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May 22, 2013
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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (cont.)

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What are the limitations to measuring HbA1c?

Since HbA1c is not influenced by daily fluctuations in blood glucose concentration, it cannot be used to monitor day-to-day blood glucose concentrations and to adjust insulin doses, nor can it detect the day-to-day presence or absence of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. HbA1c may be increased falsely in certain medical conditions. These conditions include uremia (kidney failure), chronic excessive alcohol intake, and hypertriglyceridemia. Medical conditions that may falsely decrease HbA1c include acute or chronic blood loss, sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

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Hemoglobin - Treatment

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