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Exact minimum time between HbA1c tests - NHS

LittleGreyCat

LittleGreyCat

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
4,388
Location
Suffolk, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Diet drinks - the artificial sweeteners taste vile.
Having to forswear foods I have loved all my life.
Trying to find low carb meals when eating out.
The general guidance is 3 months between tests.
However, given the way our calendar works that is not an exact number of days.
For example, November, December, January is 92 days.
January/February/March is 90/91 days.
365/4 = 91.25.

This seems very picky but I might have to argue over a couple of days to get a test in before I go on 6 weeks holiday.

It looks as though I am a few days out.

NICE guidelines

Looks as though if I want a test I will have to specifically ask my GP for an earlier test.
 
I always ask for one, and its granted. I might just add that I'm peeing more or some such symptoms. I go through the surgery's on line messaging/booking and then an appointment pops up.
 
LittleGreyCat said:
The general guidance is 3 months between tests.
However, given the way our calendar works that is not an exact number of days.
For example, November, December, January is 92 days.
January/February/March is 90/91 days.
365/4 = 91.25.

This seems very picky but I might have to argue over a couple of days to get a test in before I go on 6 weeks holiday.

It looks as though I am a few days out.

NICE guidelines

Looks as though if I want a test I will have to specifically ask my GP for an earlier test.
Click to expand...
There is no minimum for an HbA1c, although very short intervals will be less beneficial for those on establishedtyreatment/lifestyle plan.

just ask for your blood test, and if challenged, just quote your absence at the required time.
 
AndBreathe said:
There is no minimum for an HbA1c, although very short intervals will be less beneficial for those on establishedtyreatment/lifestyle plan.

just ask for your blood test, and if challenged, just quote your absence at the required time.
Click to expand...
I am very much well overdue with mine. Only myself to blame but not been in the right headspace at all
 
Lainie71 said:
I am very much well overdue with mine. Only myself to blame but not been in the right headspace at all
Click to expand...
Mine is often slipped in with other things. I need regular monitoring for a bonkers thyroid and another condition, so more often than not, the first I know it's A1c time, is when sitting in the chair.

I just go with the flow, and better than making a special trip.
 
@Lainie71 I went through several years of acknowledging in my head that it was “Annual test time” and just ignoring it. I had a lot of life issues going on, including lockdown.
However, I came back to this forum for some now-forgotten reason, and got the proverbial rear-end accelorator and made “The Appointment”. I am so glad I did because the wake-up call the results gave me mean I have now been able to deal with most of those life issues (simply saying “no” helped) and with the care and support of the amazing people here, I feel like a functioning person for the first time in years.
 
Caveat: I have Type 1 and can only speak from my experience.

I don't pay much heed to my HBA1C. I test regularly (and even before the days of CGMs) and know how well I am managing my diabetes. I think of it as a test for my doctors to record and am happy that my GP wants to test every 6 months. I care far more about the other tests I get at the same time such as cholesterol, kidney function, etc. which I cannot track myself.

If you want a HBA1C, ask yourself why and use that as justification for an "earlier" test.
 
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