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Finger Prick test vs HBA1C

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Lea123

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Hi everyone, if finger prick tests done at various points during the day are showing consistent results within acceptable ranges over a week or more continuing, should this directly influence the 3monthly hba1c figure? Or are the two completely independent of each other?
Ive had gestational diabetes previously and had to finger prick test after every meal. Ive been doing similar for around a week (whilst having made many diet improvements) since t2 diagnosis over Christmas and am seeing results from finger pricks consistently in range figures (5-6) ……… i feel better doing the checks but have had a GP tell me the finger pricks are pretty pointless once t2 diagnosed. Any thoughts? Thank you
 
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Hba1c and finger pricks aren't directly compatible, certainly not individual ones. Like you say, the pattern is more useful. I've seen this image shared a few times. For me, this did turn out to be accurate. My finger pricks (and CGM readings when I trialled them) averaged 5.8. My hba1c on retest was 39, so not too far away.

Your GP is not alone in suggesting that we don't need to finger prick. I don't really understand this thinking. Whilst there are some obvious foods that will derange all our blood sugars - junk carbs - it is also true that diabetes is remarkably individual and how can we know if something is 'safe' for us, if we don't test after we've eaten it?
 
Leanne123 said:
Hi everyone, if finger prick tests done at various points during the day are showing consistent results within acceptable ranges over a week or more continuing, should this directly influence the 3monthly hba1c figure? Or are the two completely independent of each other?
Ive had gestational diabetes previously and had to finger prick test after every meal. Ive been doing similar for around a week (whilst having made many diet improvements) since t2 diagnosis over Christmas and am seeing results from finger pricks consistently in range figures (5-6) ……… i feel better doing the checks but have had a GP tell me the finger pricks are pretty pointless once t2 diagnosed. Any thoughts? Thank you
Click to expand...
The value of finger pricks as long as it is a structured regime rather than random will be invaluable for telling you how you tolerate your meals. Testing both before and 2 hours after eating will indicate that your meal is ok if the increase is less than 2-3mmol/l,and as your levels come down then a 2 hour post meal of no more than 8 -8.5mmol/l.
This relates to the HbA1C in so far as if your readings are consistently 4-7mmol/l before meals and no more than 8 2 hours post meal for the 3 months prior to the test then the result is likely to be normal.
The general consensus is finger pricks are incredibly useful but only if done in a strategic way and that people use the information it gives them.
Ask your GP if he thinks it pointless to drive his car without a speedometer.
 
BobbleHat said:
View attachment 33339
Hba1c and finger pricks aren't directly compatible, certainly not individual ones. Like you say, the pattern is more useful. I've seen this image shared a few times. For me, this did turn out to be accurate. My finger pricks (and CGM readings when I trialled them) averaged 5.8. My hba1c on retest was 39, so not too far away.

Your GP is not alone in suggesting that we don't need to finger prick. I don't really understand this thinking. Whilst there are some obvious foods that will derange all our blood sugars - junk carbs - it is also true that diabetes is remarkably individual and how can we know if something is 'safe' for us, if we don't test after we've eaten it?
Click to expand...
Thankyou! I feel more comfortable testing so don’t plan to stop! I am on 1500mg metformin a day so guess that’s also impacting my pre and post meal levels?
 
Leadinglights said:
The value of finger pricks as long as it is a structured regime rather than random will be invaluable for telling you how you tolerate your meals. Testing both before and 2 hours after eating will indicate that your meal is ok if the increase is less than 2-3mmol/l,and as your levels come down then a 2 hour post meal of no more than 8 -8.5mmol/l.
This relates to the HbA1C in so far as if your readings are consistently 4-7mmol/l before meals and no more than 8 2 hours post meal for the 3 months prior to the test then the result is likely to be normal.
The general consensus is finger pricks are incredibly useful but only if done in a strategic way and that people use the information it gives them.
Ask your GP if he thinks it pointless to drive his car without a speedometer.
Click to expand...
Thankyou! I agree and plan to continue testing. I have not seen a result over 8 post meal at all in the last week so I guess that’s encouraging! I am also taking 1500mg metformin per day. Thanks for the reply
 
Leanne123 said:
Thankyou! I feel more comfortable testing so don’t plan to stop! I am on 1500mg metformin a day so guess that’s also impacting my pre and post meal levels?
Click to expand...
Metformin acts in the background enabling the body to use the insulin it produces more effectively and reduces the release of glucose by the liver rather than acting directly on the food you eat. It makes a small difference in blood glucose but diet will have the most impact.
 
Ah that’s really great info. I presumed metformin worked to bring my blood sugar levels down and so assumed this was having an impact on my post meal results.
 
Leanne123 said:
Ah that’s really great info. I presumed metformin worked to bring my blood sugar levels down and so assumed this was having an impact on my post meal results.
Click to expand...
There are some medications which will be more likely as they encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin which will indeed act on the carbs in the food but metformin is not one of them.
There are other meds which work by encouraging the kidneys to excrete excess glucose via urine.
I do wish GP's would explain to their patients how the medications they prescribe actually work.
 
Unfortunately my prescription was given by my a&e. I have seen several doctors in recent weeks with general concerns as i was asked to report symptoms but not one has explained the medication to me. Just to take it. The receptionist gave me the diagnosis when i called up and said see the diabetic nurse middle off feb - end of.
Helpful as ever
 
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