Increase in Heamoglobin Levels

[joannie10]

My mum who is in her 70s was diagnosed a couple of years ago with diabetis - through some diet changes she has suceeded in controlling this with diet. She called yesterday for blood test results and the doctor told her that the blood sugar levels were absolutely fine but Heamoglobin levels were up and he did not see that they would go down but not to worry 'i will just give you a wee pill' (bearing in mind it is my mum passing this info onto me). She has felt all along that he just wanted to give her a pill even for the blood sugar but said to him yesterday I would rather try to control it myself first of all what can i do and he said cut out white bread. She does not eat white bread that can anyone suggest anything else?? She has to go to him in a month that we are not trying to ignore the doctors suggestion and I have said that if a pill is the way to go then to do that but just wanted to let her have the satisfaction that she has at least tried. I have also suggested if she is not happy with what the doctor is saying then she could try speaking to another doc in the surgery. I appreciate any advice. thanks

[sqad617]

Not enough information:
1) Is the Haemoglobin raised the only abnormality?
2) is there an increase in the number of red cells?
3) Is there an increase in the size of the red cells?

At a guess I would say that you are describing Erythraemia which has many causes, primary and secondary.

Lazygun would be a better opinion on this than me.

[joannie10]

I am sorry - as I say getting the info 2nd hand and even my mum unsure what questions to ask. I do know it is the only abnormality he mentioned but but could not confidently answer 2 or 3. The doctor did not seem overly concerned as I say because he is not seeing her for a month!!

[sqad617]

OK..let's see what lazygun has to say.

[joannie10]

thanks for taking the time to answer.

[LazyGun]

Hi joannie, sqad ,

Actually, based upon my understanding of your initial post joannie, I am wondering whether this may represent a slight miscomprehension over terminology.

There are 2 measures of blood sugar levels that are used when looking at a patients diabetic status.
The first of these is termed the blood sugar level, and refers to the amount of free glucose in the circulation. This offers a kind of snapshot of the control of the disease.
The other measure is known as the glycated or glycosylated haemoglobin level (HbA1C), and this offers a measure of the level of glucose present over a 120 day period, and can therefore demonstrate how effective the patients control has been over a long term period.
I am thinking that perhaps your Mums doctor meant this, rather than her haemoglobin level.

Before I would be happy to offer any advice or comment, 2 things require initial clarification;
1. Did the Doctor mean Glycated Hb (HbA1C) levels, or did he actually mean your Mums Haemoglobin level? ( and some figures to go with it would be helpful). So quiz your Mum, and/or get her to phone the surgery to get clarification.
2.What is the name of the pill being offered? There are several classes of oral medication which have subtly differing actions as to how they control the glucose levels.

Cant be any more helpful than that at the moment Im afraid Joannie.

[joannie10]

sorry LazyGun I should have known this would be more complicated. I am certain my mum will not be able to offer more information and whilst I am happy with the doctor i see at that surgery the receptionist are very reluctant to let you speak to the doc. I will get her to try and speak with someone and maybe try and be with her to see if I can help at all - maybe take more info in. thanks

[LazyGun]

Sorry I can't be of more help Joannie.

For you and your Mum, you may find this site very useful.. its is an exceptionally good support site for diabetics, and there is a selection of recipes and menus available.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/

Secondly for you and your mum and anyone else really, I would seriously recommend taking a notebook and pen with you to any consultation with your GP or health professional.
Make some notes as to what you want to know prior to the visit, and take notes during your meeting with the GP, getting correct spellings or explanations for medical terms. This aids everyone, health professional included, in making sure that advice and medication is better understood.

[joannie10]

thanks - as I say diet wise she seems to have done great but yes her down fall is taking in the info and understanding it. That is a very useful suggestion taking note book. You have been helpful - I will spend some time on the site also.

[tamborine]

cant you attend the docs with your mum.......remember to switch on your phone voice recorder so you have a record.

[joannie10]

thanks tamborine - she is having a think about speaking to the other doctor or going back to her own sooner than planned but with a note book!