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Guidelines for frequency of HbA1c tests

dbr10

dbr10

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,237
Location
Birmingham
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Does anyone have a definitive guide for NICE guidelines for the frequency of the HbA1c test. We know that longer intervals = poorer control. My DN has taken it upon herself to change mine from six monthly to annually. I only found out when I telephoned to chase it up.
 
The most ideal frequency would be every three months I suppose, as that's what the test measures.....

I don't actually know if longer intervals means poorer control.....as you wont actually know what the control is.....;)

a regular HbA1c wont actually mean good control I would of thought.....its still very much a day to day fight, in my opinion anyway...
 
novorapidboi26 said:
The most ideal frequency would be every three months I suppose, as that's what the test measures.....

I don't actually know if longer intervals means poorer control.....as you wont actually know what the control is.....;)

a regular HbA1c wont actually mean good control I would of thought.....its still very much a day to day fight, in my opinion anyway...
Click to expand...
Thank you very much. A quick search found this

http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/hba1c-testing-frequency-matters/

Could do a more detailed search for NICE I suppose

I'd actually agreed 6 monthly with the doctor I see most frequently; but I'm not able to get an appointment to see her.
 
NICE says this

Measurement
1.6.1In adults with type 2 diabetes, measure HbA1c levels at:

  • 3–6-monthly intervals (tailored to individual needs), until the HbA1c is stable on unchanging therapy

  • 6-monthly intervals once the HbA1c level and blood glucose lowering therapy are stable. [2015]
1.6.2Use methods to measure HbA1c that have been calibrated according to International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standardisation. [new 2015]
 
Squire Fulwood said:
NICE says this

Measurement
1.6.1In adults with type 2 diabetes, measure HbA1c levels at:

  • 3–6-monthly intervals (tailored to individual needs), until the HbA1c is stable on unchanging therapy

  • 6-monthly intervals once the HbA1c level and blood glucose lowering therapy are stable. [2015]
1.6.2Use methods to measure HbA1c that have been calibrated according to International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standardisation. [new 2015]
Click to expand...
Yes. 6 monthly was agreed with my own doctor. Who will save us from the people who are supposed to be helping us, I wonder.
 
novorapidboi26 said:
The most ideal frequency would be every three months I suppose, as that's what the test measures.....

I don't actually know if longer intervals means poorer control.....as you wont actually know what the control is.....;)

a regular HbA1c wont actually mean good control I would of thought.....its still very much a day to day fight, in my opinion anyway...
Click to expand...

I suppose it all depends on the patient and their level of success and the effort put in........more regular trips to clinic would certainly keep the motivation up, if motivation was an issue for the patient that is...... ;)
 
Mine is tested approximately annually although usually about 13 to 14 months apart.
This is fine with me: I am more concerned by the daily/hourly ups and downs than by an average over the last 3 months which shows none of the hypos.
And my consultant is now more concerned by the last month's uploaded finger prick results than the hB1AC which I feel is taken because it has to be rather than for any value it brings.

My annual(ish) liver and kidney function blood tests are of more interest to me because I have no other way of checking these.
 
I have only had three Hba1c tests, one to diagnose one at 80 days and one at 6 months - and that was a year ago.
I did give up the medication and I did get down to 41 last time - but I do feel a little ignored.
With another test at a year from diagnosis I would be far more confident about my ability to maintain normal results.
 
I have now got them to do it 6 monthly, but have been told that if i 'stop being diabetic' it will be done annually.
 
Well, I am still waiting from September 2017 for my clinic appointment, reschedules and sick consultant has been the reasons so far.....there has been some really good spells in this time too......when I do eventually go I will no doubt have just been through a bad spell.....LOL...
 
novorapidboi26 said:
I suppose it all depends on the patient and their level of success and the effort put in........more regular trips to clinic would certainly keep the motivation up, if motivation was an issue for the patient that is...... ;)
Click to expand...
I think the patients are fine. It's the HCPs who need motivating.
 
helensaramay said:
Mine is tested approximately annually although usually about 13 to 14 months apart.
This is fine with me: I am more concerned by the daily/hourly ups and downs than by an average over the last 3 months which shows none of the hypos.
And my consultant is now more concerned by the last month's uploaded finger prick results than the hB1AC which I feel is taken because it has to be rather than for any value it brings.

My annual(ish) liver and kidney function blood tests are of more interest to me because I have no other way of checking these.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Yes, it may be the best measure there is, but is still fairly useless. My testing does give me much more idea about what's going on.
 
Last edited:
Resurgam said:
I have only had three Hba1c tests, one to diagnose one at 80 days and one at 6 months - and that was a year ago.
I did give up the medication and I did get down to 41 last time - but I do feel a little ignored.
With another test at a year from diagnosis I would be far more confident about my ability to maintain normal results.
Click to expand...
Yes I think so too.
 
I personally aim to have one every 6 months or there about - I book mine myself though direct through my GP, no one has ever questioned this, I also get all other areas checked too, so full blood count, cholesterol, kidney and liver function and thyroid. As my GP is not linked to my hospital I record all my results and produce them when asked at either the GP or the consultant appointments.
 
I had test 2-3 monthly HbA1cs initially (from May 17 - Feb 18), I’m now waiting 6 months for my next one and hoping to stay 6 monthly. I do remain inspired by my day to day testing but (if results are good) it’s lovely to get a pat on the back from my GP once in a while! I’ll quote NICE guidelines at him if he suggests annually after August! Thanks for finding that NICE quote @Squire Fulwood :)
 
Mines usually done annually which is frequency for stable well controlled diabetes set by the hospital endocrinology service Im under.
My next one has been set at a 9 monthly interval because the consultant cut me meds last time I was seen because my hba1c was 40.
 
dbr10 said:
definitive guide for NICE guidelines for the frequency of the HbA1c test.
Click to expand...

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng28/chapter/1-recommendations

Mine have been annual for many years. However, as soon as I started trying to emulate the Newcastle Diet, my GP was keen to change that to every three months, just to check on my progress. I feel sure that the frequency of the test depends on the patient and I know that my GP "trusts" me to monitor sensibly and not make numbers up which I know some patients try, my dad included (now he just doesn't write down any "bad" numbers).

dbr10 said:
Who will save us from the people who are supposed to be helping us, I wonder.
Click to expand...

Maybe they're saying "you're doing all right, you don't need bi-annual checks". If you disagree, then tell them. Ask them why? I think we have to get used to the fact that the NHS is trying to save money wherever it can, so long as you agree.
 
Received a letter only this morning informing me that my 6 monthly appointment for the start of June had been " rescheduled " for the start of July.
The extra months wait isn't an issue.
Having to now go back in work next week, cancel my day off and " reschedule " it for another day is a real pain.
It's the little things about diabetes that irk the most:):):banghead::banghead:
 
Over here in down under, registered diabetics are allowed 4 per year under medicare. I get mine done every 3 months but I'm also having other tests done at the same time like lipid profile, kidney function and PR3 ANCA antibodies.

The quarterly freebies came about when our illustrious leaders decided that T2s don't need test strips any more unless your doctor signs a waiver. Lucky mine signs my waiver.
Glenn
 
therower said:
Received a letter only this morning informing me that my 6 monthly appointment for the start of June had been " rescheduled " for the start of July.
The extra months wait isn't an issue.
Having to now go back in work next week, cancel my day off and " reschedule " it for another day is a real pain.
It's the little things about diabetes that irk the most:):):banghead::banghead:
Click to expand...

Twin Older bro strikes again!:wacky: Lol At least I got quite some notice that my June appointment was being rescheduled to July - got a letter about 2 months ago about that one (perhaps there's some convention they're all going to?!). Anyway since it was suppose to be a 6 month checkup as oppose to my normal yearly it makes no difference to me either (hba1c had crept up a bit hence the 6 months).
 
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