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Is HbA1c Value Of 5.6 A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Jul 2016
Question: Have HA1c last year at 6.1 now is 5.6. Would like to do a trial for a CGM. It that possible
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
How CGM is used

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Wow, you have done an excellent job bringing your elevated Hgb A1C down! Good work - it is in a safer range.

About CGM, it is usually used in situations where people can make an immediate modification. For example if the glucose reading is too high, to take a dose of insulin (and make adjustments in that dosage) or if too low, to eat something (and make adjustments in how much) to raise the glucose level.

As you aren't taking anything that immediately alters your glucose level, it would not afford that opportunity. I can understand wanting to see where your glucose is at various times (and not having to keep sticking your finger!), but I am guessing that insurance won't pay for it, both because you aren't taking anything supplemental to control it, and because your A1C is now in a borderline range rather than XXXXXXX diabetes.

You can talk with your doctor about this option. Worth a try to save on finger pokes.

I hope this information helps.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Is HbA1c Value Of 5.6 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: How CGM is used Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Wow, you have done an excellent job bringing your elevated Hgb A1C down! Good work - it is in a safer range. About CGM, it is usually used in situations where people can make an immediate modification. For example if the glucose reading is too high, to take a dose of insulin (and make adjustments in that dosage) or if too low, to eat something (and make adjustments in how much) to raise the glucose level. As you aren't taking anything that immediately alters your glucose level, it would not afford that opportunity. I can understand wanting to see where your glucose is at various times (and not having to keep sticking your finger!), but I am guessing that insurance won't pay for it, both because you aren't taking anything supplemental to control it, and because your A1C is now in a borderline range rather than XXXXXXX diabetes. You can talk with your doctor about this option. Worth a try to save on finger pokes. I hope this information helps.