Confused about 2 HBa1C readings

[greenybeany]

Dear All,

I had 2 very successive HBa1c tests done, one at GP surgery on 4th August and the second at Consultants on 18th August.

The 1st came back 38 and 2nd came 42

Since these 2 tests are covering the preceding 2-3 months period, I am surprised as to how in 2 weeks, the number can go up and throw me in the prediabetes range! Is this possible? If yes, then how? Unless one of the result is incorrect, which I doubt it is.

The only difference in the test result is that before the 1st test was done, I was more active and eating healthy. Whereas 2-3 weeks prior to the 2nd test, my activity level had dropped significantly and also followed a more flexible diet.Can this affect the 2nd test?

Can you BG increase so much in just 2 weeks? What do you think?

On the advice of my GP, I have booked another HBa1c test a month from now. Started with my regular physical activities and a healthy and relatively strict diet scheme as I was doing and sustaining for the last 1 yr. Lets see how that affects my next HBA1c results.

 

[noblehead]

It can, it's said that the last few weeks leading up to the test can heavily influence the result.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I also had 2 tests close together. One on 2nd January, the next on the 14th. They were 52 and 53 respectively. Not much difference and both diabetic levels, but equally they could have been one below and one above. As they were so similar I never gave it a thought.

It is true that the test reflects the 2 to 3 months prior, but is weighted towards the previous few weeks.

 

[greenybeany]

Thanks so much for the replies, I really hope I get a better result this time around. But what I have realised is that I cannot afford to be inactive or eat-as-you-wish kind of person any more

 

[AndBreathe]

In my mind, I visualise the impact on HbA1c as being like a wedge, with the greatest impact closest to the current day. As I understand it, the slope isn't exactly even, but you get what I mean?

 

[Yorksman]

The only difference in the test result is that before the 1st test was done, I was more active and eating healthy. Whereas 2-3 weeks prior to the 2nd test, my activity level had dropped significantly and also followed a more flexible diet.Can this affect the 2nd test?

Can you BG increase so much in just 2 weeks? What do you think?

Going up from 38 to 42 is not that much of an increase and is easily explained by a change in diet. When I was diagnosed, it was something like 86 which I got down to 48 in 12 weeks.

More activity and a healthier diet worked for me and for many others. I suspect any return to bad old ways will show up in future, higher, HBA1c results. You take in less carbs and you are more sensitive to the insulin that you do produce. The combination helps to keep your BG lower.

Losing weight, if you lose enough, may result in increased production of insulin, further improving BG levels. Losing weight, eating healthy foods and being physically active is a winning combination for diabetics. Even if you don't return to normal, you slow the progression down.

And of course, you will feel better.

Spicy fish stew for tea tonight and a cycle ride on the coast tomorrow. It beats having a meat pie and chips whilst watching TV.

 

[Diamum5972]

I would agree - my first HBa1C (3 months ago) was 43 and the one I had last week was 45. I injured my back just after my first test and so wasn't half as active as I used to be. I'm only just getting back to normal now but I'm being VERY strict with my diet while I'm being relatively inactive.

 

[Mud Island Dweller]

It is an average so if you have been lax your bg will go up. This follows that the average will be different and also peoples comments about the closest influencing your result.