Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (cont.)
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. IN THIS ARTICLEWhat 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. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsHemoglobin - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe how monitoring your hemoglobin levels has helped with the treatment of your condition. Hemoglobin Levels - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Did you have any symptoms prior to your hemoglobin test? |
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