Hi!

I have read that the Hemoglobin A1C test is not meant for diagnosis of diabetes, but for monitoring glucose control in diabetics. On the webmd.com website it states that this test will miss up to 1/2 of all diabetics, although it will identify those with consistently high levels. So, to use it for diagnosis can be misleading. I can understand this after reading somewhere that most type II diabetics are diagnosed when their fasting blood levels are still normal. I guess enough of these normal levels will bring the HgbA1C down, giving the impression that the glucose level is not that high, while a glucose tolerance test might still be abnormal.

Chris

Hi Chris, Yes that sounds right. A lot of diabetics are diagnosed on routine blood work or with an illness. I feel I was lucky. I was diagnosed while in the hospital for a viral illness. My blood sugar was elevated. I was treated while in the hospital and ill. Then my sugars were more normal and I was able to control them with diet and exercise. Unfortunately a lot of people go undiagnosed for quite a while until they become ill or finally notice symptoms. And complications can begin before diagnosis. So I feel lucky I found out sooner rather than later. Barb