What Does A1C Value Of 4.2 Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 24 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Is this insulin resistance/PCOS? Glucose normal, A1C is 4.2. I am very carb sensitive. My dr says not insulin resistant .

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thisis not suggestive of insulin resistance!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.

Your parameters are perfect and in no way suggests insulin resistance. There is just no way to suspect this condition at this time.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (0 minute later)

Here are my tests

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Did you do a fasting blood sugar?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the results.

These results are not suggestive of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance manifests with increased in blood glucose levels and A1c. This is not the case with you. You may have higher than expected insulin levels but alone is not enough o talk of resistance unless there is a poor blood glucose profile.

I can say it may be suggestive of a hyperinsulinemic state but not insulin resistance.

I hope this is clear. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 minutes later)

Whats is hyperinsulinemic?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Higher than normal insulin levels in blood!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and sorry for the complex word.

It means higher than expected insulin levels in blood.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 minutes later)

Does that mean I have pre diabetes? What else could cause higher than normal insulin

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Att what time was it measured?

Detailed Answer:
Insulin levels vary depending on what time they were measured. There is no other identified abnormality and I have no reasons to be worried at this time. If there are any other disturbing symptoms, please report them so that I can factor them in and see what else comes up.

Be calm, relaxed and positive. Nothing bad is going on!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 minutes later)

First thing in morning before eating. I feel very tired lightheaded immediately when I eat, feel better few hours after

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
At what time do you eat?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These events may be related to hunger and could be caused by high insulin levels but, I have no reasons to suggest that now. your symptoms are not so much in favor of excess insulin in the system that causes excessive hunger and repeated low blood sugars. Be patient and do not push for more aggressive investigations that may not be warranted at this time.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar