To Fast For Hba1c Or Not?

[CarlyB]

Hi all,

I need to get my HbA1c blood test done this week but can't remember if I have to fast or not?

Please help me clarify this.

TIA

 

[DaftThoughts]

I always have to fast for mine.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

Glycated hemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that is measured primarily to identify the three-month average plasma glucose concentration. The test is limited to a three-month average because the lifespan of a red blood cell is four months. Fasting before the blood is taken isn't going to change something that's looking at the last 3 months. So I'm going to say no, however . . . . . . . .

If they're going to do other blood tests like cholesterol and lipids or whatever, they may need a fasting test, best to ask them.

 

[noblehead]

If they are including a full lipid breakdown (cholesterol) then you have to fast for 10-12 hours before the test.

 

[Struma]

@DavidGrahamJones @noblehead I also agree.

Plus, it seems increasingly common to need to fast for 12/24 prior to kidney function test, mainly for creatinine.
So, I fast by default now, book bloods for early in morning. It isn't too disrupting for me, but I'm sure it is for some.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. I also do a fasting test even though not asked to do for the HBA1c bit as it helps get better lipids breakdown figures.

 

[CarlyB]

Ok thanks everyone

 

[JohnEGreen]

I didn't for my last review because no one had said to and it was mid day but when I got there I was told I should have so if I where you I would fast any way then you will be right what ever.

 

[carty]

For my regular blood test which is fairly comprehensive (lipids bone Hba etc) I am told that I don't need to fast ,although I did when I was diagnosed ,it seems that the criteria has changed
CAROL

 

[Sirmione]

I looked into this a few months back.
Fasting shouldn't alter the results of an HBa1C test .... HBa1c is an indication of glucose levels over 3 months although by the nature of the life cycle of blood cells it must be biased towards the most recent month's levels.

From everything I have found on the net Blood lipid panel results are not altered to any great degree by fasting/non-fasting.
In a fasting test LDL concentration is actually increased by a very tiny ammount, HDL remains much the same and Triglycerides levels are reduced slightly.

Before a non-fasting test eating a meal very heavily loaded with fats in the hours prior to a test could push the Triglycerides up noticeably.

 

[Hiitsme]

I looked into this a few months back.
Fasting shouldn't alter the results of an HBa1C test .... HBa1c is an indication of glucose levels over 3 months although by the nature of the life cycle of blood cells it must be biased towards the most recent month's levels.

From everything I have found on the net Blood lipid panel results are not altered to any great degree by fasting/non-fasting.
In a fasting test LDL concentration is actually increased by a very tiny ammount, HDL remains much the same and Triglycerides levels are reduced slightly.

Before a non-fasting test eating a meal very heavily loaded with fats in the hours prior to a test could push the Triglycerides up noticeably.

As I need to increase my triglycerides maybe I shouldn't fast!

 

[Sirmione]

Worth reading http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/farewell-fasting-cholesterol-test-201606169784

 

[dbr10]

Hi all,

I need to get my HbA1c blood test done this week but can't remember if I have to fast or not?

Please help me clarify this.

TIA

It's the average BG for the last three months or so; no need to fast.

 

[MH2010]

I dont necessarily believe the old 'specialist' at my GP surgery but she informed me that no diabetic should ever have to fast for any form of test.

I dont fast for HbA1C but do if its more tests that are being done.

My surgery are used to the attitude they get if they give me a late appointment after fasting from approx 7pm the night before.