HBA1C

Question 1

Which part of haemoglobin does glucose bind to?

Answer 1

The beta chain

Question 2

What does HBA1C measure?

Answer 2

The amount of glucose in the bloodstream over the past 2-3 months

Question 3

what does a HBA1C below 42 mmol/mol indicate?

Answer 3

No diabetes

Question 4

What does a HBA1C between 42 and 47mmol/mol indicate?

Answer 4

prediabetes

Question 5

what does a HBA1C above 48mmol/mol indicate?

Answer 5

diabetes

Question 6

what is 48mmol/mol equivalent to in percentage?

Answer 6

6.5%

Question 7

What is the target HBA1C for most diabetics?

Answer 7

48mmol/mol, can be hard to get without frequent hypoglycaemia periods so may be slightly higher.

Question 8

What is the target HBA1C for diabetics who take more than one diabetic drug?

Answer 8

53 mmol/mol

Question 9

What may change someone’s HBA1C?

Answer 9

Being unwell
other medications like steroids
changes in lifestyle
stress
depression

Question 10

When is a HBA1C not an appropriate test?

Answer 10

In people with haemoglobin variants like thalassaemia or sickle cell
haemolytic anaemia
heavy bleeding
Fe deficiency
pregnancy

Question 11

What symptoms should you ask about when counselling someone about their diabetes?

Answer 11

Changes in peripheral sensation
urinating more
being thirsty
skin changes in the peripheries
any hypos
unintentional weight loss

Question 12

What questions can you ask to determine how well-controlled someone’s diabetes is?

Answer 12

If they’re good at taking their medication
If they can work