Can HbA1c diagnose diabetes on its own

[Unicornfeathers]

Quick question for you lovely knowledgable people as I googled but didn’t get a clear answer.

Do they diagnose diabetes from an abnormal HbA1c or is it more complex requiring further testing / GTT?

I am thinking type 2 diabetes and all we know at the moment is it’s raised. Appointment next week to discuss

I believe an hba1c of over 6(42) is considered pre diabetic and over 6.5 (48)is "diabetic". Obviously they should be considering other factors to determine which type of diabetes.

I had some routine bloods and they did a hba1c as my Dad is type 2 diabetic. Mine was nearly 80, and they had me back in a week later to talk to the diabetic nurse about diet and getting it down. They gave me 3 months to lower it by diet (lower carbs, no processed sugars etc) and it went down to around 44. I kept it that way for around 5 years with 6 monthly tests but I'm on Metformin now and my last hba1c was 42. They're always happy if it's under 48.

Thank you - you have both supported my thinking / research I have cobbled together.

I feel much happier going into the appointment with a bit of knowledge

The world health organisation (who) advises that 2 x hba1c of 48mmolls or more 4 weeks apart area definite diagnosis of diabetes. (Not 1)

My Hba1c test came back as 48 and the nurse said I now have a diagnosis of diabetes. I said I thought it needed two tests for a confirmed diagnosis but she said as I had one at 43 last year it was confirmed. I am not sure if I should make a fuss or query this again in 3 months when I have another blood test due? (if it is lower than 48)

@jellybeanteaparty if you don’t have any symptoms then it requires a second test to confirm diagnosis. If you are symptomatic then one is sufficient, though again ideally a second for confirmation is probably a good idea.
Have you also had an elevated fasting plasma glucose test That was above 7? If so, that would count as a second test, confirming diagnosis.

Thanks baked beans and montybojangles that's helpful. I don't want to hijack the thread but no symptoms and no fasting blood test taken.

The thing is, 48 is something of an arbitrary cut off. Even 43 isn’t truly normal; it’s still elevated. So you already have a compromised response to glucose, unfortunately, the question is how compromised. It’s not as if 47 would be totally fine and 48 not .

@jellybeanteaparty I agree with Cornwall. When your hba1c that would have been a diagnoses of pre-diabetes and now it's gone up again that's why you've been diagnosed with type 2. There's a high chance you can put it in remission though