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MaryJ

Well-Known Member
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Hi All

I am new to this forum and Diabetes. I am trying to get my head round all the new terminology etc. My question is, I am sure, a very simple one.

What is the difference between a HbA1c blood test and a fasting blood test (or are they the same)?

Why are some results shown as a % and some as a number? All seem to be similar ie 8.1 or 8.1%. Do they represent different things or just some people drop off the %? :?:

Many thanks

Mary x
 
Hi MaryJ
A fasting blood test in either a blood glucose test that you do at home with your meter and test when you wake up before you eat or drink or do anything such as shower. Or a test at the Doctors before you eat or drink anything. A HbA1c is a test at the Doctors which gives an average of you blood glucose level for the previous 3 months.

The % I presume has just been omitted by the poster.

Hope I've answered that clearly (and correctly!)

Ann
 
Yeah, just to clarify, a fasting blood test measures your blood sugar at that specific moment in a particular set of units. An HbA1c measures your AVERAGE over the previous few months, although heavily weighted towards the last month, in a different set of units.
 
Hi and welcome
Just to confirm that all the info you have been given is correct.
I am a type 1 diabetic, just wondered what type you have.
Please feel free to keep in touch.
Tracey
 
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