Diabetes test Glucose of 6.1

[JammyGeorge]

I had a thread a couple of days ago explaining I'd had a load of tests running following the discovery of an ectopic heartbeat.

I've had a blood test back with a glucose level of 6.1 from a test taken along with loads of others at about 10 in the morning - I'm pretty sure I had breakfast but I can't remember for certain.

The doctor has called me back for a fasting blood test. When I've googled I'm confused with the numbers and different tests.

Are there any people knowledgeable about these things that can help explain? Is 6.1 high?

[NanTheWiser]

An HbA1c of 6.1 is in the "prediabetes" range, blood tests for this are usually fasting, which is why your GP wants you to go back for a fasting test. Ideally, it should be below 6, and hopefully the fasting test will give a lower result. If not, there are ways to reduce it, maybe going low carb - this will drop your blood glucose levels quickly.

[JammyGeorge]

I've done some more research today and rang the docs again.

I asked if it was a hba1c and she said no my test was labelled a "plasma glucose blood level". Perhaps the receptionist doesn't know the different tests?

When I looked at the levels for a random plasma glucose test (sounds the same to me) it said anything up to 11 is ok.

I think I'm going to ask the doctor to ring me and explain. From what I've read a hba1c gives an average over a few weeks so why retest it after fasting? I am perplexed.

[JammyGeorge]

I've done some more research today and rang the docs again.

I asked if it was a hba1c and she said no my test was labelled a "plasma glucose blood level". Perhaps the receptionist doesn't know the different tests?

When I looked at the levels for a random plasma glucose test (sounds the same to me) it said anything up to 11 is ok.

I think I'm going to ask the doctor to ring me and explain. From what I've read a hba1c gives an average over a few weeks so why retest it a few days later? I am perplexed.

[JammyGeorge]

Oh my phones double posting!!!

[user1471530109]

No, you're right. An hba1c doesn't need to be fasting. But if they are doing a normal finger prick test, it DOES need to be fasting. I've never actually heard of a plasma glucose test, but I am guessing it is a similar or same test to a finger prick test.
The only time I need to have my hba1c fasting is when I am having other tests done too.

I'm not being funny, but my GP wouldn't necessarily know the difference. I'm a type 1 diabetic.

If it IS the same as afinger test, then when fasting, this needs to be below 6. Closer to 5.

[JammyGeorge]

I think it's the same as a finger prick test from my limited googling but I suppose it's all about terminology. If I had fasted then it would be a touch high but I didn't!

[AppleMagic]

It sounds like it was just a random blood glucose test. I don't think 6 is anything to worry about after breakfast but a fasting test or hba1c would provide more conclusive evidence that you are not at risk of diabetes.

[AmberGreyson]

Normal blood glucose numbers
Fasting
Normal for person without diabetes: 70–99 mg/dl (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)
2 hours after meals
Normal for person without diabetes: Less than 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L)
HbA1c
Normal for person without diabetes: Less than 5.7%
You have nothing to worry about. I regularly check my glucose level with special strips, bought with accu-chek comfort curve coupon and my results are almost always 6-7. But if you worry so much then it's better to discuss it with your GP.

[JammyGeorge]

So I managed to speak to someone sensible at the doctors surgery. 

I had a random blood sugar test which came out at 6.1 probably due to eating before I took the test - I think I ate something about 1 - 1.5 hours before, I certainly could of eaten late the night before as well, defo in the last 12 hours.  They insist this is borderline.

They have asked me to return on Thursday for a fasting blood sugar test and a hba1c which they'll do at the same time.