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Hba1c tests and fasting

Grazer

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,115
Hi! I did ask this question earlier, but it never appeared so maybe I did something wrong! Anyway, as a diet only T2, I'm about to have my first Hba1c test since diagnosis. All my reading on the subject tells me that fasting is not necessary for this test as it's an average over 3 months. I checked with my surgery, but the specialist diabetes nurse told me I must fast for 10 hours before the test. I queried it, but she insists dieting is needed before a Hba1c. Is she right?? If not, how can a specialist in the subject be wrong like this? Your views would be appreciated.
Regards
Malcolm
 
my GP told that fasting was not necessary for HBA1C this gp is diabetic specialist in my practice.
however if these blood tests are being carried out prior to an appointment at the diabetic clinic there might be alot of bloods being taken not just HBA1C maybe a fasting glucose, cholestral etc and the nurse would want you to fast for this.
anyway if I were you I would just follow the instructions you were given.
 
Thanks louiseb, think I'm only getting Hba1c but I will fast in case!
Malcolm
 
I think that practices vary as to whether they require you o fast. My present GP pracice does no require you to fast before HBA1C but the previous one required fasting tests when you were o see he GP and non-fasing when you were due o see the nurse.

They just assume that you don't wan o know all the details..I think if they require fasting for everyone it is usually o wst fasting glucose.
They are usually very careful to give you an early appointment for he est so I hope it will not be a problem for you. It is a pity hey do not all try to explain matters more fully when a patient has queries. Especially if they are newly diagnosed or new to the Pracice.
 
When i have my hb1c test i have never been asked not to eat

However when i go back to see nurse or GP

I am told My HB1c results average
ALSO MY BG LEVEL AT THE DAY Blood was taken .....so your nurse may wish to see this ? :?
also get cholesterol readings
Loads of other readings related to liver Hart .Gout

All from one arm full of blood
 
Fasting is not required for the HBA1C test. But it is in my experience for the GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) and for cholesterol, are you/is she getting these mixed up?
 
Fasting is not required for the HBA1C test. But it is in my experience for the GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) and for cholesterol, are you/is she getting these mixed up?
Click to expand...



I have never been asked to do any Fasting for my cholesterol test ???? :?:
have cholesterol done with my HB1c think most of us have done with our HB1c

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8353510.stm
 
Strange, I thougt hba1c it was recording an average over 3 months so fastng would make little or no difference in the few hours before testing. I have never been asked to fast before it??
 
Often (but not always) when I've had a hba1c done I have also had other things ticked on the blood test form that require fasting:
lipids (chol, trig)
Glucose
those can both either be fasting or non-fasting, there is an option for both on the form. As others have said, hba1c itself doesn't need fasting though.
 
I have my HbA1c test just before I go in to the Endo for my normal appointment. I don't fast beforehand and get my results 10 minutes after as they have the machine there. But I have to have a separate fasting appointment first thing in the morning for all other routine tests (blood and urine) a week before I see the Endo. The HbA1c is a test of your blood's average over the last 2-3 months so it doesn't make a difference what your level is on the day even though the levels of the last two weeks are weighted higher. If you have your HbA1c test at the same time as all your other tests you will obviously have been required to fast.

I have also had non-fasting cholesterol tests done at the pharmacy.
 


Same here but they dont always tell me what is included in the test aswell as the hba1c, so I always assume its a fasting test to be on the safe side. I am sure a late breakfast once in 6 mths wont do much harm.
 
Thanks to all for the replies. It is definitely an Hba1c I'm going for, but maybe they do plan to do other things as well which would explain it
Malcolm
 
If you have your HbA1c test at the same time as all your other tests you will obviously have been required to fast.
Click to expand...

Thats my point I go to surgery say on a Monday after a full breakfast every 3 months
for over 3 years always been the same she always asks "you have your eaten breakfast" yes! :?:
Give them my urine sample (told must be from first wee that morning)
Give a arm full of blood thats placed into a number of tubes 4 last time
Blood presser is taken
Dump me on the scales
take swab from mouth
Feet exam
Any injections due are given
--------------------
The following week i go back to see GP or DB nurse
and told My
Hbic eg 5.6
BG level the day blood was taken eg 6.6
sugar in urine
blood in urine
cholesterol
uric acid levels
Loads of other readings
for liver kidneys bladder bowel ect

Then talk over my results

Never asked to do any fasting for my blood or urine tests GP or Hospital :roll:

OP
Suppose if your specialist diabetes nurse told you ,, better do it
or she may get all TWISTY on you
 
Im as confused too as to wether i should fast or not for the Hba1c test only.Usually any required blood tests by my GP/nurse have had specific instructions on when to stop eating etc.This time there is no info on the sheet other than the usual info whos requiring the test and type of test Hba1c and thats about it.I forgot to ask the nurse but im assuming i can eat as normal as she doesnt require any other test.I suppose i could phone the surgery and get them to ask the nurse and make absolutely sure ive got 2 weeks before i go for the blood test yet.
 
I've never been asked to fast for an Hba1c as it looks as blood glucose indicators over a longer period, so fasting will have little effect.

Cholesterol tests on the other hand can be affected by eating something high in LDLs immediately before the test.
 


Thats what i thought as well
 
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