>>
>>The A1C is pretty good for a diabetic, but above the normal range - and can cause long term complications, according to Dr Bernstein.
>> normal range, but should reduce long term complications.
>
>My single biggest concern when I got my A1C re-checked was any organ damage. Given I was 10.8 back in mid-May, I probably was around 10.8 for a LONG time.
>
>Amazingly, all my liver and kidney tests were normal.
>
>And while I will never have 20-20 vision again, the eye strain I was having back in the early spring has completely gone away. (That might be due to the blood pressure)
>
>So (knock on wood), I consider myself lucky.
>
>When I read new stories of a famous person dying in their 50's or 60's from diabetes, I repeat to myself, "There is no bloody way in hell I'm going to let that happen to me".

Good for you!
I was diagnosed diabetic in 2004.
Tests showed some kidney damage and my eyesight was weird - high levels of sugar in the ocular fluid does that.
The vision and kidney tests got better immediately when I brought A1C down to less than 6.

Longer term, I still have some on and off numbness (neuropathy) in my toes that is helped by taking benfotiamine.
My entire feet were numb at diagnosis and it happened so gradually I had not noticed it.

Now, at 58 I have a slight double vision - a "ghost" image like a drop shadow.
The last opthamologist I went to said I may have the beginnings of diabetic retinal damage - YIKES!
For most of the time I kept BG under 100 for 99.9% of the time. (A1C between 5.1 and 5.5)
Maybe this is because in the last few years, I have regained all my lost weight and now my BG average is closer to 120 - Not good!
Taking a 'vacation' from weight control has cost me dearly.

I had a diabetic friend back in California who was in and out of the hospital and specialist offices for severe kidney issues.
He struggled to get his A1C down to the 7s - he only did that a few times.
I can't reach him anymore - his email and phones are out of service - I suspect he is dead or in long term care, all before the age of 60.
UGH.

It all underscores the importance of tight control of Blood Glucose and A1C and of course weight.

Kevin - you are doing a bang-up job.
Keep fighting the good fight!