Regular Blood Sugar Tests Compared To Hba1c

I know that some people have expressed a preference for regular tests rather than a three/six monthly Hba1c test. When I was first diagnosed my Hba1c was 65, but within three months I'd reduced this to 39 following a fairly low-carb diet. The following six months it increased marginally to 42. I decided to relax the low-carb diet a little and it next rose to 48. I asked my diabetes nurse about using a monitor, and regular tests over the next three months indicated BS levels of between 5.9 and 9.2. It did on one occasion shoot up to 15.3 when I'd had a bowl of soup based on a butternut squash, followed by a jacket potatoe. So I took this as a warning and didn't indulge again. I had noticed that identical menus on different days had resulted in varying BS results, although within acceptable limits. Despite keeping with these limits, at my last Hba1c test it was 51. So I would be interested if anyone has a view on the comparison of regular BS testing and Hba1c levels. I've had annual diabetes eye and podiatry tests, which has not thrown up any problems; and my weight is maintained at eleven stone. I am fairly fit for my age, 79 and do a couple of cycle rides each week of between 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Antje77 said:

How often a day do you test? Oug bg might do all kinds of things in between testing.
That said, your bg of between 5.9 and 9.2 isn't that far off from your hba1c of 51.

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Charlie80 said:

You need both. With hba1c you don't see the variability in bg. The a1c can be "ok" but the postprandial readings can be high without you knowing it. I think a lot of diabetics are fooled by a "good" a1c when they in reality have a high variability in daily readings (not good!).

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Charlie80 said:

You need both. With hba1c you don't see the variability in bg. The a1c can be "ok" but the postprandial readings can be high without you knowing it. I think a lot of diabetics are fooled by a "good" a1c when they in reality have a high variability in daily readings (not good!).

Click to expand...

Charlie80 said:

You need both. With hba1c you don't see the variability in bg. The a1c can be "ok" but the postprandial readings can be high without you knowing it. I think a lot of diabetics are fooled by a "good" a1c when they in reality have a high variability in daily readings (not good!).

Click to expand...

Charlie80 said:

You need both. With hba1c you don't see the variability in bg. The a1c can be "ok" but the postprandial readings can be high without you knowing it. I think a lot of diabetics are fooled by a "good" a1c when they in reality have a high variability in daily readings (not good!).

Click to expand...

Charlie80 said:

You need both. With hba1c you don't see the variability in bg. The a1c can be "ok" but the postprandial readings can be high without you knowing it. I think a lot of diabetics are fooled by a "good" a1c when they in reality have a high variability in daily readings (not good!).

Click to expand...

Antje77 said:

How often a day do you test? Oug bg might do all kinds of things in between testing.
That said, your bg of between 5.9 and 9.2 isn't that far off from your hba1c of 51.

Click to expand...

Thanks for all the replys. Impossible to test several times a day owing to cost. Also found identical meals on occasions give totallly differing results, so I'm still confused.