February 15, 2017

Diabetes HbA1c Test Still Faulty

Tell me why this is not unexpected. This news has been known for some time, but with the lack of other tests, we were rather limited to criticize them too much. Now the science of our tests (A1c and OGTT) is being exposed and everyone can see the faults of both tests.

The data is alarming, or should be for those who may have diabetes, but have not yet been diagnosed. This is why the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have opposed the A1c as the standard for diagnosis. Yet, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) continues to choose to forge ahead with a defective test. See this reference and start reading at B. Diagnosis of diabetes Recommendations. This is below table 1.

The ADA claims that the A1c test has been standardized, but really folks, who are they kidding. There are still too many variables that exist that keep it a faulty and defective diagnostic tool by itself. It might work well of some races, but for others it will give faulty readings. So I have to ask, WHEN is the ADA going to wake up and learn. Never, if this is the way they continue to do business.

I say quite openly, when those of us with Type 2 diabetes have an organization like the adult Type 1 diabetes people seem to now have in JDRF, then we might find our way into the twenty-first century. As long at the ADA continues to be by and for the medical community, those of us with diabetes (the patients) will continue to be ignored and given lip-service.

Some of the variables that affect the A1c test include anemia, for African-Americans that carry the sickle cell trait can have anemia as well. Other problems include blood transfusions and dialysis that can affect the accuracy of the tests. Some even claim that electrolyte levels will affect the A1c tests. My advice would be to question any A1c test that seems unreasonable and ask the doctor to perform the necessary tests for anemia or electrolyte levels. You should know if you have had any transfusions or dialysis.

To go along with this, I am finding more and more diabetes news on the BBC, Reuters, and Telegraph UK. The US has a few sources, but more researchers are reaching out to news organizations outside of the US to get their research recognized. In the US, it gets buried inside the ADA website and unless a few good sources like Diabetes in Control dig or mine the information, it stays hidden in the ADA archives.

Most of us do not have the time to mine the information on the ADA website. I occasionally find something there, but I am lucky most of the time. I admit that I find more information on government agency websites that I do on ADA.

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