If someone with diabetes has blood sugar numbers that don't match their A1c test, it might be due to a hidden blood condition — even if their blood tests look mostly normal. In those cases, a special blood test could help get the right diagnosis.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Community contributions welcome

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Plasma glucose and HbA1c discrepancy may indicate hemoglobinopathy: a case series

Case Report

Human

2025 Aug

The study found that when blood sugar and HbA1c don’t match in diabetic patients, it can be a sign of a hidden blood disorder, even if blood tests look normal. This supports the idea that doctors should check for these disorders using a special test.

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Source Study

Plasma glucose and HbA1c discrepancy may indicate hemoglobinopathy: a case series

Score: 20

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2025.2557519

Similar Assertions

If someone has certain blood conditions like sickle cell trait, their A1c test might show lower blood sugar levels than they actually have, which could trick doctors into thinking diabetes is under control when it's not — especially if they don't also check regular blood sugar tests.

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If someone with diabetes has confusing blood sugar and A1c results, a special blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis can help find rare blood conditions that might be messing with their A1c, even if their regular blood tests look mostly normal.

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