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A1c (Glycohemoglobin, HgbA1c)

I am a Medical Technologist, and I have always read that the lifespan of a red blood cell is a 120 days. I was surprised to see it listed as approximately 90 days. Can you explain the discrepancy?

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I know how that HbA1c lab values very a lot from lab to lab and even within the same lab. This makes it somewhat difficult to compare how much better or worse my diabetes control is. Is there going to be anything mandated to remedy this situation some time in the future?

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I am 35 years old, have type 1 diabetes, I am on a four shot a day program with Lantus and Humalog, and my last A1c was 6.3%. What is the target that is suggested for people with type 1 diabetes in order to maintain good long term health? How will going on the pump help make my control better than it is now?

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Lately, my son’s A1cs have been low, but his fructosamines have been high. Can you tell me what this means? Does this mean my son does not have as good control as I thought he did?

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Some my seven year old son’s thyroid tests came back abnormal, including an elevated TSH. Does this represent true thyroid disease?

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My daughter’s A1c reflects higher blood sugars than we are seeing. She already gets five or more shots per day. What do you suggest?

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I discovered that, for two months, my son’s meter was not coded properly. His A1c went from 9% to 11.2%. Could the improper coding be the reason?

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Our 10 year old has had diabetes for eight years. Her A1cs are in the 8s and 9s, so the doctor is considering Glucophage. Is this common?

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Why would the average on my meter, the doctor’s A1c and an at-home A1c differ with each other? What should I believe and base my own decisions on?

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Twice a year, my son’s tests include an injection of glucagon into his arm. Why is done? Is this a standard test? With A1cs less than 6.0, is my son still producing insulin?

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