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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is HbA1c Level Of 7.1 A Cause For Concern?

I just got back results on blood work up. I am a diabetic with A1c of 7.1 and take no medications. I have been watching what I eat and have lost 8 pounds (224 to 216) in approx. 7 months. There is something new on report called anion Gap of 3.0. My research says this is my Sodium (135) less Chloride (102) and CO2 (30). Some sources say to also subtract Potassium (4.7) and some say not. If I do, I would have negative anion gap. Not sure if this is something to worry about or what needs to be done to get this gap to a higher number. My report says this should be 4.0 to 14.0. Does this figure change daily or is it an average like A1c?
Tue, 2 Apr 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

In healthy people, the HbA1c level is less than 6% of total hemoglobin. A level of 6.5% signals that diabetes is present.

Studies have demonstrated that the complications of diabetes can be delayed or prevented if the HbA1c level can be kept below 7%.

It is recommended that treatment of diabetes be directed at keeping an individual's HbA1c level as close to normal as possible (So HbA1c level of 7.1 is a cause for concern and needs medical attention.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
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Is HbA1c Level Of 7.1 A Cause For Concern?

Hello, In healthy people, the HbA1c level is less than 6% of total hemoglobin. A level of 6.5% signals that diabetes is present. Studies have demonstrated that the complications of diabetes can be delayed or prevented if the HbA1c level can be kept below 7%. It is recommended that treatment of diabetes be directed at keeping an individual s HbA1c level as close to normal as possible (So HbA1c level of 7.1 is a cause for concern and needs medical attention. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician