HbA1c

[Newtothis]

Can I ask what exactly is the HbA1c result and how is it measured? I my first result yesterday 7.2 and GP advised to work to get it to 6.5. I did click on the HbA1c header on the site but note its no longer available.

Also, what exactly does the first reading of the day indicate? I've joined the link and noted my readings this week - average 5.4 but is this just how well I ate the night before?

Sorry to ask stupid questions but I'm sure I'll be asking a lot more

Thank you. Amanda 🙂

 

[Mark T]

Can I ask what exactly is the HbA1c result and how is it measured? I my first result yesterday 7.2 and GP advised to work to get it to 6.5. I did click on the HbA1c header on the site but note its no longer available.

Also, what exactly does the first reading of the day indicate? I've joined the link and noted my readings this week - average 5.4 but is this just how well I ate the night before?

Sorry to ask stupid questions but I'm sure I'll be asking a lot more

Thank you. Amanda 🙂

Looks like the HbA1c page might have moved here: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Monitoring/Blood_glucose/Glycated_haemoglobin_HbA1c_and_fructosamine/

 

[Northerner]

Not a stupid question at all! The HbA1c, simply put, is a way of measuring your average blood glucose levels over the 6-12 weeks prior to the blood being taken for the test. The higher the result, the higher your day to day levels will have been during that period - this is why it is often very high for newly-diagnosed people who were unaware they might be diabetic during the previous months. Getting the HbA1c to 6/5% or below will significantly reduce the risks of any diabetic complications developing.


The first reading of the day indicates your 'fasting' level - what level you are at when all the food you ate at your last meal has been digested and is no longer affecting your blood sugar levels. Here, you are affected by your liver which puts out a constant trickle of glucose in order to keep your heart and lu ngs and brain working when you do not have food in your system to use as energy. How high this goes can be affected by a number of things, such as insulin resistance in the mornings or whether your liver decides to give you an extra boost in the mornings (also known as 'Dawn Phenomenon).

 

[Northerner]

Looks like the HbA1c page might have moved here: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Monitoring/Blood_glucose/Glycated_haemoglobin_HbA1c_and_fructosamine/

Yes, I have reported this to DUK who will hopefully fix it soon! 🙂

 

[Newtothis]

Not a stupid question at all! The HbA1c, simply put, is a way of measuring your average blood glucose levels over the 6-12 weeks prior to the blood being taken for the test. The higher the result, the higher your day to day levels will have been during that period - this is why it is often very high for newly-diagnosed people who were unaware they might be diabetic during the previous months. Getting the HbA1c to 6/5% or below will significantly reduce the risks of any diabetic complications developing.


The first reading of the day indicates your 'fasting' level - what level you are at when all the food you ate at your last meal has been digested and is no longer affecting your blood sugar levels. Here, you are affected by your liver which puts out a constant trickle of glucose in order to keep your heart and lu ngs and brain working when you do not have food in your system to use as energy. How high this goes can be affected by a number of things, such as insulin resistance in the mornings or whether your liver decides to give you an extra boost in the mornings (also known as 'Dawn Phenomenon).

Thank you for above - so it is possible to reduce my HbA1c? Also, is the only way of finding if you've had a 'Dawn Phenomenon' is to test before you go to bed and then first thing in the morning. I'm trying not to become too possessive about testing because the finger pricker hurts my fingers; and the strips are expensive. Thank you.

 

[Northerner]

Thank you for above - so it is possible to reduce my HbA1c? Also, is the only way of finding if you've had a 'Dawn Phenomenon' is to test before you go to bed and then first thing in the morning. I'm trying not to become too possessive about testing because the finger pricker hurts my fingers; and the strips are expensive. Thank you.

There's quite a good explanation on this page of what it is, how it might affect you and how you might be able to deal with it:

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=143

Certainly, if your fasting levels are much higher than your levels through the day, then reducing them will help reduce your HbA1c 🙂

 

[Newtothis]

There's quite a good explanation on this page of what it is, how it might affect you and how you might be able to deal with it:

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=143

Certainly, if your fasting levels are much higher than your levels through the day, then reducing them will help reduce your HbA1c 🙂

At the moment none of the tests I've done have been higher than 7.1, these ae post meals. My average waking up number is 5.4. 7.1 was my post-meal tonight, which is the highest I've had, and I think its because I had potato with my salmon and veg.

Another question; I bought a accu-check nano last week and received a free tester today as recommended on the site - one uses a chip the other doesn't. Which one do you think is better? I know its personal choice but which one would more beneficial? Sorry to keep badgering you. Amanda 🙂

 

[Northerner]

At the moment none of the tests I've done have been higher than 7.1, these ae post meals. My average waking up number is 5.4. 7.1 was my post-meal tonight, which is the highest I've had, and I think its because I had potato with my salmon and veg.

Another question; I bought a accu-check nano last week and received a free tester today as recommended on the site - one uses a chip the other doesn't. Which one do you think is better? I know its personal choice but which one would more beneficial? Sorry to keep badgering you. Amanda 🙂

If your waking levels are 5.4 then it looks like you don't have to worry about Dawn Phenomenon as that is pretty much perfect. post-meal levels are excellent too. It's quite possible that your next HbA1c will be lower if you simply maintain these day to day levels as the recent one will have included a period prior to your diagnosis and dietary/activity changes 🙂

Some meters use coding chips as you mention, some don't, but I would say the popular meters are all pretty much the same in terms of ease of use and accuracy so I couldn't really recommend either way. I've always been happy with my Accu chek meter (similar to your nano). 🙂

 

[Robster65]

We find a walk before bedtime can bring down the late evening BGs, which should lower your waking ones.

As for meters, I have a nano but as Northerner says, they're all very similar in that bracket.

The key is to see which strips are available cheapest. Some can be ?3 or ?4 cheaper. Aviva strips aren't too bad from what I've seen but your others may beat them.

Rob

 

[Newtothis]

We find a walk before bedtime can bring down the late evening BGs, which should lower your waking ones.

As for meters, I have a nano but as Northerner says, they're all very similar in that bracket.

The key is to see which strips are available cheapest. Some can be ?3 or ?4 cheaper. Aviva strips aren't too bad from what I've seen but your others may beat them.

Rob

Can you use any strips or only those for a specific make i.e. accu-check meter; accu-check strips? Is there also an easier way of using the finger-pricker?

 

[Northerner]

Can you use any strips or only those for a specific make i.e. accu-check meter; accu-check strips? Is there also an easier way of using the finger-pricker?

You have to use the strips designed for the particular meter - this is why meters are so cheap, or even free, as the manufacturers make all their profits from the 'consumables' i.e. the strips. You can use any fingerpricker though. I like the accuchek multiclix, which I presume you have if you have a Nano? Make sure you have it on a comfortable depth setting (the little dial near the tip). Also, use the side of the finger tip not the central pad as you have fewer nerve endings on the sides of the pad. Washing the finger under warm water will make it easier to get blood and possibly mean you can use a lower depth setting. Also, after pricking the finger, wait a couple of seconds before squeezing the blood - the finger reacts to the prick by trying to close the wound against further 'attack', but if you wait a couple of seconds it wil relax more and make it easier to get a drop of blood out.

You'll get the hang of it! Try not to use the same finger every time and avoid your thumbs and forefingers - I use my little fingers most of the time.

 

[Katieb]

You have to use the strips designed for the particular meter - this is why meters are so cheap, or even free, as the manufacturers make all their profits from the 'consumables' i.e. the strips. You can use any fingerpricker though. I like the accuchek multiclix, which I presume you have if you have a Nano? Make sure you have it on a comfortable depth setting (the little dial near the tip). Also, use the side of the finger tip not the central pad as you have fewer nerve endings on the sides of the pad. Washing the finger under warm water will make it easier to get blood and possibly mean you can use a lower depth setting. Also, after pricking the finger, wait a couple of seconds before squeezing the blood - the finger reacts to the prick by trying to close the wound against further 'attack', but if you wait a couple of seconds it wil relax more and make it easier to get a drop of blood out.

You'll get the hang of it! Try not to use the same finger every time and avoid your thumbs and forefingers - I use my little fingers most of the time.

Hi Alan. I too use the nano and need to order some new drums for my fastclix lancet. Are these available at local chemists or do I have to order them from Accu Chek? I have wasted some of the lifespan by turning the drum too soon!! Katie

 

[Northerner]

Hi Alan. I too use the nano and need to order some new drums for my fastclix lancet. Are these available at local chemists or do I have to order them from Accu Chek? I have wasted some of the lifespan by turning the drum too soon!! Katie

Most pharmacies should stock them. I've got some spare Multiclix ones, but not sure if they fit the Fastclix. I'll have a look and find out and if they are the same I can send you some 🙂

 

[Katieb]

Most pharmacies should stock them. I've got some spare Multiclix ones, but not sure if they fit the Fastclix. I'll have a look and find out and if they are the same I can send you some 🙂

Thank you!:🙂

 

[Northerner]

Thank you!:🙂

Just checked and apparently the fastclix drums are not the same size as the multiclix, sorry

 

[Katieb]

Just checked and apparently the fastclix drums are not the same size as the multiclix, sorry

Thankyou for looking anyway. I will pop out later and buy some more. Katie🙂