What is Hba1c

Hi

The HbAc1 is a fasting blood glucose test taken by the nurse regularly and the result of this test gives us the average level of blood glucose level over a period of about 2 -3 months. You need to have the test before having breakfast so you want to arrange the test as early in the morning as you can.

Jenny

Um, thanks - it probably wasn't clear but if you click on the words I wrote there is a great link...

Hi

Thanks. I did not realize it was a link. This link has turned out to be a coincidence, as yesterday I went for an eye test and screening yesterday. I didn't have the drops in the eyes but according to this site these really only need to be done bi-annually. The optician said she would send the result to the doctor so will wait for the result. If anything untoward I expect they will get in touch. Last year I had screening at Specsavers and the optician there said they were no longer doing screening and the hospital in Bexhill does it and to tell my doctor that - which I did. She said she would see the nurse, which I had already asked, and she said two local opticians did it. I rang up the optician and asked if they did diabetic screening and they said they did. The optician charged me £15. A chap down the road went blind and prevention and blood glucose control is the best way to reduce this possibility.

I hope your results are perfect, honey. As you say, control is the best way to prevent these problems - and eyes etc are so precious to us. It must be taken seriously. Thanks

Blimey I'm surprised to hear you were charged £15 for having it done, as the retinal screen unit comes to our drs surgery every few weeks. With me being diagnosed only in May I've just had my 1st one. I've not heard anything, but I'm not unduly worried as the nurse doing the unit showed me my photos and while she said she wasn't a dr; that everything looked ok to her; she even explained all the different markings in the eye. I just hated the eye drops boy did they sting lol
Cheers,
John

Hi Jenrose,

The diabetic retinopathy check is FREE ! The opticians claim the money from the NHS but all eye checks including basic eyesight tests are free to diabetics. Don't let them charge you again or report them to the NHS as they are obviously getting paid twice.

Nick