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Is HbA1c Value Of 5.7 A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016
Question: Is there another test in addition the A1C, or is the A1C still the gold standard ? My A1C is 5.7, however my morning readings (fast) can be as high as 150,160,170,etc. Should I be concerned?
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Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hypoglicemia or low sugar levels should be excluded.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking!
HbA1c is still the main examination to follow up the Diabetes. There are cases where it gives fals negative values or that interfere with HbA1c test result (in anemia, chronic renal failure) and in these cases glycated serum protein or albumin is used.
Another cause that modifies HbA1c , is hypoglycemia. Glyburide is a medication that may cause low glucose levels and at the end of three months you have a normal A1c level( because of hypo-s and hyper-s the result is normal).
SO, if you do not have anemia or renal insufficiency, the most probable cause of the normal A1c with high morning glucose levels is the unaware hypoglycemia.
I would suggest to check the blood glucose at the moment of low sugar symptoms or if you do not have symptoms of low sugar, you have to check it several times a day.

Hope i have been helpful.
It will be a pleasure to ask your further queries.

Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

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Is HbA1c Value Of 5.7 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: Hypoglicemia or low sugar levels should be excluded. Detailed Answer: Welcome and thank you for asking! HbA1c is still the main examination to follow up the Diabetes. There are cases where it gives fals negative values or that interfere with HbA1c test result (in anemia, chronic renal failure) and in these cases glycated serum protein or albumin is used. Another cause that modifies HbA1c , is hypoglycemia. Glyburide is a medication that may cause low glucose levels and at the end of three months you have a normal A1c level( because of hypo-s and hyper-s the result is normal). SO, if you do not have anemia or renal insufficiency, the most probable cause of the normal A1c with high morning glucose levels is the unaware hypoglycemia. I would suggest to check the blood glucose at the moment of low sugar symptoms or if you do not have symptoms of low sugar, you have to check it several times a day. Hope i have been helpful. It will be a pleasure to ask your further queries. Kind regards, Dr.Mirjeta