The A1C level test can give false or inaccurate results in some people. Your A1C level can be falsely elevated due to certain medications or health conditions like anemia, among other reasons.
The hemoglobin A1C test is a useful tool to help monitor glucose control or diagnose diabetes, but it’s not foolproof.
Certain health conditions or medications may interfere with the test results, delivering an inaccurate or false result. This can include a false high result. Doctors may suspect an inaccurate result if your A1C test results and your glucose levels do not seem to correlate.
If you suspect falsely elevated A1C test results, it’s best to talk with a doctor and consider additional testing.
Continue reading to learn about possible causes of a falsely elevated A1C level.
Some health conditions may make your A1C test levels falsely high. This can include those that affect your red blood cells.
Health conditions or situations that can lead to false results can include:
- iron deficiency anemia
- sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- a recent blood transfusion or blood loss
- hemoglobin variants
- kidney failure and being on hemodialysis
- liver disease
- pregnancy
If your A1C and glucose levels do not match, doctors may order additional testing. This can suggest that another health condition may be interfering with your results.
The
Insufficient iron in your diet can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which may increase A1C levels.
Iron deficiency anemia may cause symptoms like:
- weakness
- fatigue
- paler skin than usual
- shortness of breath
Anemia may affect
Vegans and vegetarians, people with heavy menstrual cycles, and frequent blood donors tend to have a
If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, consider talking with a doctor about whether iron supplements may help you increase your iron levels and manage your blood sugar.
Discover more about Type 2 Diabetes
If your A1C level is high despite proper management, you may not have type 2 diabetes.
According to a 2022 research review, between
LADA often progresses slowly, but in most people, it ultimately requires insulin treatment.
If you’ve had treatments for type 2 diabetes for several years or more, a sudden change in your ability to manage your A1C levels might be a sign of LADA. You can talk with your doctor or care team about your concerns.
Doctors do not use A1C testing to diagnose type 1 diabetes. They may recommend A1C and additional testing to monitor your condition.
Some prescription medications can also affect A1C testing. These can include medications that affect your hemoglobin and the life span of these red blood cells.
Examples may include:
- steroids
- some cancer treatments
- some treatments for hepatitis or HIV
Be sure that the healthcare professional ordering your A1C test has an accurate list of your medications and any supplements you take. If you have a prescription medication that might affect your blood glucose levels or the accuracy of your A1C test, a doctor or pharmacist can discuss this with you.
According to a
Vitamin C may also affect your results, depending on whether the lab measures your A1C with electrophoresis, which can show a false increase, or chromatography, which can return a false decrease.
Always consult a doctor or dietitian before taking a new supplement or making changes to the supplements you take.
Stress, especially chronic stress, can raise blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
Stress may elevate levels of the hormones that raise blood glucose.
If you experience major life changes, it’s important to practice self-care by making time for stress-relieving practices, such as breathing exercises and physical activity.
Try to keep this in mind and help minimize the impact of stress on your blood sugar levels.
Some health conditions, medications, and supplements can affect your A1C level test and cause a false high or low result.
If your glucose level measurements and A1C level suggest your results may not be accurate, a doctor will typically recommend additional testing.
However, other factors can impact your A1C level and lead to a high or low but accurate reading. Work with your care team to identify potential barriers to lowering your blood sugar levels. They can help you find changes you can make to improve your overall health.
