescribe, alter, etc, prescriptions with a couple of limitations. I think here, we refer to them as "pharmacists with expanded scope of practice". Hasn't costed me anything, and I don't have any insurance on top of the ontario plan everyone in ontario gets by default.
Recently I learned we have expanded scope pharmacists as well in a lot of states. They are more comparable to nurse practitioners -ish. They can do physicals. Prescribe certain classes of meds. More for chronic conditions vs acute or sudden onset conditions. Order and read various tests and bloodwork. Do their own follow-ups. Refer you to specialists. Opioids is one drug class I don't they can prescribe. And all of their Rx's, Dx's and care is signed off by a medical doctor under a Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPA). I think CVS was trying out this relatively new scope of practice, when they could get a medical doctor into the oversight role.
Pharmacists are doctors. They have earned a doctorate in pharmacy science. I believe they also have a longer time in school because of all of
I would do some research and look around for a diabetes class. You may find a hospital or diabetes organization that is offering free classes.
You could also look for a diabetes study.
Its part of my care team.
In Canada we have prescribing pharmacist and specialist pharmacist. They are usually very knowledgeable about what they do. In some areas they have nurse practitioners which would be comparable I guess.
I’m not sure what headspace you’re in, or whether it's affecting how you're interpreting something she said.
I’d ask her to share the literature showing harm at an A1c of 6.5%, especially since much of the published guidance targets 7.0% for people with diabetes. I’d also let her know I want to review that guidance with my endocrinologist or PCP to be sure it aligns with their care plan.
So, celebrate your progress lowering your A1c and work with your medical doctor to discuss your plan for the next 3-6 months until your next A1c labs are in. Your pharmacist should support, not direct, your medical plan.
Take medical advice from your doctor, not from anyone on the internet, and be guarded with your pharmacist who may know your medications, but not your medical history or full lab resu
I suffer from healthy anxiety too and maybe what she said trigger me. Thanks for taking the time to write this!
No problem. I hope you're not "hopeless". You're making progress. You appear to be managing your condition.
Go back to your doctor for next steps. Speak to a dietician for a sustainable diet plan for the next phase. Check your blood glucose regularly and use your next A1c for feedback to confirm you're still on track.
You've got a full and happy life to live, so don't let comments trigger and derail you. Remember: you're running a marathon, not a sprint.
As a type 1 diabetes, my endocrinologist told me she doesn't want my A1C under 7 because my A1C being under 7 means I'm having too many low blood sugar events.
My PCP says she’s happy with 7 or a little lower. Don’t despair most docs would be happy where you are
Please ignore them. You're doing great. Look at the graph at the bottom of this page and read where it says "For every 1% decrease in A1C, there is 45% less risk of a diabetes complication.".
Thanks for sharing. I also found this informative as I navigate my relatively new diagnosis.
Your number is excellent! Keep up the great work. And get a new pharmacist!
I will thank you!
I was between 9 and 11 for years and I did have some minor organ damage, but Ive been at 6.5 and under for the last 5 years and I am in the healthiest shape of my life.
Sounds like they're being unreasonably down on you.
Under 7.0 is target for Diabetics. You have done good! Can you get lower? sure, but the difference between a 6.5 and 5.5 is statistically negligible unless your 6.5 has large 350+ spikes on a periodic basis.
There is an endo around me that writes white papers, etc on diabetics and he is crazy about getting folks below 5.8 (and will drop you if you go over for too long and is a complete asshole, so i have been told), but most endos are happy with a sustained, healthy, 6.5.
Most all doctors and also life insurance companies
There’s a reason I only ever met with a pharmacist for diabetic medication management once….
The first diabetes education nurse I ever met was full of crap....so there is that. Invest in a good Endo. And even there are great ones and ones that aren't all that great.
Who gets a diabetic care team? 5 year's of diabetes and never even been seen by a doctor just lab's. That's how veterans are treated.
That’s diabolical, I’m sorry you get such crappy care.
2 500 MG Metformin as well here. Added in Ozempic about 15 months ago. My last a1c was 5.9. You’re doing just fine at 6.5 my friend, keep up the good work. That was about where I was before starting the GLP 1.
These shots are amazing, I’m at 5.0 now and they took me off the metformin last appointment…I only found out about it this summer so i think I’m doing really good for someone who used to think if I got diabetes my life would be over so..it happens you get there.
My endo team says between 6 and 7 is perfect. Less than 6 can be problematic with lows.
Is that for T1 or T2? cause I thought that under 5.7 is considered "normal"?
The goal for T1D and T2D is 7 or less. Lower is better of course, but you have to consider the cost ( on the liver and side effects) of taking a higher dose of med’s to get an incremental drop in A1C. Since diabetes is mostly a progressive disease, most endo’s are happy if you are <7 with a standard dosage of metformin or GLP-1, etc. Then if your disease progresses there is room to up the dosage. So far I’ve been between 6.5-7.0 on an intermediate dosage of GLP-1 (victoza, then trulicity, now rybelsus) for 15 years. I’ve had to tighten up my diet (intermittent fasting, moderate carb), use a CGM for 2 weeks a month for accountability, and up my cardio and strength training game.
Your comment made me feel better. I brought my A1C from 7.7 to 6.4, and was really upset it wasn't lower after 10 months on a low carb diet and Metformin.
Huh. today I learned. thanks!
I figured that T2D's would want to get it as low as possible. I just looked it up and it looks like under 5 is considered unhealthy for everybody, so my brain would want to get to mid 5s.
I'm no expert and don't fully understand the differences myself, but there is a major difference between a finger prick test and a A1C test.
Though the results might on the surface look similar, they are completely different.
The finger prick is mmol/L, whereas the three monthly A1C is a percentage. So the two can't be directly compared, but their results look similar - which can cause confusion.
A waking blood sugar level of 4.5-6.9 mmol/L is generally considered great to alright. I personally think that 6.9 mmol/L for waking is a bit high. Ipersonally try to hit around high 4 to low 5 mmol/L first thing in the morning.
A long term A1C test result of 7% or a little less is considered to be the target for diabetics. I'm currently at 6.2% and my doctor is pleased with that.
You may find this explanation helpful. It includes a chart that correlates glycated hemoglobin to estimated average serum glucose levels both in American and international units.
Thank you, that is very helpful.
If type 2, under 5.7 is ideal. Over 6.5 is still diabetes.
My A1C is 8.5. I would kill for < 7!!!!
I have never heard this from any doctor or from any respectable medical journal.
The whole huge medical coop that I belong to recognizes under 7 as "in control". So for my doctor, 6.5 would be just fine. I thought that in the US, that is the typical standard.
T1 60yrs. A1c always in 6's. No worse for wear. Minor complications, more old age issues. 😆
I would not be consulting my pharmacist, I would be consulting the prescribing doctor
6.5 is great keep at it ✊
A pharmacist?! Go to a doctor.
I tend to agree with her. Even though your A1c is 6.5, it’s just an average of over 3 months. What’s more useful data is time in range. In a non-diabetic, after eating your glucose usually only rises to around 140 and then goes back to baseline an hour or so later. In diabetes and depending on what you eat, your glucose may go much higher than that and stay elevated longer. Typically if you are diabetic you should try to stay under 180 post meal. It’s this rise after eating and how long it stays elevated that causes organ damage. A1c won’t give you that data. I have asked my Endocrinologist about this already, and he says the same. I am much more stringent and I set my range to 70-140. I usually can stay in that range about 95% of the time. How do I do this? I am non-insulin dependent, and
Dude if your A1C was 14 you should feel hopeless. A 6.5 means your average sugar is 140. People would kill for that
Diabetics are still fair game for ignorant medical professionals.
My endocrinologist always wants me lower. 6.8? Good, but lower. 6.4? Good, but needs to be lower. They just repeat the same line to everyone.
American? My a1c is 6.2. My endocrinologist is stoked. I’m Australian and all covered by Medicare.
6.5 is great if you can maintain it.
sugar lives in the lower intestines and get reabsorb in the blood stream. a good way to help is more water,and fiber . i take 3 serving of Metamucil daily/every other day. right now 3litre of water,metformin, my Metamucil iron pills, with one stool softener is helping me feel great. it took about 6-8 weeks as i gradually added fiber. a good way to know you added enough water to your metamucil if its not fully gelling right away.
I take metformin and tirzepatide , I take 7.5 mg of the GLP and my A1c dropped to 5.4. I think it's worth trying . Helped my cholesterol levels , and feel so much better .
diabetic care PHARMACIST doesn't understand the implications of HbA1c. My doc is very happy w 6.5.
My endocrinologist said my goal is to stay <7
I went from 12 to 7.4 in two months, and my doc was ecstatic (also dropped my cholesterol by 50 pts). Different docs have different opinions.
Remember that in every medical school class, someone finished last. 😃
6.5 is GREAT.
How long did it take for the sucess you've had? You're making progress and in a good range.
This is not medical advice just my personal view. I want to take as few meds and lowest effective doses as possible. If you're somewhat early in the process consider just staying the course.
You might get a second opinion.
My last A1C was 6.8. My primary care doc says I'm doing great. I think you need a new pharmacist.
Get an endocrinologist for a second opinion.
Please discuss with an endocrinologist. The DP is really running quite a head game on you IMO. How low you should be aiming for is a matter between you and an MD and should take into account your history, age, and other factors. You should NOT be this worried and depressed about a 6.5.
Not necessarily damaging but at higher risk. Anything over normal represents increased risk -- and if you are young <40 say -- 40 years at increased risk is a math problem. This isn't an urgent issue for you though.
You are not damaging organs at 6.5. You can do a simple Google or AI search. Think about it a 5.7 is youre at 6.5 whixh is prediabetes. At a 6.5 and controlling what you eat youre probably more healthy than a non diabetic eating everything under the sun. It is a fact that a reduction from 10 to 7 a1c has more benefit than say a 7.0 to a 6.0 its called diminished returns...chill youre doing great.
Well, i discovered mine after some damage (polyneuropathy on my legs) and everyone stressed a lot for me that to prevent further damage I should keep below 7, so not true what she said.
One thing though: being in range is also important, I'm 34 and sick since 29, my target was 70 to 160 for years and this year my new endo changed to 70 to 140. They say that damage happens over 180.
New, since April, so just learning. <7% is considered "good control " in Tasmania.
In the US as well.
Canada is onboard with those numbers. At least that’s what my team is telling me.
I was super reluctant to do one, and was finally convinced to try a pill version. No knock on wood real side effects and it actually minimized gi issues from other meds. Maybe that's a solution for you?
Glp-1 has benefits for diabetes and cardio
Body organs decay at tye onset. They need to be monitored for life. Control of bs slows damage
1 A1C reading means nothing long term
See an Endocrinologist
I agree with everyone else. Mine went from 7 to 6.5 a few months ago and my doctor was quite pleased.
Not all the same, type 3cdm you would be hard-core to get below 7
Endo Dr. Richard K. Bernstein pointed out that diabetic complications, such as early kidney disease (microalbuminuria), can begin at an A1C of 5.7%. In one of his responses to a patient query, he noted: "This person has the beginning of diabetic kidney disease, and he, apparently, has demonstrated that even with an A1c of 5.7%, which the ADA says is too low, you can begin to get diabetic complications." He recommended aiming for an A1C of 4.2–4.6% to achieve truly normal blood sugars and halt or reverse such issues.
6.5 is technically the goal for most diabetics, mine is 6.0. Everyone is different
You’re only on 2 Metformin and they’re already pushing GLP-1s? There are so many other options.
I was 7 last time I was at the Retinal specialist and she was so excited…. She sees so many people that are above 10 all day long and she actually loudly announced to the whole office “I’m so proud of him!!” Def made me feel good 😊 Last A1C 6.8 Type 2 Synjardy twice daily 30mm Trisiba once daily Ozempic 1 weekly What has made all the difference is my Dexcom 7 wearable monitor attached to my Iwatch .
Anything less than 7 is way above average, good job with that! But anything above non-diabetic levels, even high 5’s, is doing damage, it’s just doing a lot less.
You should be proud of the progress you’ve made, that’s huge! But the lower your A1c, combined with high tir, the better off you’ll be in the long run. There are rare type 1s able to stay in that low non diabetic range and they don’t have the complications. But all you can do is to do your best and be kind to yourself. So do that. And feel period of your progress.
Add in some high-quality Berberine to your metformin 2 times a day. I bet it'll come down another .5 if not a 1 full point.
The enemy of good is better. 6.5 is great. Don’t let people who have never had to deal with this disease steal your joy.
I always congratulate my patients when their A1c is <7. (I’m a primary care doc and type 3c diabetic.)
GLP-1s are friggin awesome for other reasons than strictly for blood sugar. If you’d benefit from it, it may be worth it. But that A1c is good.
Total bullshit. You are doing great! Proud of you. ♥️
Of course it’s damaging. T1D is damaging. But a 6.5 is awesome. Good chance with less than 7.0 consistently you’ll live a normal-ish life. I’m 66, have had it for 35 years. No issues. Hope to have none. You’re doing great!
I was diagnosed with diabetes my A1C was 14 I started insulin and metformin . After a month I started seeing an Endocrinologist he recommended Mounjaro in a month I was off the insulin. After two months on Mounjaro my A1C was 6.2 . Three months later my A1C was 5.3 and dropped the metformin. I also changed my diet but the medication was huge for me. Check with your doctor I do recommend getting an endocrinologist if don’t have one already see what he recommends. Best of luck
Well, considering I waltzed into my 1st endocrinologist appointment with a 12.9 a1c, you’re at half of that, and at a number my doc would consider very good.
6.5 is good, maintain your weight, diet, exercise and recommended meds to sustain. With age organ function will anyway decline so dont over worry about this part
I wouldn’t get discouraged I think they’re trying to keep you motivated to keep improving even if you’re doing well.
Talk to your doc; a real doc, preferably a surgeon (who is a qualified doc) but if you are in the US you may have to do a "PA" or an "NP" (first is a helper, second is a nurse, both have qualifications in the US).
Anything else is medical advice; you get touchy-feely here, you get medical advice from your doc (or a channel that is less worried about getting sued.)
They are all likely getting commissions on these prescriptions. My endo is saying the same thing and threaning to drop me if I don't sign up for GLPs. I went from 8 to 7.5 and she wants me to get to 7 with GLPs. You are pretty good I think.
I’ve read through the posts and feel a need to share my opinion….. First, do not feel hopeless! 8 to 6.5 is great! However, I strongly suggest that you continue to learn what foods cause a spike (use your meter and test to see how your body responds to specific foods). For years the message I received from doctors was “ you’re 6.5, just keep doing what you are doing”…. You’re at 6.8, just keep doing what you’re doing”…… when I began to have peripheral neuropathy symptoms the message was still “your A1C is good…. we can add medication to help with neuropathy” Anyone that says you are okay with A1C on the 6s is full of crap….. this is based on my personal experience. I’m approaching this from a perspective of encouragement and support….. again, congratulations on your improvement as it is A
6.5 is not a bad level and as a type 2 you can still chip away at that with small lifestyle changes. Don’t let a pharmacist tell you otherwise. You’re doing great
I generally hover between 7-8% im a type 1 for 25 years. I also eat alot of bad shit so if i even tried id probably be lower. 6.5 is great my friend
Ignore them. Pharmacists tend to think they’re smarter than real health care professionals but really usually don’t know much more than a layperson.
6.5 A1C for a diabetic is near perfect range. I was told by a doctor that an A1C in the 5's for a diabetic could mean too many lows. I would speak to your doctor, not the pharmacist
You are doing great. As far as a GLP-1 I encourage this only after you speak to your healthcare team that handles your diabetes. I have been taking Mounjaro since 2023 and really like the fact that I take one injection a week.
You shouldn't feel hopeless at all!!! As a matter of fact, you should at least feel proud and self-confident with such a low number!
I'm T1 for 15 years this December, and had only twice HbA1c of 6.8%; it's usually 7-8% (was 12% at time of diagnosis) ... My endo says it's okay, but should get it below 7%. we don't have teams or special nurses that take care of "us"... but as far as I know, the closest to 7% (or lower) is generally a great number.
However, with the rapid spread of CGMs, the new standard for glycemic control is slowly becoming to be TIR (time-in-range) instead of HbA1c. You can have an HbA1c of 6% or lower, but TIR of only 15% which is a lot worse than, for example, HbA1C of 8% and TIR of 70%.
About how much this damages the organs, I really don't know, as there are a lot
If a pharmacist says a A1C of 6.6 is bad, run, don’t walk away. He’s ignorant. A pharmacist isn’t qualified to handle diabetes. Having diabetes, you and your doctor always need to be concerned with renal function and eyesight, as well as maintaining an A1C below 7.
I was out on 4 x 500mg Metformin from the start. So there's plenty of room for an increased dose.
I’m around that number, and my endocrinologist says it’s excellent for someone with diabetes. She considers the 5.6 to 7.0 range to be “non-diabetic” (with normal being below 5.6 and diabetic above 7.0). So definitely talk to your doctor and see what they have to say.
Dude 6.5 is amazing…I went from an 8.5 to a 5 and that’s out of pre diabetes stage so if I’m only that much lower than you then you’re definitely doing great..
What the hell type of “diabetic care pharmacist” are you going to? A 6.5 A1C is amazing for a person with this disease. You’re doing great. Just get a second opinion from a professional Endocrinologist.
42/M/280lbs ... My a1c was 13 ... Now I have a pump... I wish my number was 6.5 lmao Just stick to low carbs and be consistent with exercise. Get a diabetic education class! If it was a major concern, they would bump up your medicine. I do not recommend a glp1 unless you really need it. It tears your stomach up or at least it did mine . The first thing they would do is double your metformin and add a statin, and a hypertension medication. You are at the pre diabetic stage. Do something now , so it doesn't get worse and you end up in the hospital. My hospital stay definitely made me take things more seriously.
I dunno. I was at an 11 in March. Then 6.9 in August, and now a 6.4. My doctor seems happy it’s progressing in the right direction. I’m happy I’m making better choices and lowering it, but still allow myself a treat occasionally. I’d follow your doctor’s advice as they are more familiar with your medical history rather than a pharmacist.
According to my primary and my endo, glycemic control is 7-range or below.
We are not medical professionals and pharmacists should not be providing this sort of medical advice. See your doctor and discuss your results with them.
I've been in the 7's for most of my 30 years as a diabetic and recently dropped to 6.1 with my last visit. My doctor has been happy this entire time.
This is asking for medical advice, so I'm just going to say a second opinion might make you feel better.
I would LOVE to have 6.5 a1c
A pharmacist isn't a doctor. Definitely if you have an endocrinologist check with that person
6.5 A1C is a solid A1C. If you can trim it down to sub 6.3 that’s obviously ideal but 6.5 is fine most diabetics would be happy at that
Take a glp. It’s magic
Unless you're trying to live to 200 6.5 A1C is great. You could eat boiled chicken and greens and get it even lower or you could eat yummy food and try to time and measure your insulin better. It's not a race, it's a marathon, and you're on a great pace
You are doing great! Keep doing what you are doing and you’ll see those numbers continue to fall. It’s a going to be a life-long process with ups and downs, but it’ll get easier. You won’t see them fall toooo much more, but depending on your age and a lot of other factors it’s still possible to bring them lower.
If you are able to add any kind of strength training to your weekly routine. As a type-2 strength training and building additional muscle really can provide excellent benefits to your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar.
Some studies show it can even outpace cardio, but a combination of both (at least ~150 minutes/week) can provide lasting impact.
Don’t let the comment regarding your a1c derail you!! You have done an excellent job. A thoughtless comment like that is not helpful at all.
While we should all be striving to achieve a non diabetic a1c, for many this is very difficult. You’ve already decreased your risk of complications significantly
However you probably still can improve your a1c with some tweaking. You didn’t say how long you’ve been low carb and how many grams you eat per day. Maybe it’s just a function of staying the course longer giving your body a chance to heal And lowering your carbs a bit more
Thank for this
Don’t feel hopeless! You’re making great progress. My doc was stoked when I went from 7.2 to 6.1. Keep on track and don’t let this person get into your head.
As for the GLP-1, while I am not on one, it is a wonder drug. (Although, I’d like to know how long it took you to get to 6.5 and whether your diabetes is related to your weight. Mine is so the more weight I drop, the more my numbers improve.)
Thank you!
I just got mine down from 13.8 to 6.5 over 13 months.. I was happy. hope your pharmacist is wrong, lol.
If that's bad then I'm already dead with my 7.3 a1c 🥀
What is your objection to getting on mounjaro or something similar? Literally no reason not to in my opinion.
My A1 C was 12 & im now A1C 7 it took 7 days with the diabetic pump “ that pumps insulin for me
And talk to a endocrinologist or google diabetes specialist and your city and state
Diabetes is a long fight, it takes years to go back to normal,
you can reverse it in months but during those months your body can relapse if you don't watch what you eat for a few weeks.
you need those months to give your body time to heal.
I was also bummed because of the slow progress, but I am making progress.
Something interesting happened during Christmas night dinner,
my brother in law brought his mother over to our house, I knew his mother since I was 19y but haven't seen in about 10-15 years, she is divorced very distant from her family and never joins in family parties.
I had heard rumors she was 'not well', and she did not look well.
She took her winter hat and knew instantly what was going on, I had lost my dad to the same thing decades before.
She was there cuz
You’re doing great. Drink a lot of water. Reduce carbs as much as possible.
My Dr. Keeps emphasizing the 5 to drive rule. Apparently below 4 can catch you an impaired charge. I don’t feel off till it gets to a 3 but.
You are doing great. I started Mounjaro a couple of months ago and my A1C just finally got under 6
Congrats!
I think 6.5 A1C is really great! In August I was diagnosed and mine was 11.5. I had blood work done last month and my A1C is now 6.3. Be proud of the work you’ve done and maybe get a second opinion, as someone else suggested. :)
I have type 2 and my specialist said anything under 7 is good...I'm at a 6.6 at my last appt in Sept 2025.
Drink 1 tablespoon soaked chia seeds in water before every meal your a1c will be shockingly low chia seeds is a cheat code been off metformin for about 2 years now and i just rely on chia seeds and cutting sugar out.
6.5 is great from 8. Contrats!
I’m at 6.5 as well and my doc says that’s an Ok place to be. Not perfect but not hazardous. Of course, our goal is to get under 6.3; however as a prediabetic myself, being under 7 is ok but I am doing whatever I can to get lower.
You shouldn’t feel hopeless. My A1c was 11.7 in March 2024 and in November 2024 I had it down to 5.6. Have faith in yourself walk every day. Change your diet. You don’t have to give up food you like just portion them. Better understand that Portion control allows to eat the food you like, still but not destroy your sugar
6.5 is a really good score. I came down from 11 to 6.4-6.8 managing it for more than 15 years.
I kept my A1c under 7.
My eyes were not happy.
At 5.5-5.7 my retina specialist is much happier with me. However, I can still spot the damage on the scans myself. Not ideal. But not intervention worthy.
Ozempic has made staying in a good spot s lot easier. I do have occasional bouts of constipation. Nightly miralax helps a lot.
You can definitely lower your A1C even more. I was able to bring mine down from 8.7 to 5.5, doing a low carb mediterranean diet. To prevent damage to organs, you should keep post-meal sugars <140–160 and avoid spikes over 180.
A pharmacist shouldnt even really be telling you what is good and what isnt. That for your endo or pcp.
She's not wrong, but it's still a lot better.
Complications start to rise above 5.5 and then go up dramatically above 6.5. So yes there is damage, but it is considerably less.
Diabetes is something where you're screwed in any case IMO. You're always going to be worse off than people without it. The goal is to just minimize the damage.
Generally they don't want A1C to go too low as that can indicate that you're going low very often which is pretty dangerous. So the goal is a little elevated so that you are unlikely to go low.
For specific details you can look at this study.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0908359
In figure 1 you can see the incidents increases dramatically when it's over 6.5, but there is still an increased risk at lower levels.
6.5 is actually pretty diabetic