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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Function So Of Spleen So That HBa1c Count Is Low?

I resonate with this question (and answer) in that I also have no functioning spleen and Type 2 diabetes. Below, Dr. Am.,/.put says, Hba1c results are usually accurate, but not having spleen would affect the result slightly and readings might be a bit on higher side than usual. In other words ... without a spleen the Hba1c results are inaccurate and read high ... therefore one can infer that a reading of 6, for example, means that the patient is functionally at a level of 5.9 or lower? Is that the case? I m looking for clarification. It seems (to phrase this casually) that having a functioning spleen would be a useful item to have, but especially so with diabetes. Although that makes sense on a pedestrian level, can someone explain exactly what the spleen does that helps the Hba1c count stay low?
Wed, 28 May 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi and thank you so much for this query

I am so sorry to hear about this disturbing thoughts regarding the spleen and HBa1c. The spleen is the biggest lymph node in the body. Its main function is to control infection and recycle red blood cells. Without a spleen, you may have a higher number but 6 is very normal. There is no reason why you should get scared by this fact. The spleen takes off old red blood cells and without this, they may tend to live longer and this would increase exposure to prolonged durations of glucose and the possibility of Hba1c. However, this is a very minute thing and you should not get bothered that much by this.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.
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What Are The Function So Of Spleen So That HBa1c Count Is Low?

Hi and thank you so much for this query I am so sorry to hear about this disturbing thoughts regarding the spleen and HBa1c. The spleen is the biggest lymph node in the body. Its main function is to control infection and recycle red blood cells. Without a spleen, you may have a higher number but 6 is very normal. There is no reason why you should get scared by this fact. The spleen takes off old red blood cells and without this, they may tend to live longer and this would increase exposure to prolonged durations of glucose and the possibility of Hba1c. However, this is a very minute thing and you should not get bothered that much by this. I hope this helps. I wish you well.