Does this hbA1c level mean I have diabetes?

[Ohdearohno]

Just has bloods back that we're done to check my thyroid levels and hormones due to periods stopping. My thyroid is still underactive (they started me on 25mcg levo which is probably too low)

It seems that my hbA1c has come back abnormal as 52 mmol/mol (normal range: 20-41)

As I can't get a phone appointment to discuss it for a fortnight, I obviously consulted doctor Google and am now terrified I have type 2 diabetes! Especially as I have symptoms that seem to fit.

Does this result mean a diagnosis of diabetes, or can it be a one off abberation and they will just test again in a few months? My result this time last year was only 38 mmol/mol

Awaiting (very nervously) same tests plus more. Was given to understand,up to 41 is OK,42 to 48 pre diabetic,and over 48 diabetic. Apparently shows 3 months "levels" in this blood test,and the "finger prick" tests of a few years ago, only show the blood glucose level at that point.

They may re-test to be sure but HBA1C is pretty accurate, and if you’re definitely symptomatic a confirmatory blood test isn’t really required. A level over 48 mmol/mol is diagnostic of diabetes I’m afraid. The GP should be giving you a call as you’ll need to come in for a review.

It is over 48 but you need more than one test at least 3 months apart. In the meantime make dietary and lifestyle changes and it may reduce.

Hi, yes this does indicate diabetes. At my workplace we would do a repeat test in a week or two to confirm (as hba1c tests are not super accurate) and then would diagnose diabetes if the second test remains above 48.
Your GP practice should get in touch with you to explain and then offer an appointment with the diabetes nurse or a GP - if you don't hear from them then do make sure you make an appointment yourself.
You may not need medication - if willing to make some dietary changes it may be possible to reverse diabetes.

From the thyroid side, my tests went into the prediabetic range before my underactive thyroid (Hashimotos) was diagnosed but as soon as my thyroid was sorted it went back to normal, as did a whole bunch of other issues.

Wondering how poster got on. My bloods... inspite of all my symptoms have come back normal range,so relieved, but back to the drawing board!

@hazelnutlatte I know this is a post from a long time ago, but a family member is in a similar situation to the OP and now has an appointment with the specialist diabetes nurse. What would this appointment involve? They have been on medication for their heart which is what seems to have pushed up the blood sugars.

Assuming the family member is a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic and blood sugar is not dangerously high the appointment would probably be just to discuss options for lowering blood sugar - at my practice we would first recommend dietary improvements and then medication. Metformin is first line medication for most people.

Thank you. What kind of dietary recommendations would you suggest? As someone who is overweight, I have had some pretty negative experiences with HCPs who have been rather nasty about being overweight. Are they very judgemental?