I am terrified of having the annual Hbac blod test due to a fear of needles. I have been a well controlled type 1 for 25 years (inject 5 times a day and have no problem carrying out the finger prick test) but the more intrusive Hbac test worries me so much i have avoided having it for approx 10 years. i would be grateful for any advice in a bid to get over this fear...
Hbac blood test fear/phobia
- Thread starter LWA
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- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
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If it's any comfort LWA I don't like needles either. I'm fine injecting myself but don't particularly like people injecting me or taking bloods, I do wonder if it's because we become control freaks in our own diabetes management and have a distrust of other people coming near us with a needle........I don't know :think:
The only advice I can give is to look the other way and concentrate on nice things whilst they take the blood, it's in your own interests to have your Hba1c and any other tests carried out so do try and overcome this fear if you can, perhaps letting the nurse/gp know beforehand might be useful too.
The only advice I can give is to look the other way and concentrate on nice things whilst they take the blood, it's in your own interests to have your Hba1c and any other tests carried out so do try and overcome this fear if you can, perhaps letting the nurse/gp know beforehand might be useful too.
carty
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When I have to have bloods taken I dont look right from the start so that I dont see the needle or any other stuff involved I also talk to the nurse all the time mostly just a load of waffle but she knows I am scared and encourages me to talk .Your H bA1cs are important so give it a go, tell who ever is taking the blood how you feel and how long it is since you had a blood test they do many tests and are used to people being scared you are not on your own 
CAROL
CAROL
Hi. If you can't find a way to overcome the blood sample fears for the HBa1C, I guess frequent blood samples for your meter will give you an average over several weeks and you can convert your meter reading to an equivalent HBa1C value
CathyN
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Hi !
I find that concentrating on breathing deeply and slowly can really help. Also, if they have something on the wall, like a picture or a poster - try focusing all of your attention on that.
I totally understand about the fears. I used to have to lie down for my tests - as sitting up used to make me keel over in a faint!! Now I'm diabetic I decided I'd better try to get over this handicap - and with the breathing and the concentrating on something else in the room, I now manage to sit up for my tests.
Good luck!!
cathy N
I find that concentrating on breathing deeply and slowly can really help. Also, if they have something on the wall, like a picture or a poster - try focusing all of your attention on that.
I totally understand about the fears. I used to have to lie down for my tests - as sitting up used to make me keel over in a faint!! Now I'm diabetic I decided I'd better try to get over this handicap - and with the breathing and the concentrating on something else in the room, I now manage to sit up for my tests.
Good luck!!
cathy N
