What is the difference between blood glucose and hba1c

Thus, glucose reading on your glucometer of is milligrams of glucose per deciliter of plasma. Your doctor is interested in your A1c, or the amount of glycated hemoglobin in your blood, because it reflects your average blood glucose levels over the past three months. The normal average range for A1c varies with age and many other factors, but in general, for most otherwise healthy adults, the range is below 5. Your glucose meter will show you how much glucose is in your blood at the moment you prick your finger and sample the drop of blood.

Using a glucose meter is a way to see the effects of the foods you eat, the amount of exercise you do, and the medications you take to manage your blood sugar. Many people with diabetes aim to keep their blood sugar levels as close to the normal range as possible, which is around 80 milligrams per deciliter before a meal and less than mg per deciliter two hours after a meal.

You and your doctor will determine the best target range for you. If you are of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent, you may have what is called a hemoglobin variant, which can make the A1c test unreliable for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Likewise, people with sickle cell anemia or thalassemia may not get accurate results from the A1c test. The National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program NGSP has developed information for diabetes healthcare providers about which hemoglobin tests to use for patients with such variants.

If your glucose level remains high then you have diabetes. If the level goes too low then it is called hypoglycaemia. A sample of blood taken at any time can be a useful test if diabetes is suspected. A level of A fasting blood glucose test may be done to confirm the diagnosis. A glucose level below A blood test taken in the morning before you eat anything is a more accurate test.

Do not eat or drink anything except water for hours before a fasting blood glucose test. A level of 7. If you have no symptoms of diabetes but the blood test shows a glucose level of 7. If you do have symptoms and the blood test shows a glucose level of 7. See the separate leaflets called Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes for more details.

This test is not now usually used to diagnose diabetes. However, the test may be done if it is thought your body doesn't control glucose levels normally but not badly enough to be called diabetes.

This is referred to as pre-diabetes impaired glucose tolerance. The test may also be used to see whether a woman has developed diabetes associated with pregnancy. For this test, you fast overnight. In the morning you are given a drink which contains 75 g of glucose. A blood sample is taken two hours later.

Normally, your body should be able to deal with the glucose and your blood level should not go too high. A glucose level of See the separate leaflet called Glucose Tolerance Test for more details. Friday, 13 October What is the HbA1c? Why is it so important and does it correlate to my blood glucose checks I do at home? Related Articles Supporting women living with diabetes plan for pregnancy BGLs blood glucose monitoring.

There are many factors to consider when planning to have a baby. Adding diabetes into the mix makes this planning phase even more important. Eight reasons your blood glucose levels are high BGLs blood glucose. Let's tale a look at some of the causes and symptoms. Join our community of over 45, people living with diabetes Become a member. Sign in Logging into the Member Portal for the first time?

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