HbA1c and Hemoglobin ?

[Randburg]

Hi, don't know if anyone can give me an answer.
I have been Diabetic Type 2 for about 18 months. My first HbA1c test was 10, and I have managed to get this down to 5.4 on my test last week. This is the lowest I have got to.
on Metformin 2X500 mg Daily, and I have been trying the Low Carb diet.
In routine blood tests during the year, it was found that I have low Iron, Blood platelets and haemoglobin.
Tests are on-going, but to date they have found I have an enlarged Spleen that is possibly causing the problems.
My question if your haemoglobin levels are low (12.3g/dl) normal is 14 to 19g/dl would this have an effect on your HbA1c blood test ?
Any comments appreciated :?

 

[phoenix]

If your condition causes your red blood cells to live for a longer or shorter time then it mean your HbA1c is unreliable. Some conditions cause shortened cell life so decrease HbA1c, others increase the cell life so increase it.
This pdf from leeds NHS pathology describes the cases when HbA1c is inappropriate for diagnosis because of these factors.
see under: anaemia and altered life span of red cell.
http://www.pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pat ... abetes.pdf
Obviously it's something to discuss with your doctor as it says that iron deficiency anaemia may increase HbA1c (until treated with iron) but splenomegaly (enlarged spleen, I think) decreases cell life so may reduce Hba1c.

 

[Lazybones]

Phoenix's answer is spot on.