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What Exactly are Hba1c Results?

D

desperate_dave

Well-Known Member
Messages
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Hi All,

Please excuse my ignorance but what exactly are Hba1c results? Are these the results obtained from the Blood Glucose Self-monitoring kit or separate blood tests done at the doctor’s? I’m a little confused on this one and I apologise if this question has been asked before. I’ve noticed quite a few people have a list of their latest Hba1c results just below their signatures so presumably they are the results from their BG Self-monitoring kits? I don’t want to start using the term “Hba1c” in case I’m using it in the wrong context, which is why at the moment I just refer to my meter results as “blood sugar” or “blood glucose”.

I’d appreciate any help with this.

Dave
 
Here is a link which explains all about HbA1c and what it is.
http://medweb.bham.ac.uk/easdec/prevent ... _hba1c.htm

Basically it is a test which involves a sample of blood taken from you. This is not a fasting test.

Usually as far as I am concerned this is done after fasting overnight as I always have full lipid panel tests done at the same time. This is taken either at the Hospital Clinic or by your Practice Nurse or GP. This is then sent away to a Laboratory for analysis.

Nowaday's, as at my Hospital Clinic the result can be given in a few minutes, however even that is usually double checked at the Laboratory.


Edited. 1642hrs. Thanks Hana. :D
 
Ken
Hba1c doesn't require a fasting blood sample, but cholesterol does and they usually take the samples at the same time.
Dave
HbA1c informs on your average blood glucose(BG) over the last 120 days or so and the home meter test gives a snapshot of "NOW"
Hana
 
Hi Hana.

Yes, I know that the fasting is not for the HbA1c, should have made that clearer. I have never had a HbA1c done other than with a FULL Lipid panel test so it is always a fasting test. That is what happens with me. I will edit to explain.

Ken.
 
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