Will Spikes affect A1C?

alamogirl · 09-20-2017, 05:09

Since May, I've been keeping a log of my BG. Sometimes, my BG spikes way over 140 due to what I've eaten (still eating to the meter); however, most of my numbers are below 140 when eating LCHF.

My question is: When I follow up on lab work, will the spikes affect my A1C since the A1C is an average of the last 2-3 months?

Appreciate your thoughts

.

Hearts Jounrey · 09-20-2017, 05:12

Are you spiking daily, if so, how often and how large is the spike? A1c's are weighted meaning the last month (30 days) has more of an impact than does the first or 2nd months. Usually the most recent month can weigh in about 50% of your A1c value and the previous month 35% and oldest month 15% but that is general

Certain diseases that affect hemoglobin, such as anemia, may get misleading results with this test. Other things that can affect the results of the hemoglobin A1c include supplements such as vitamins C and E and high cholesterol levels. Kidney disease and liver disease may also affect the test.

VeeJay · 09-20-2017, 12:57

The short answer is, yes, spikes will affect your average. They may be mitigated by lows. It is, after all, an average.

The A1C is only one marker of BG levels. And not really the most important one, IMO. But can be a confirming one after months hard work toward gaining better control of one's blood sugar. What your readings are during the day after meals are the most timely and meaningful.

smorgan · 09-20-2017, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by alamogirl

Since May, I've been keeping a log of my BG. Sometimes, my BG spikes way over 140 due to what I've eaten (still eating to the meter); however, most of my numbers are below 140 when eating LCHF.

My question is: When I follow up on lab work, will the spikes affect my A1C since the A1C is an average of the last 2-3 months?

Appreciate your thoughts

.

Of course they will. If you drive all day at 55 mph, your average speed will be 55 mph. Now, if you "spike" now and then to 120 mph, won't that affect your average speed? It's EXACTLY like that.

alamogirl · 09-20-2017, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by smorgan

Of course they will. If you drive all day at 55 mph, your average speed will be 55 mph. Now, if you "spike" now and then to 120 mph, won't that affect your average speed? It's EXACTLY like that.

Yeah, I guess it was a dumb question when you put it like that

.

I guess I'll stop trying out new foods, and just stick to what I know will not drive my BG up.

alamogirl · 09-20-2017, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hearts Jounrey

Are you spiking daily, if so, how often and how large is the spike? A1c's are weighted meaning the last month (30 days) has more of an impact than does the first or 2nd months. Usually the most recent month can weigh in about 50% of your A1c value and the previous month 35% and oldest month 15% but that is general

Certain diseases that affect hemoglobin, such as anemia, may get misleading results with this test. Other things that can affect the results of the hemoglobin A1c include supplements such as vitamins C and E and high cholesterol levels. Kidney disease and liver disease may also affect the test.

No, I'm not spiking daily. My BG is usually under 130 (before and after) just about every day, but there are times, when I eat something "new," and my BG spikes like when I ate KFC

. I don't do it often.

I was just worried that when I do lab work, my A1Cs won't come down as much because I had some spikes along the way.

Thanks for your respond.

hftmrock · 09-20-2017, 16:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by alamogirl

Yeah, I guess it was a dumb question when you put it like that

.

I guess I'll stop trying out new foods, and just stick to what I know will not drive my BG up.

trying new foods is great and I would not stop trying them

space them out better or do some checking first to see what carb count they are.

you need to enjoy eating and enjoy what you are doing if you want to stick with it

Hearts Jounrey · 09-20-2017, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by alamogirl

No, I'm not spiking daily. My BG is usually under 130 (before and after) just about every day, but there are times, when I eat something "new," and my BG spikes like when I ate KFC

. I don't do it often.

I was just worried that when I do lab work, my A1Cs won't come down as much because I had some spikes along the way.

Thanks for your respond.

One spike or occasional spike over course of a month will have minimal impact on A1c, perhaps by a tenth or so

VeeJay · 09-20-2017, 16:43

As hftmrock suggested, if you are including total carb load with your post meal levels, you'll soon get a good idea of just how many carbs you can eat at a time. Then you won't really need to test everything - as long as your portion/meal is below your carb tolerance, it'll most likely be okay for you to eat.

BTW - NO question is dumb. Some answers may be more obvious than others, but with all the information overload with juggling a new lifestyle, etc., some things just slip past us.

You're doing great and you're a real asset to our community.

alamogirl · 09-20-2017, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeeJay

As hftmrock suggested, if you are including total carb load with your post meal levels, you'll soon get a good idea of just how many carbs you can eat at a time. Then you won't really need to test everything - as long as your portion/meal is below your carb tolerance, it'll most likely be okay for you to eat.

BTW - NO question is dumb. Some answers may be more obvious than others, but with all the information overload with juggling a new lifestyle, etc., some things just slip past us.

You're doing great and you're a real asset to our community.

Thank you so much for the nice compliment

. I appreciate it.