Another A1C Question...

[binnieman]

Prior to posting this question, I tried to read about the HbA1c levels but still not too clear as to what the normal range is. I just received my HbA1c result using the ReliOn test kit from Walmart. The lab is Heritage Labs and their disclaimer says they are cerified by NGSP. My result is 5.6%, lab reference range is 4.6% - 6.0. Is that good or bad for someone in my position which is FBG 106, 2-hour post meal values just about the same prior to the meal (normally just around 100), and otherwise very health and within normal weight range?

[princesslinda]

Each lab will have their own normal ranges, listed with the results. If normal is between 4 and 6 and you're in the 5's, I think that was a good result. As you are pre-D, I'd encourage you to have an A1c once or twice a year just to keep watch on things.

[foxl]

Take it from a current 5.5-er ... 5.6 is EXCELLENT!

The Relion test seems to be pretty reliable to me, too.

[binnieman]

A couple other things I liked about the ReliOn: the ease of the sample collection and the quick turn around. I mailed the sample Friday afternoon and I got my result first thing this Tuesday morning. It is only $9 too. My result seems quite reasonalbe to me.

[foxl]

Wow -- I just thought it was that fast because it is LOCAL to me!

[jps]

Very nice result.

A1c's aren't quite standardized. Always use the testing laboratories reference range, but in general, 4-6% is considered normal even though I think 6 is high personally. To be honest, looking at the range of normal values in my laboratory, it seems that "normal" is actually under 5.5. You get above that and you start seeing the fasting glucoses in the low 100's it seems. But I'll admit, I'm very paranoid when it comes to this and err on the side of caution. There's a ton of "undiagnosed" pre-diabetes out there. I see it several times a day with outpatient testing. A high percentage of my coworkers are pre-d, though they don't want to admit it. Denial enables them to continue eating rice and bread by the pound...

Your number is very nice but it would be very wise to continue to keep a relatively close eye on things.