Table of Contents
Can HbA1c vary?
They found that glycated hemoglobin results vary widely, with some assays consistently more likely to result in a “normal glycated hemoglobin” level than other assays, consequently resulting in differing implications for an individual patient to achieve a HbA1c level within the normal range.
Can HbA1c results be wrong?
Background HbA1c has become ubiquitous in its use for the diagnosis of diabetes. It is dependent on the glycation of red blood cells over time. Several variables can affect the HbA1c value, leading to a false-positive or false-negative result, which can significantly affect clinical management.
Can a hemoglobin A1C test be wrong?
The A1C test may give false results in people with certain conditions. Having prediabetes is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Within the prediabetes A1C range of 5.7 to 6.4 percent, the higher the A1C, the greater the risk of diabetes.
How long does it take for A1c levels to increase?
This process occurs slowly and continuously over the life span of erythrocytes, which is 120 days on average. Furthermore, the rate of A1c formation is directly proportional to the average concentration of glucose within the erythrocyte during its lifespan.6Hence, as levels of chronic hyperglycemia increase, so does the formation of A1c.
What does it mean when your HbA1c is high?
If your HbA1c is obviously quite high — regularly in the type 2 diabetes range— that is a clear indication that your blood glucose is elevated most of the time and you should explore ways to help bring it down to a healthier level, such as with a low-carb or ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting.
What is the difference between fasting blood glucose and HbA1c?
One strength is that it’s more informative than a fasting blood glucose. Fasting glucose can be elevated for a number of reasons even on a low-carb or keto diet, such a bad night’s sleep, and as noted, it’s only a one-time snapshot. HbA1c is a better approximation of your blood glucose levels over the course of many weeks.
How accurate are A1c test results?
This means, for example, an A1C reported as 6.8 percent on one test could be reported in a range from 6.4 to 7.2 percent on a repeat test from the same blood sample. 3 In the past, this range was larger but new, stricter quality-control standards mean more precise A1C test results.