Why Blood Sugar Numbers Might Not Match in Diabetes
Plasma glucose and HbA1c discrepancy may indicate hemoglobinopathy: a case series
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Sometimes in diabetes, the long-term blood sugar test (HbA1c) doesn't match the daily blood sugar checks. This can happen if a person has a hidden blood condition that makes the HbA1c test show a lower number than it should.
Surprising Findings
Hemoglobinopathies were found in all three patients despite two having completely normal blood counts.
It contradicts the assumption that abnormal blood parameters are needed to suspect a hemoglobin disorder — meaning these conditions can fly under the radar even in routine testing.
Practical Takeaways
If your HbA1c suggests good control but your daily glucose readings are high, ask your doctor about testing for hemoglobinopathies with hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Sometimes in diabetes, the long-term blood sugar test (HbA1c) doesn't match the daily blood sugar checks. This can happen if a person has a hidden blood condition that makes the HbA1c test show a lower number than it should.
Surprising Findings
Hemoglobinopathies were found in all three patients despite two having completely normal blood counts.
It contradicts the assumption that abnormal blood parameters are needed to suspect a hemoglobin disorder — meaning these conditions can fly under the radar even in routine testing.
Practical Takeaways
If your HbA1c suggests good control but your daily glucose readings are high, ask your doctor about testing for hemoglobinopathies with hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Publication
Journal
Current Medical Research and Opinion
Year
2025
Authors
G. Sonmezoz
Related Content
Claims (4)
Type 2 diabetes means your blood sugar stays too high over time, and doctors check this with two tests: one after you've fasted and another called HbA1c that shows how much sugar has been sticking to your red blood cells over the past few months.
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.
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.
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.