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Peter1982

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Type 2
Hi there,

I am 41 years old and live in Glasgow, Scotland. I have multiple health issues but blood sugar has always been very good. I had HBA1C in May which was fine. It was done again a few weeks ago and I received a message asking me to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss the result. Clearly it’s not a good result. I’m quite nervous about it.
 
Bruce Stephens said:
Don't panic yet. HbA1c can be anomalously high sometimes, so it's not unlikely that you'll be advised to make smallish changes until a follow-up test in a few months.
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Thanks Bruce.

How many tests are needed before an official diagnosis is made?
 
It really depends on what the result of your HbA1C actually is. Presumably you were previously in normal range which would be below 42mmol/mol, so it maybe that your result has increased so you are now in prediabetic or 'at risk' which would be between 42 and 47mol/mol or even jumped over the threshold into the diabetic zone of over that.
So depending on where you are will indicate what action need to be taken from some modest dietary changes to something a bit more.
Sometimes the test is repeated if you are border line but whatever the result then look upon it as an opportunity to make some changes which will be beneficial.
Have a look at this link and you will see that you can still have filling, tasty meals whilst watching your intake of carbohydrates which for many with Type 2 diabetes or at risk are a problem. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
 
Peter1982 said:
How many tests are needed before an official diagnosis is made?
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If you're over 48, I think 2 is usual (so just an extra one to confirm). But it might be more if they suspect the results may not be indicating blood glucose levels correctly (for example anaemia can mess with the results in either direction).
 
Welcome to the forum @Peter1982

Glad you have joined us 🙂
 
Just had a message to say my appointment has been cancelled. Will the surgery be able to give me my HBA1C over the phone so I can at least know where I stand?
 
Peter1982 said:
Just had a message to say my appointment has been cancelled. Will the surgery be able to give me my HBA1C over the phone so I can at least know where I stand?
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It may depend on who you speak to as often receptionists are not authorised to give out results but you could play the 'as my appointment has been cancelled' card and emphasise you have a right to know.
 
Peter1982 said:
Just had a message to say my appointment has been cancelled. Will the surgery be able to give me my HBA1C over the phone so I can at least know where I stand?
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Yes they can and should do, but whether they will or not seems to depend on the surgery and their practices if members experiences are anything to go by. Many of us have surgeries who use one web system or another to provide patient services and these usually include direct access to test results.

So, ring the surgery and ask for the results. You may have to be insistent and if who you speak to refuses point blank then ask for somebody who can tell you to ring you back with the results....the numbers not just an interpretation. Also find out if you can get web access to the information and if they say no, then ask why not, it seems to be common practice elsewhere. Being polite but firm is the key.
 
grovesy said:
My surgery has a separate results extension, but only open a few hours a day.
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Mine asks that we call at particular times. But they've still never wanted to give me my HbA1c. All they give are the doctor's notes (within range, need appt, etc.).

When I go in they're fine giving me a printout of them all, so possibly they're just uncomfortable reading out the numbers or something.
 
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