Re: abbreviations [was:Test Result 8 weeks after dx

[Guest guest]

, I keep saying I'm not technical, and I really hope someone else will

jump in here with the technical explanation.

A1c or hbA1c is a blood test that shows one's average blood sugar for the

past 2-3 months, with emphasis on the past month. I'm so untechnical I'm

not even sure exactly what it stands for. Where are the technical folks in

our group?

dx = diagnosis

dm = diabetes mellitus

We have lots of others here learning too, so we all appreciate your

questions, .

Barb

> Would you mind defining the

> following:

>

> A1c

> dx

> dm

[Guest guest]

Rainbow Farm wrote:

> A1c or hbA1c is a blood test that shows one's average blood sugar for the

> past 2-3 months, with emphasis on the past month. I'm so untechnical I'm

> not even sure exactly what it stands for. Where are the technical folks in

> our group?

> Barb

I believe the whole name is " Glycated Hemoglobin A1c " test.

[Guest guest]

>

> I believe the whole name is " Glycated Hemoglobin A1c " test.

>

I've also seen it written as as " Glycosylated Hemoglobin. "

Anybody know what the A1c is?

T

[Guest guest]

HbA1c stands for hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin. This is

hemoglobin that has been modified by the addition of sugar. The HbA1c blood

test measures the percentage of our hemoglobin that has been " glycosylated "

(or sweetened) as a result of our blood sugar level. And, believe me, one

can be too sweet.

One medical Q & A on Medscape states that HbA1c is: " a relative measure used

to evaluate overall blood glucose average over the previous 6-8 weeks. The

test measures glycosylation of hemoglobin in the red cells over their

lifetime of 90-120 days. " It goes on to point out that conditions that

shorten one's red blood cell lifetime can cause false readings. Also note

that HbA1c measures an average, not how one gets there. It's still a

problem if one has a normal hemoglobin A1c as a result of high peaks and

frequent hypos.

To oversimplify a little, an average blood sugar level of about 90 produces

an HbA1c reading of about 5.0% (it varies some from lab to lab). This means

that about 5.0% of one's hemoglobin has been glycosylated. An HbA1c

percentage of about 6.0% is produced by an average blood sugar level of

about 120. Any higher levels are generally considered in the impaired or

diabetic range, but there are no official diagnosis levels based on HbA1c to

the best of my knowledge. It's very useful information combined with (but

not replacing) our spot readings.

Hope this is useful.

Tom the Actuary

[Guest guest]

and all who live in the Portland metro area...the lowcarb store

(LoCarbaret) has opened a second store in Tigard. Is that closer to you? If

you want address, you can email me pivately. Vicki

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-07-24 21:10:55 EDT, you write:

<< Mine was 5.6% on July 18. >>

Hey, congratulations Tootie! How are you feeling? Vicki

[Guest guest]

> > I believe the whole name is " Glycated Hemoglobin A1c " test.

> >

>

> I've also seen it written as as " Glycosylated Hemoglobin. "

>

> Anybody know what the A1c is?

The little booklet I got from the CDA has the following -

'How well your sugar glucose is controlled can be tested in two ways:

1 - by having a lab test your glucose level before or after a meal.

2 - by having a lab test your hemoglobin (HbA1c) or your fructosamine levels.'

It looks to me like that's just the chemical name? or something for hemoglobin.

Annette

[Guest guest]

Perfect! I'm saving it for the next time someone asks.

OK?

Barb

> HbA1c stands for hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin.

[Guest guest]

According to the " Follow-up Laboratory Test Results " that I just received

from the UTMB in Galveston, the test is called Glycohemoglobin A1C. It says

also that the normal range for this test at their facility is up to 6%. The

ADA recommends that it be maintained at 7% or lower to reduce the risk for

long term complications. Mine was 5.6% on July 18.

Tootie

Re: abbreviations [was:Test Result 8 weeks after

dx

, I keep saying I'm not technical, and I really hope someone else

will

jump in here with the technical explanation.

A1c or hbA1c is a blood test that shows one's average blood sugar for the

past 2-3 months, with emphasis on the past month. I'm so untechnical I'm

not even sure exactly what it stands for. Where are the technical folks

in

our group?

dx = diagnosis

dm = diabetes mellitus

We have lots of others here learning too, so we all appreciate your

questions, .

Barb

> Would you mind defining the

> following:

>

> A1c

> dx

> dm

Website for Diabetes International:

http://www.msteri.com/diabetes-info/diabetes_int

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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diabetes_int or try:

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[Guest guest]

Naomi s wrote:

>

> According to the " Follow-up Laboratory Test Results " that I just received

> from the UTMB in Galveston, the test is called Glycohemoglobin A1C. It says

> also that the normal range for this test at their facility is up to 6%. The

> ADA recommends that it be maintained at 7% or lower to reduce the risk for

> long term complications. Mine was 5.6% on July 18.

>

> Tootie

That's a mighty-fine number Tootie! Congratulations.

--

Dave - 9:16:41 PM

T2 - 8/98 Glucophage, U & H

A 4th generation Diabetic

-

Davors Daily Aphorism:

I try to make everyone's day a little more surreal.

--

[Guest guest]

Wow, Tootie, that's great!!!

Good job -

Barb

> Mine was 5.6% on July 18.

[Guest guest]

Tootie, contrats! Keep up the great work.

T