Hi all. I was diagnosed in June this year as a t2 diabetic with a hba1c of 73. 2 weeks later re tested and i was 67. I have now done another test for a review and now i am 34. Although i am ecstatic with this result i am dubious that it could be false. I have cut down on carbs alot but still on occasions have half a dozen potatoes or a few chips etc. On my codefree meter I normally read between 7-9 and never drop below 6. My morning results are usually around 7.7. Any thoughts as if this could be a false hba1c result or do meters read high.
Thank you.
Personally I would not worry about it being a false test result. Your experience is similar to mine and with broadly similar test numbers. When my results came back, showing full control achieved within months of diagnosis, I was so shocked (in a good way) that I contacted the doctor to ask, politely, about the reliability of the test. He set my mind at rest.
The HbA1C measures the average glucose levels over the previous 8 to 12 weeks. Eating the occasional half a dozen taters will only make an infinitesimal difference. Cheating constantly will raise the number considerably however. That is why I really like this blood test, and so does my doctor.
If you want to be really naughty, binge now! If your next test is (say) at least three months from now, there is a good chance that the illegal carbs will drop out of your hemoglobin by the time the next test is done. Disclaimer: Following my advice will spike your glucose and is, of course, a Bad Idea.
I had my A1C test yesterday and am waiting for the results. After having my blood drawn, I headed for the liquor store to buy a pint of just about the highest-carb beer on the planet, and downed it that evening.
Well done. It is stories like yours that keep me honest on the low-carb path (well, most of the time).