As a reminder, A1C measures the amount of glucose that is attached to your hemoglobin (a protein in your red blood cells) and is reflected as a percentage. However, there are factors that significantly effect results. Read below to learn what may contribute to inaccurate results.
Falsely Elevated A1C
If RBC turnover decreases there will be a disproportionate number of older RBCs which leads to a falsely elevated A1C value
Causes
- low iron levels
- kidney disease
Falsely Low A1C
If RBC turnover increases there will be a greater proportion of younger RBCs which leads to a falsely low A1C
Causes
- blood loss
- hemolysis (RBC destruction)
- recent transfusion
- pregnancy
- treatment with erythropoietin
- treatment of iron / vitamin B12 / folate deficiency