• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Type 1 Hab1c v Daily BG Measures

D

Dalkeyboy

Member
Messages
14
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I was diagnosed a year ago.My diabetes is a consequence of hereditary haemochromatosis causing iron overload and pancreatic damage amongst other things. I use insulin four times a day together with two 500mg Metformin tablets.Treatment for the haemochromatosis comprises weekly venesection i.e. removal of a pint of blood each time until my ferritin level reduces to normal range.
Coming to the point - my daily bg readings,with the occasional spike,tend to average between 5.5 and 7.5.In August my Hab1c result was 5.5; a few weeks ago it was 4.9.I was puzzled by the drop and the disparity with daily bg over the preceding period.
I'd welcome any views why this might be - venesection perhaps?
 
Welcome to the Forum! I didn’t know for sure but suspected that false results may happen with disorders affecting red cells. This research seems to confirm it:
https://depts.washington.edu/uwmedres/professional/Research/Mielke, Beverly/Mielke1.docx
There is another test in place of HbA1c, I can’t remember the name, I’m sure someone else will come along with it soon.
EDIT Oh in the conclusion they suggest other tests that may be suitable.
 
Many thanks Rochox.That link is really enlightening.
 
I should have added that when I was researching the reasons for a higher HbA1c than expected, I came across a body builders forum where they deliberately donated blood in order to get lower Haematocrit levels. (Raised haematocrit levels cause higher HbA1cs) Anabolic steroid use causes high Haematocrit levels. I could not believe what I was reading!
 
Thank you.I'll certainly raise this with my consultant.On a more general note diabetes is a common consequence of haemochromatosis but the latter often goes undiagnosed due to lack of clinical awareness,particularly within general practice.Untreated the condition can cause serious harm to other organs -the liver especially.
A specific iron studies blood test will show if ferritin levels are too high and,in turn,whether testing for the causative defective gene is appropriate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…