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HbA1c

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mickj

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8
hi, still new to this game, my boy is into week 6, i see a lot of posts about Hb1AC, what is this? should i be asking my doctor to schedule a test? how often are these done? is it a hospital thing or just a doctors visit?
as always, much appreciation with all your answers
 
Re: HB1AC

Hi Mickj,
Welcome.
HbA1c is Glycated hemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin which is measured primarily to identify the average plasma glucose concentration over prolonged periods of time, usually 12 weeks. This test can be done at the GP or at hospital, the result takes up to a few days to process. On diagrosis the test may be performed every 3 months, but once the patient levels are stable it is usually every 6 months.
This is one of the barrage of tests that should be done on diabetics regularly:
HbA1c, foot sensitivity, retinopathy test.
 
Re: HB1AC

Our experience of HbA1c testing is a little different to what Fergus describes and this might be that children's diabetic clinics are different to the adult clinics.

The HbA1c test is done at each diabetes clinic visit, which for children is usually about every 3-4 months. It involves pricking the finger and taking a small sample of blood (about the same amount needed for a blood glucose finger prick test) to be analysed. The results are usually ready within less than 10 minutes. The nurse usually does this, together with weight, height, blood pressure and injection site check before you go in to see the consultant.

By the time you go in to see the consultant he will have your HbA1c results. The HbA1c test basically tells you what your average blood glucose has been for approximately the last three months. For children the target I believe is 7.5 or below, but we have had results in at anything under 8 and they've been pleased with that. Don't be surprised if your first results are higher than 8, the target is to get to 7.5 and below so this may not happen straight away.

Approximately once a year (or sometimes a little less often, depends on the consultant) your son will need an annual review blood test. This involves going along to the phlebotomy dept at your hospital to take blood for review. They test for several things including thyroid function and coeliac disease.

We have been told that there is no need to have eyes checked until 12 years old. But I take my daughter (and son who is non-diabetic) along to the optician each year for a test anyway.

When you are invited to your first clinic appointment remember to take along your blood glucose diary as the consultant will want to see your son's readings. Also take along your testing kit as you must use your own lancing device for the HbA1c prick test.
 
Re: HB1AC

Hi mickj,

Firstly, welcome to the forum! I hope your little boy (and you, of course) is adapting well and coping with his diabetes? There is quite a lot to take in, but it does get easier!

In a nutshell, the HbA1c measures how well controlled your diabetes is. It gives an indication as to your sugar levels over the last 10-12 weeks. As a general rule if thumb, the higher the HbA1c the poorer the control and the greater the risk of long-term complications.

Your son will need to have his HbA1c levels checked regulary. Hiw often will depend on his age and other factors. I have found the the frequency varies across the country - some PCTs test every 6 months, some more or less often. When I was a child I had to attend the children's clinic. Here they would usually do a finger prick test and take blood that way. Occasionally they would need to take blood from my arm, but I was usually given a numbing cream to apply beforehand to minimise any discomfort. Results would be available within the week.

I have always been told to aim for an HbA1c of 7.5 or less, although I have tended to stick around the 6.5-7 mark. In general, you should aim to get this as low as possible, although if it is too low it could indicate that you are having a lot of hypos, or low blood sugars. Your doctor or diabetes specialist will be able to tell you what level is right for you.

As your son has just been diagnosed, his result may be a little higher than usual. The first few months are all about getting the sugar levels back under control so this is fairly normal. You may have also heard about the "honeymoon period". This is where the body still produces some insulin. The level of insulin it produces is unpredictable but it can mean that you have some unexpected highs and lows in the early days.

Your doctor or diabetes team will usually contact you when you are due an HbA1c. Make sure you keep in touch with them as you are bound to have more questions over the coming months.

I hope this helps. Shout if you have any other queries!

E
 
Re: HB1AC

hello hope all is going as well as it can for both u and ur son

our experience is different again our first hba1c the nurse came round and did a finger prick to collect the blood sample but after that they send me out the kit to do the test at home and we then return it to the doctors who send it to the hospital to be tested, we then get the result through the post a week or so later.

i guess all areas do things differently but the results will be the same we have never had a hba1c under 10 in the 4 years we have been doing these tests but dylan is challenging in his nurses words lol but now we have the pump we are hoping for some better numbers they should be under 10 anyway as the blood results have been much lower

anna marie
 
Re: HB1AC

I see in the Foreword they say that half Type 1's haven't had a urine test which can help detect early kidney problems. Jess has never had a urine test, I did mention this at the last appointment with our old clinic but I must remember to raise it with our new consultant next time I see him. I really think that after five and a half years she should have been tested by now. I recall being told right at the beginning that after about four or five years she should be tested.

The 7.5 target for children on injections is a tough target to meet. We have tried so hard and I think we only successfully came in under that target a small handful of times in the five years. I'm hoping we should meet that target now Jess is using a pump.
 
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