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About clarification about Hba1c
Hi all , I need one clarification . Actually my husband had blood test in last September 2023 n RBS is 103.3 n Hba1c is 5.59 n he did first time sugar test just randomly n not for any other concern. It is normal in range but he almost hates sweets n maida n all n also eats healthy home made food. But why his Hba1c is exactly 5.59 why not 5 or 5.2 is my concern. He also has sweet body from childhood if anything happens ( cuts his skin minorly) it wont go away early it ll take sometime may b dats reason ? Recently in Insta reels I saw many times doctor is telling that if our neck become tanned ( black) that is symptom of diabetes n my husband had black neck from 1 1/2 years , so just thought of asking n clarifying my concern . Please suggest
Answers (10)
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HbA1c is the average blood sugar levels and 5.59 is normal.
The darkening of skin on the neck, armpits....called acanthosis nigricans is a sign of insulin resistance.
It's he over weight or obese? If so.... weight reduction is enough.
Next Steps
check hba1c after 6months to 1 year.
Health Tips
weight reduction
regular moderate intensity exercise
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HbA1C 5.59 is in normal range only..If it's between 5.7 to 6.4 then we say it as prediabetic..
Nothing to worry as of now.
If he has family history of diabetes then he has chances of developing diabetes in future..That may be the reason for black thick skin on back of neck..
Next Steps
Do annual check up with FBS, PPBS, HbA1C and also Regular walking and exercise, proper sleep, avoid stress
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There are many reasons like genetic apart from diet and lifestyle which can lead to diabetes and yes black neck is because of insulin resistance and pre diabetic stage which is 5.5to 6.5 consult for evaluation
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Dr. Shivam Mishra
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Mumbai
you're concerned about your husband's HbA1c level of 5.59 and some symptoms you’ve observed. An HbA1c level of 5.59 is within the normal range, but it is close to the prediabetes threshold, which starts at 5.7. The symptoms you're describing, such as the slow healing of minor cuts and darkening of the neck, can sometimes be associated with insulin resistance or prediabetes, especially when linked with skin changes like dark patches (often referred to as acanthosis nigricans).
Although the random blood sugar (RBS) of 103.3 mg/dL is normal, it’s important to monitor glucose levels regularly, as diabetes often develops gradually. Genetic factors can also play a role in blood sugar management, even if someone eats healthy and avoids sweets. Since there are multiple factors to consider, such as diet, exercise, and family history, it would be best to repeat the HbA1c test in a few months to track any changes.
I recommend regular follow-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For a more detailed evaluation and personalized advice, please feel free to consult me directly. You can also reach me on eight, zero, zero, nine, eight, two, one, three, three, two for a more comprehensive discussion.
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Dr. Mohit Pawar
General Physician
4 yrs exp
New Delhi
Your husband's HbA1c of 5.59 is within the normal range, but I understand your curiosity about why it's not lower given his healthy lifestyle. HbA1c reflects the average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, so even small fluctuations in blood sugar can influence it. Factors like stress, sleep patterns, and even certain medications can slightly elevate blood sugar, even if the overall diet is healthy.
As for the darker skin on his neck, this could be a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which is sometimes associated with insulin resistance. While insulin resistance can be an early indicator of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it doesn't necessarily mean that he has diabetes.
Next Steps
Consult
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Monitor sugars frequently.
Get hbA1c done once in 3 months with fbs.
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Dr. Kamlesh Kalsariya
Diabetologist
6 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Consultation
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Dr. Amol Gajanan Andhale
Diabetologist
4 yrs exp
Wardha
Your husband's HbA1c of 5.59 is within the normal range, but I understand your curiosity about why it's not lower given his healthy lifestyle. HbA1c reflects the average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, so even small fluctuations in blood sugar can influence it. Factors like stress, sleep patterns, and even certain medications can slightly elevate blood sugar, even if the overall diet is healthy.
As for the darker skin on his neck, this could be a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which is sometimes associated with insulin resistance. While insulin resistance can be an early indicator of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he has diabetes.
Next Steps
Given his HbA1c is normal, it might not be a major concern right now, but it would be a good idea to monitor his blood sugar levels regularly and consult a healthcare provider to check for insulin resistance if you're concerned.
Health Tips
Visit doctor
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Dr. Komal Bhandari Totla
Diabetologist
11 yrs exp
Solapur
It's normal that's enough.Lifestyle.changes may help though
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