A1C Results

[zoelula]

Ok, so I went to the free Walgreen's A1C test here today. My results were down but a bit disappointing. In May I was 7.2, but that included the period in March when I was still struggling to get on the right insulin doses. Now I'm 6.5 which is better but still an average of 154! I felt like I was doing better than that!

Dumb question: Is the A1C test one that makes a difference if you are fasting? My 7.2 was fasting but this one wasn't. I didn't even think about that as the times you could go were 1-7. Does anyone know if it makes a difference and how much of one?

[sumi]

Hi Zoe
Its not supposed to make a difference. There are some variables that affect your A1C level though. Maybe you have extra iron-rich blood;)

[zoelula]

Good try, Susan, thanks. I guess I am just 6.5 and need to work harder...sigh.

[foxl]

Yes, Red Blood Cell turnover rate is a biggie ...

Sorry it was not lower, but I think many have said here, that their personal A1c did NOT seem to reflect their daily averages, well.

[fgummett]

Firstly... 6.5% is a big improvement over 7.2% so... :star:
...the UKPDS study showed that a one percent drop in A1C reduces the likelihood of your developing microvascular complications (that is; eye, kidney and nerve) damage by THIRTY SEVEN PERCENT.

Nextly... you might find this thread an interesting read... http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/type-2-diabetes/45648-bg-a1c-conversion-mind.html

In short there does seem to be variability between A1c and average BG, plus the A1c can be different between different labs.

To my understanding, Glycation of cells [to this extent] is not a healthy process, so we really can't expect it to be a precise measure of control BUT taken together with your own BG readings, A1c can be a useful tool to determine your overall control... and again... yours has improved... so :congrats:

[zoelula]

Thanks guys, yes, I guess I am pleased for the drop! Thanks for reminding me about that whole "progress not perfection" thing I tend to lose sight of!!