My A1c's 1980-2009

Type 1 and LADA
1

As part of my preparation for my taking part in the Joslin Medalist Study I am supposed to have a listing of all my A1c’s that have ever been done. My doctor has been very cooperative but there are several gaps in the list. The years 1990-1994 were not available. There are many other other gaps as well. I hope this incomplete list will be acceptable at Joslin on Nov 30.

A1c’s became available in 1976. My doctor started having his diabetic patients get A1c tests in 1980. Below are the A1c’s that he was able to retrieve from his files.

1980…10.6, 9.6, 9.0
1981…11.8
1983…9.2
1984…9.2, 9.7, 8.9
1986…11.1
1987…8.0, 9.8, 10.3
1988…10.5, 7.7, 7.7
1989…7.3

1995…6.8
1997…6.0, 5.4
1998…6.5
1999…6.8, 6.7, 6.5
2000…6.3, 6.1, 5.5
2001…5.8, 6.0, 5.6, 6.0
2002…6.0, 6.4, 6.2, 6.0
2003…5.6, 5.4, 5.9
2004…5.9, 5.7, 5.8, 5.6
2005…5.6, 5.8
2006…5.6, 5.7
2007…5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 6.1
2008…5.7, 5.9, 5.7, 5.6
2009…5.6, 5.8, 5.8

Notice the drop from the 10’s to the 7’s in early 1988. That is when I read an article in a magazine that said diabetics should follow a low carb diet. My doctors never told me that. Then about the start of the new century I was permitted to use basal/bolus control. In 2007 I started pumping. My A1c’s have been very good during the new century.

I was diagnosed in 1945. I took only one injection of beef/pork insulin per day. That continued for more than 40 years. Can you imagine what my A1c’s would have been during those years? Those were the years before my doctor started having my A1c’s done.

I feel so lucky to be alive and healthy, without complications. Is it good genes? Is it the C-peptide in the beef/pork insulins? Maybe the Joslin Study will help answer those questions.

2

It looks like the break in numbers did you well! Great job! You should be proud of yourself.

3

I didn’t have to supply A1c’s for my Joslin medalist certificate application. Is that somehow different than what you are applying for? Having moved and changed doctors a zillion times in the past 37 years, there would be no way for me to come up with a list. I hope I don’t need that in “year 50” for a medal!

Mine have ranged from the high 13’s before my insulin pump (14 years ago) to the low 6’s. It did drop into the high 5’s at one point and my doc immediately made adjustments to my pump basal rate. With hypoglycemic unawareness, he said 5’s were dangerous territory. I keep them rocking along in the low 6’s as long as I haven’t been sick. I’ve had a month long bout with swine flu, strep throat and bronchitis so I am sure my next A1c will be horrid!

~Michelle~

4

Truly amazing consistency since 2000! You really do inspire & motivate us. Think you’re blessed with good genes, a great attitude & diligence. Ever since I’ve been reading about C-peptide, I’ve been thinking how valuable the animal insulins are/were.

Congratulations!

5

Wow…impressive! I have said it before, Ill say it again… You are an inspiration, Richard.

6

Michelle, I received the Joslin medal in August. That gave me the opportunity to participate in the Joslin Medalist Study. I had about 20 pages of forms to fill out about my past. The list of A1c’s is required for the study. The purpose of the study is to determine the factor(s) that have enabled Type 1’s who have had their diabetes for 50 years or more to live so long without serious complications. If the cause is found then they hope tp be able to treat younger Type 1’s so they will not develop complications, and live long healthy lives. They have already examined over 400 USA medalists so far. They will conclude the study when they have examined 750 participants. The study on Nov 30 will be the most thorough examination I have ever gone through. I may find out things about myself that I have never known before.

7

Isnt’ it amazing how little we knew back then and still survived? I have been T1 for 41 years now. How did we ever make it? I remember peeing into a test tube to check for sugar in my urine, yikes… alot of people don’t realize that we didn’t always have meters. I also used to take just one injection a day… then they came out with regular insulin. I think I moved to 2 shots until I reached taking a shot for each meal plus Lantus at night. Now I pump, which is SO awesome compared to the past!!
Congratulations on your long winning streak… keep on goin’

8

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! What a wonderful role model you are to us all!!

9

Richard, your a1c’s are remarkable!! I have had a 5.6 and a 5.7 in 2003 and 2005, I think. I am hoping that the use of a CGMS will push me into ther 5’s again…

God Bless,
Brunettai