HbA1C - frequency of tests

It's supposed to provide a "3 month" average (which is the average lifespan of your red blood cells).

Most people accept that it really only measures the last month or so, but 3 months is an appropriate timescale.

You could get yourself an A1cNow kit and measure it at home.

pipster78 said:

Hi there,

After some advice please. I have a higher than normal HBA1C reading and when I visited the eye consultant last week was asked to have a blood test the same week and then another before I return in 10 weeks time. However, my surgery are saying that I will not be able to have an additional test under 3 months. Is this correct? Even if I am taking corrective measures to bring my levels down would they not show on a test in under 3 months?

Thanks
Pip

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Hi

lots of people get their hba1c done for different doctors working within health systems. I will have another one done later this week but my GP did one 2 weeks ago.

If the eye consultant told you to have the a1c test done and gave you the necessary blood form, then all youve got to do is make an appt with the pathology dept. If he has told you to get it done through your GP and has given you a letter requesting this, then your GP should issue the blood form. The a1c test itself doesn't cost that much money so no GP should refuse.

You could phone the consultant and tell him/her that your GP has refused.

I bet you would get a test done PDQ.

Consultants are "Top Boss" as far as GPs are concerned. They just do not refuse to do what a consultant says.

H

It USED to be the case that Consltants were top dogs " and GPs had to do as they said but I am not sure that this is still the case. I have had similar problems . The diabetes consultant at the hospital to whom I was referred by my eye consultant said i should have 3monthly HBA1Cs.

This has caused endless strife as it is not the policy to do this in my prctice. It is a batle every time. The hospital have discharged me from the diabetes clinic because my control is good . The GPs and nurses [particularly the nurses] don't want me to have the tests because my control is good and they say it is unnecessary.
The idea was to ensure that the HBA1Cs did not creep up again affectig my eye conditions.
Although the tests don't cos much noone seems o want to pay for them!
I manage to persuade a doctor that it is necessary from ime to time -only to find that the nurses have cancelled the test when I get there. I have many other things to cope with and no choice as to Drs practice. I just don't have the time or inclination to keep fighting the same battle. I could appeal o the consultants but I am very surprised at the attitude.
A very newly appointed GP also disgreed with a prescripion issued by the consultant . Not for anything revolutionary , merely januvia.
Maybe atitudes are changing . I wonder if this is a side effect of the doctors having heir own budgets and feeling more autonomous
or ibecause some jobsworth makes a fuss about every penny?
II am quite happy with my levels but very surprised at the attitude. I wonder how many more eamples we have of this?