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Why did not the glucose monitor value and HbA1c coincide?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My father has been suffering from diabetes for the past 20 years. He is using Apidra (20 units in the morning and 14 units in the evening), Lantus (20 units in the morning) Insulin injections and Cyblex MV 40.2 mg twice a day. He regularly checks his blood sugar level using glucose monitor. It usually reads within 90 to 130 mg/dL, which is considered normal for a diabetic. Recently, he got his HbA1c test done in the laboratory and it showed 8.7%. He is worried whether there is a mistake in the monitor reading or in the laboratory report. I want to know whether the test is to be repeated in another laboratory. Or Should I consult his diabetologist for further investigations and treatment?
Answered by Dr. Kusumakar Srivastava

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Kusumakar Srivastava is a Diabetologist who is skilled in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes). He can provide insulin therapy planning and blood glucose monitoring. He can provide nutritional counseling and weight management. He helps to prevent and treat diabetes-related complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy). He can provide counseling on Lifestyle modification strategies for long-term glycemic control.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The diabetic medications followed by your father have controlled his blood sugar level in the range of 90 to 130 mg/dL. The reading shown by the glucose monitor is the current value during the time of check, but HbA1c always denotes the control of sugar level over two to three months. Hence, his HbA1c is abnormal (8.7%), that is, initially the sugar levels were quite high. As he took the right medicines, the blood sugar level has lowered. I suggest Lantus Insulin injection (Insulin Glargine) that he is already using should be taken at night as it lowers more blood sugar. Consult your doctor, discuss with him/her and then take the medicines with consent.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At September 9, 2016
Reviewed At July 3, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Kusumakar Srivastava is a Diabetologist who is skilled in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes). He can provide insulin therapy planning and blood glucose monitoring. He can provide nutritional counseling and weight management. He helps to prevent and treat diabetes-related complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy). He can provide counseling on Lifestyle modification strategies for long-term glycemic control.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Symptom Awareness Builder
Glucose Monitor and HbA1c Discrepancy Awareness Builder

Daily glucose vs. HbA1c: Build your awareness map.

Five quick questions to help you understand why your daily glucose monitor readings might differ from your HbA1c results, and what to do next.

For guidance only, not a diagnosis. Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
Dr. Kusumakar Srivastava
Dr. Kusumakar Srivastava

Diabetology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Kusumakar Srivastava is a Diabetologist who is skilled in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes). He can provide insulin therapy planning and blood glucose monitoring. He can provide nutritional counseling and weight management. He helps to prevent and treat diabetes-related complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy). He can provide counseling on Lifestyle modification strategies for long-term glycemic control.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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