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Blood tests ...

Posted , 6 users are following.

Whisper2003
Whisper2003

I am currently down to 3.5/4mg prednisolone and a few weeks ago was requested by letter from GP to have a 14 hour fasting blood test for Diabetes which was normal. I've just had another test as I needed to check inflammatory markers prior to seeing Rheumatology in 2 weeks.

The GP included hb 1ac on this test and I am now informed I have pre Diabetes! Would this test be correct as the pred would surely be interfering with glucose anyway?

I am struggling with being underweight and my work is fairly physical.

I am seeing GP tomorrow and would like to be armed with any info I can gather from you knowledgable people!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • iellen32
    iellen32 Whisper2003

    Posted

    Anyway this would be a discussion for you have with the doc mostly if you have diabetes.

    Take care

    • iellen32
      iellen32

      Posted

      'For you to have .... '

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga Whisper2003

    Posted

    I just looked up this test and apparently it measures what your blood glucose levels have been over the past six to eight weeks.  I can't post the link here as it will be sent to moderation and you probably wouldn't see it before your appointment, but a quotation from the google search page is : 

    Feb 8, 2015 - The hemoglobin A1c test, also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, or glycohemoglobin, is an important blood test that shows how well your diabetes is being controlled. ... If your glucose levels have been high over recent weeks, your hemoglobin A1c test will be higher.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga Whisper2003

    Posted

    This thread might have more inf in it:

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/would-predisone-create-a-diabetic-problem--348198

    • Whisper2003
      Whisper2003 Anhaga

      Posted

      Thank you for that Anhaga.I have found some info on it which indicates its a test for diabetics. I'm just confused as my blood sugars are in the normal range than why was I tested in this way? Do other people with PMR/GCA get this blood test? And thank you ellen for replying. I am seeing GP tomorrow.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Whisper2003

      Posted

      No doubt your GP will have some answers for you.  It would be nice, wouldn't it, if they kept us in the loop while they are doing their investigations as I sense you have been given some needless worry.eek

  • FlipDover_Aust
    FlipDover_Aust Whisper2003

    Posted

    I'm interested in this too as I had a fasting blood glucose test done a few weeks ago which was fine, but my insulin levels indicated that I am also pre-diabetic. So they are clearly two different tests!

  • 1951grumpa
    1951grumpa Whisper2003

    Posted

    At first, five yrs ago I was labeled pre-diabetic. I had some good overnight fasting glucose results. I think though it is more how your body processes the sugars. It may be taking a lot longer for your glucose levels to get back down to normal after you eat something. My dr sent me to a dietitian that gave me a general diet limiting carb intake cutting out the refined sugars and spreading the carbs evenly throughout the day. There was a lot more to the diet but it helped. Good luck at the Dr appt.

  • nick67069
    nick67069 Whisper2003

    Posted

    Sugar blood test after fasting shows what the sugar level is that particular day.  hb 1ac test shows average glucose level over longer time frame (last 4-5 weeks). Second test does not change weather you had fasted or not. 

    Since we are on prednisone, our sugar level changes a lot, depending on time we take medication , so fasting sugar test is almost worthless ( for us).

    • Whisper2003
      Whisper2003 nick67069

      Posted

      Thank you all for  your help. I am still struggling to get my head round this pre diabetic thing while on pred. Anyway I haven't seen GP for a year so have a lot to cover in my 10 minute appointment!

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