Hba1c v glucose fasting test

[DC86]

Hi everyone,
I am new here. I don’t have diagnosed diabetes but I have a lot of symptoms. The GP arranged a Hba1c test and the results are satisfactory.
But I am not convinced and wonder if getting a fasting glucose test is worth it or if I should accept the Hba1c as being 100% accurate?
I don’t want to ask the GP because I’m not under mining them but I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to it. So I’m looking to find out how I can arrange the glucose one privately if it’s worth doing it.

 

[eventhorizon]

Hi there!

Do you know what number your hba1c result was?

 

[DC86]

Thanks for replying. No I have no idea, I didn’t ask. But I might! It was a kidney specialist who requested the hba1c as the GP sought advice when a urine sample was showing high levels of protein. The follow up sample was also satisfactory they say but I’m worried about why there was high levels of protein in the first place.

 

[MrsA2]

The Hba1c test gives a average over the past three months.
A cheaper simpler option to a private fasting glucose is to purchase a cheap bg monitor and try your own blood for a few days
1 test on waking
1 before breakfast, 1 2 hours after
Ditto lunch and dinner
Finally 1 before bed.
That will soon tell you what your sugars are doing.
@Rachox has info on meters

 

[Rachox]

Hi @DC86 and welcome to the forum, thanks for the tag @MrsA2 . If you’d find it useful DC86, here’s some info on UK meters, and to be clear I have no commercial connections with any of the companies mentioned.



HOME HEALTH have the Gluco Navii, which is a fairly new model and seems to be getting good reviews.

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-produ...ose-meter-test-strips-choose-mmol-l-or-mg-dl/



Links to the strips for future orders:

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/glucose-navii-blood-glucose-test-strips-50-strip-pack/



Then they sell the older SD Code Free, details to be found here!

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/





SPIRIT HEALTHCARE have a meter called the Tee2 + which is quite popular:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/co...e2-blood-glucose-meter?variant=19264017268793



The strips are to be found here:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/co...py-of-tee2-test-strips?variant=19264017367097



If there is a choice of units of measurement then ‘mmol/L’ are the standard units in the UK, ‘mg/dl’ in the US, other countries may vary.



Don’t forget to check the box if you have pre diabetes or diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)

 

[eventhorizon]

Some can access their various test and result records via the NHS app.

 

[aylalake]

I currently have high levels of protein due to a silent UTI which went unnoticed and therefore untreated for months.
So there may be other reasons for your levels. Definitely ask for your HbA1c results - the receptionist can probably give them to you over the phone, no need to make an appointment.

 

[DC86]

Hi there!

Do you know what number your hba1c result was?

I checked today with the GP and it was 34. So I guess that is ok. My symptoms seem to be food related so I’ll see how I go with an at home monitor.

 

[DC86]

The Hba1c test gives a average over the past three months.
A cheaper simpler option to a private fasting glucose is to purchase a cheap bg monitor and try your own blood for a few days
1 test on waking
1 before breakfast, 1 2 hours after
Ditto lunch and dinner
Finally 1 before bed.
That will soon tell you what your sugars are doing.
@Rachox has info on meters

Thanks so much for this information, it’s very helpful. I’m ordering one this evening.

 

[Lamont D]

I checked today with the GP and it was 34. So I guess that is ok. My symptoms seem to be food related so I’ll see how I go with an at home monitor.

In which way are they food related?
Good hba1c levels!
Nowhere near diabetic levels.

 

[MrsA2]

What symptoms do you have, and what do you eat in a typical day?

 

[DC86]

What symptoms do you have, and what do you eat in a typical day?

Hey,

My diet is very good, I have 3 meals and healthy snacks and I exercise 4-5 times a week. I do not fit the criteria for diabetes so I probs sounds crazy but my symptoms are below.

Palpitations- using the kardia app monitor this week now which shows possible A fib for almost every reading. They used to only come after eating but at the moment it’s pretty constant. Haven’t reported back to the doctor yet.

Two small cuts on my toes that won’t heal (since summer) and poor circulation to my feet regardless of the weather.

Change in vision- one eye became really blurry and seemed to happen over night. In two months between eye tests I went from perfect vision to now wearing glasses.

Night sweats which are daily right now

Using the toilet a lot, especially during the night.

Nausea
Headaches and although my heart rate and blood pressure are within normal ranges just now, they are significantly higher than I normally am.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me