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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is HbA1c Level Of 6.9% A Cause For Concern?

Hello, I took my first A1C test. The results is 6.9% My doctor want's me to retake the test next week. I have a family history of diabetes. I'm 48 years old, don't smoke, 6ft tall and weigh 240 lbs. I exercise at least 5 days a week mainly cardio - some strength. And, I make good efforts at eating healthier meals. My total cholesterol is always in a good range (140 MG/DL taken 3-23-17). My HDL is 34 MG/DL. Should I be concerned so fast about this first A1C test?
Mon, 22 May 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello, Thanks for the query.
HbA1c% is considered normal when it is less than 5.9%, between 5.9 to 6.4 % is considered as pre-diabetic. >6.5 % is confirmed diabetes. So your HbA1c% of 6.9 is showing that there is presence of diabetes. Therefore it needs treatment.
Further looking at your weight and height it is clear that with a BMI of 32.59 kgs/M2, you have grade 1 obesity. Your ideal body weight should be 182 lbs. That means you are over weight by about 58 lbs. This itself can be a major contributor for inducing diabetes. HbA1c% hardly changes in just few days. If you start treatment for diabetes then it takes about 3 months for HbA1c% to show the change. My suggestion is, better to start treatment for diabetes in consultation with your physician or a diabetologist. Plus follow all the dietary advise and consider weight reduction seriously. Thanks.
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Is HbA1c Level Of 6.9% A Cause For Concern?

Hello, Thanks for the query. HbA1c% is considered normal when it is less than 5.9%, between 5.9 to 6.4 % is considered as pre-diabetic. 6.5 % is confirmed diabetes. So your HbA1c% of 6.9 is showing that there is presence of diabetes. Therefore it needs treatment. Further looking at your weight and height it is clear that with a BMI of 32.59 kgs/M2, you have grade 1 obesity. Your ideal body weight should be 182 lbs. That means you are over weight by about 58 lbs. This itself can be a major contributor for inducing diabetes. HbA1c% hardly changes in just few days. If you start treatment for diabetes then it takes about 3 months for HbA1c% to show the change. My suggestion is, better to start treatment for diabetes in consultation with your physician or a diabetologist. Plus follow all the dietary advise and consider weight reduction seriously. Thanks.