HbA1c and glucose Diabetes
Diabetes? this test consists of Glucose Sober and HbA1c
This test sees what has been going on with your sugar levels over the past few months.
Glucose circulating in the blood tends to bind spontaneously to hemoglobin, the oxygen transport protein in red blood cells. Once glucose is bound it does not let go. This bond is called hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The degree of glucose binding depends on the amount of glucose in the blood. HbA1c provides a more reliable blood glucose picture than a glucose measurement because HbA1c levels are not affected by current changes in diet or medication. The lifespan of red blood cells (and therefore of hemoglobin) is 2 to 3 months, so the HbA1c value gives an impression of the average glucose value over the last few months.
For the glucose measurement you need to be sober for this examination, so you can better compare the values of previous glucose examinations. Please indicate on your lab card whether you were sober during the blood collection. Different reference values apply to glucose that is not sober.
If your blood values are good, they will also be good when you are not sober. However, if you want to be on the safe side for an optimal result with regard to glucose, we have the following dietary advice for you:
From the evening before the appointment, after 23:00, do not consume coffee or dairy products (such as milk, buttermilk or yogurt). No fried goods and no alcoholic beverages. For breakfast and/or lunch, have a maximum of 2 slices of wholemeal bread spread with, for example, low-fat meat products, without butter. Drink water or tea without milk or sugar. Do not eat sweets, fruit or dairy products.
In case of abnormal results, the examination can be repeated sober, to see if it is okay then.
If diabetes is suspected it is better to follow this guideline immediately:
Being sober means that you may not eat, drink or smoke after 20:00 hours. A little water is allowed.
