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A1c (Glycohemoglobin, HgbA1c)

My three year old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about four months ago, and his endocrinologist has yet to perform an A1c test. How critical is an A1c test?

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Can you tell me if having type 1 diabetes will predispose a person to having any of the “antibodies” or “genetic markers” that are found in a person with confirmed celiac disease? During his 15 years with diabetes, my son has had A1cs in the low 6s to 7.6. His current doctor called this “overall inadequate control.” Do you agree?

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My 78 year old mother is following a strict diet and taking three different medications for her type 2. Could her diabetes be worsening because of her age? Do any of these medications contribute over time to the pancreas ceasing to work?

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My teen son’s A1c is higher than the averages in his glucose meter say it should be. How can this be happening?

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Why would an A1c be “normal” when the patient often has elevated blood sugars? If prolonged use of metformin can cause kidney damage, is there another safer drug?

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After diagnosis, several of my daughter’s A1c reports referred to a higher A1c due to the presence of fetal hemoglobin. What does this mean?

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A young teen patient has consistent elevated A1cs, but normal readings on her glucometer. CGMS use showed 25% of the glucoses were high. What do you think is going on? Family and patient have denied foul play.

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A local endocrinologist said my daughter’s A1c of 5.0 was not normal, but told me to stop checking her. Do you know of any other endocrinologists in Maine besides the ones in Portland?

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Though the doctor was pleased with my daughter’s A1c of 7.0, I have read that it should be 6.5. Shouldn’t it be more towards 6.0?

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Although my four-year-old daughter’s blood sugars fluctuate greatly, our diabetes team is pleased with her A1c. They want me to correct her to 100 mg/dl [5.6 mmol/L] at night, but I am not comfortable with this. Am I being unreasonable?

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