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Confusing test results

B

bobrobert

Well-Known Member
Messages
417
Location
Scotland
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
A year ago I had a fasting test result of 5.7 which the nurse described as better than most people who didn't have diabetes. I have kept good control of my carb intake and expected a similar score. This year my fasting result was 8.5 which had come down from last year's test which was 9. The nurse said I had "good" control and I asked her to repeat what she said and she said the 8.5 was a drop from 9 and it was "good" control. I don't understand the difference between 5.7 and 9. I read that the results of the fasting tests had changed in their interpretations and I looked at a conversion HbA1C chart but didn't understand it. Have I been given the wrong results?
 
The only sense I can make of what you have written is that there are more than one type of test that can be given after fasting. There is the simple finger prick test which will tell you what your BG is at that moment. There is also the Hba1c which needn't be fasting but if they lump in the triglyceride tests then they ask you to fast for that. Was the 5.7 a finger prick test?

The Hba1c is expressed differently and will be a number from 30 upwards or so. It used to be expressed in little numbers. 8.5 would be about 69 in new money if you use the conversion chart

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-to-blood-sugar-level-converter.html
 

Your post is a little confusing. You say a year ago your fasting test was 5.7. Then you say last year's test was 9. That is 2 different results from 12 months ago (last year).
What sort of figures do you see when you test yourself? Or don't you have a meter?
 
I looked at the monitor that the nurse was viewing and there was a reading on the left of 5.7 { last year's result } and next to it on the right was a reading of 9. Below the 9 was a reading of 8.5. She specifically said it was good control and less than last year's reading. I only get an annual check. I use an Accu check mobile and have tested the foods regularly I eat and rarely go above 8. Therefore I was surprised not to get a reading similar to last year. The obvious answer is to go back to the doctor and ask for an explanation but I would like to know if I am picking up the results wrongly. For example a difference in the way the results are being interpreted by my clinic. Thanks for the reply.
 
The best you can do is ask for a print out. If you ring the receptionist this should be available to you. One thing none of us should do is accept what is told us by any nurse or doctor without querying what it means, and what it is. Never accept "it's fine" or "it's good control". Their idea of fine and good control may not be yours.

Are your medical records on line? Most surgeries have this now, and if so you can look it all up if you have participated in this excellent option.

For now, just accept your own readings.
 

Your last suggestion looks good. Since most diabetics don't trust NHS advice about blood sugar levels I am now wondering if it is worth pursuing this? Anyone familiar with this?

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-units-converter.html

Regarding.....
Never accept "it's fine" or "it's good control". Their idea of fine and good control may not be yours.
This chart uses the expressions.

http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/hba1c-blood-sugar-test.htm
 
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