I am not sure I fully understand the Hba1c numbers and the implications but as I have had a couple of hypos recently (3.9 and 3.6) I was wondering if they would have any effect if I was having my blood test now. In fact it isn't till March and having had advice for my lovely DN hope to avoid any more hypos so it shouldn't be a problem but was just wondering.
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How do hypos affect Hba1c
- Thread starter Salinda
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Copepod
Much missed Moderator
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- Type 1
Diabetes UK explanation of HbA1c here http://www.diabetes.org.uk/hba1c Anything that happens now won't be reflected by blood taken for HbA1c in March, as it's a measure of the last 2 to 3 months, with blood glucose levels soonest before the blood test having relatively more effect than levels further in the past.
Always best to avoid / prevent hypos, although key factor is to notice and treat before they drop too low - if you can't detect hypos without testing, then that's worrying, but it doesn't sound like that's your situation.
Always best to avoid / prevent hypos, although key factor is to notice and treat before they drop too low - if you can't detect hypos without testing, then that's worrying, but it doesn't sound like that's your situation.
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
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Hi Salinda, as Copepod says those readings will have no impact by the time March comes around. Even if you were to have blood taken now they would make very little difference to the HBa1c - it's only really when you have many hypos that it can have an impact and make your HbA1c look artificially good but non-representative of good control. Are you on any medication, I can't remember? If not then those numbers are fine - they are low, but a non-diabetic person would probably experience such levels without knowing. It's only really when you are on medication that may cause hypoglycaemia (insulin, sulphonylureas) that you need to be concerned at readings like these as it may mean that your medication needs reviewing 🙂
My doctor explained it as being how long cells are holding onto glucose for within 2 - 3 months. He also told me that my HbA1c of 6.8% was preffered by him than my previous 6.3% as it indicated poorer control due to hypos (correct for the time).
In my case, my HbA1c is relatively low probably due to low amount of time that glucose is being held on to and because of my hypos, though i've had less lately. It all makes sense to me haha.
In my case, my HbA1c is relatively low probably due to low amount of time that glucose is being held on to and because of my hypos, though i've had less lately. It all makes sense to me haha.
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Phil65
Well-Known Member
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- Type 1
....Mine would not be happy at all with 5.4.....they prefer mid 6s. They associate an HbA1c of 5.4 with a number of hypoes....for me that would indeed be true!
He'd probably try and tell you your not diabetic or something hahah.
On the other hand you should go to a consultant I saw once who drew me an A* on a piece of paper and hugged me for my good HbA1c.... and this was before I knew anything about how I could try and improve it! If you really want appreciating for the efforts we put in he's definately your man 😛 Haha
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