Get Your A1c in 5 Minutes - at Home

Keeping track of your A1c can be a good way of knowing if your blood sugar management is on track or if you need to make tweaks to your care.
But going to the doctor to get the test can be both expensive and time-consuming, so let me show you how to quickly measure your A1c at home and at a surprisingly affordable price.
At-Home A1CNow Kit (4 Tests) ► amzn.to/3EviFOe
At-Home A1CNow Kit (20 Tests) ► amzn.to/3Ip6B2n
“This is an affiliate link. If you buy this product, I'll receive a small commission”
0:00 Intro
1:14 Where to get an at-home A1c test kit
2:53 How to do the at-home A1c test correctly
5:47 Understanding your A1c result
7:22 How accurate are at-home A1c tests?
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DISCLAIMER: I’m not a medical professional, never stop your current treatment without consulting with your doctor

[@warrenlucier5796]

After reading the other comments and gleaning knowledge, I thought I'd share on what I've learned since becoming an IR Type2 diabetic. This is just how it works for me and it could be different for others. I keep a wall calendar for testing blood glucose, with time & results. Since I've got a better handle on my personal situation, my testing is not as frequent as it once was, and I test in the morning first thing and again @ 2 PM; unless I'm trying something new and need to know how it effects my blood glucose. Using the calendar, I add up all of my samples and divide by the # of samples to get my average blood glucose and then use an online calculator to convert to A1c. If your a Type2 the A1c you get may look fine, along with the rest of the metabolic panel, but the only way to get the whole story is also getting a fasting insulin test to see if the pancreas is being overworked or not. Insulin in a fasting test needs to be below 18.4 ul/mL and the best is between 2 to 5 ul/mL. Most doctors usually don't ask for this important test and you will have an overworked pancreas (inflamed)and you'll not be aware of this situation. I'm 6' 2" in stature and I weighed 260 Lbs. and now I float between 205 and 210 Lbs. with 2 meals a day being low in carbohydrates consumed within a 6 hour timeframe. When I 1st discovered I was diabetic my fasting blood glucose was 186 and the A1c was 8.2; three years later 117 and A1c 5.5. I'd like to see A1c of 5.0 or lower and weight down to 185. I hope this information is helpful in some way.

[@federalist46]

Very helpful. I started strictly controlling my diet 2 months ago and saw an almost immediate fasting drop from about 125-130 to 95 -105. I am 6'4" @210lb. My goal is to start kicking the meds after 20+ years of being lazy. Thanks for the input.

[@user-bx8so1zv2l]

Fantastic video and Thank you so much . Stay well ❤️

[@johnnyripple8972]

@@federalist46 It’s worth the effort. Keep fighting!!

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

⁠​⁠@@federalist46Excellent! I’m in the same boat you were. Please elaborate on “strictly controlling you diet”.

[@loonwengfatt1416]

Well done, keep it up

[@JxT1957]

66, i was diagnosed prediabetic 6.1 a1c in march and now 4 months later my a1c is down to 5.6 by cutting down a lot on sugar and white bread and i also lost 20 pounds as a result. i weigh only 130 pounds now. not only did my a1c go down my cholesterol and triglycerides also went way down and also my blood pressure. i completely stopped statins and lowered my blood pressure medication to a minimal.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

I was borderline diabetic and changed lifestyles and have succeeded keeping A1C 4.8 to 5.1 6 years eating keto carnivore, IF 8/16 with extended sardine/salmon fasts, bone broth sparing 24/48/72 hour fasts, moderate physical activity. Best approach for me. Generally healthy 77 year old shooting for 100.

[@6140LIBRA]

OUTSTANDING👏🤜👍

[@RomanoPRODUCTION]

happy road to 100 :)

[@marielosc.gladden2164]

Good for you ❤❤

[@user-jo5vj7zo7v]

Thank you for sharing your victory! Keep it going. Doctors like to scare you and not really advise you. Happy for you because I’m in the same boat.

[@daisyona7083]

1:50

[@msminicooper2010]

Oh, wow, thanks for making this simple. Your presentation was so organized. Lessened me fear of self-testing.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardjanuary5168]

Thank you for this extremely useful demonstration.

[@lydia5684]

I always wondered if there was a kit for it eventually to come out. I have the contour next which gives me my 7day,14day 30day & 90day. When I get my AIC which is every 3 months I know pretty well what it will be. I'm from Ontario Canada and our health system is great as it doesn't cost us anything for the doctor to lab test. We get more thou twice a year sodium triglycerides cholosteral etc. Having a kit wow. I would get it from Amazon, We go across the border a couple times a year. I'm soon to be 73 in April My last AIC was 7.4 but the one before was 7.2. Looking forward to seeing your other videos. Thank you for your precious time in doing these.

[@alecia175]

This was helpful. I want to keep track but and getting kicked off medicaid so i need to get creative Thanks for the info❤

[@AkitaSue]

I want to thank you for such an explanatory video. I am totally blind and a type 2 diabetic. (My blindness is not from diabetes.) many people present their information by showing pictures or graphs and play music. I appreciate the fact that you talked through everything you were doing. It was very informative. I have The Prodigy talking glucometer and that’s what I used to check my blood sugar every morning. I’m going to ask my doctor about the insulin test. Thanks again.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for taking the time to let me know

[@clairevinet3557]

Thank you beautiful! This was very helpful!🥰

[@tonyp2291]

Very Informative. Thank you.

[@kristinnunez2702]

Fantastic information! I'm adding that test to my Amazon wishlist. 💜💜💜

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donwinston]

Quest Diagnostics and Lab Corp charge about $30 for an A1C test. You don't need a doctor to schedule an appointment. You get the results in less than a week.

[@marsmars9130]

so 4 tests and that 120+ where as this is instant and cost is 17$ per test and PRIVATE!!!

[@nomadexplorer6682]

Thanks. Good demo and lovely presentation. Useful and helpful for the aged who are on the brink and control of diabetes.

[@LunaWolfe1]

Thank for the info about getting the at home a1c kit. I was thinking about getting it done monthly, so I can better track my results, rather than every 3 months. This will be a lot cheaper.

[@kenalbright3622]

I'm so glad I came across this video. Thanks for putting it out there. I'm a type 2 diabetic. I started in 2019 controlling my diabetes through my diet. I've been able to keep it between 5.8 and 6.1. Lowest at 5.7 and highest at 6.2. Without any medications. I always thought the CVS test was suppose to be better. I've never tried any of them. Besides the doctor visits I've used a calculation I found online. Average blood glucose plus 46.7 divided by 28.7. It has been within .2 to .4 of the doctor's office number. I'm going to try the A1C NOW one and see what it compares to the formula I'm using. Thanks again for showing the test comparison.

[@gurianboy]

Thank you!

[@nareshgolla]

Thank you very much for the video. This is much better than paying the doctors who solely rely on these tests and do nothing other than reading what the machines say.

[@jbjacobs9514]

Thanks for the video! I would rather pay for it myself - my insurance is a pain in the patoot! I will definitely purchase one! I really love the way you explain things and that you demonstrate! I love how you compare too.

[@markiangooley]

I use them. I’ve been a type 1 diabetic since 1970. When I have a lab A1C I often take a home test within a few days out of curiosity. The home test usually is a few tenths of a percent higher. With my low-carb diet that means 5.2% for the home test to 5.0 or a bit lower for the lab, for example. They strike me as a tad expensive but convenient.

[@RomanoPRODUCTION]

5.0% is good. congratulations.

[@iamtheman584]

dang. 5.2 vs 5.0 is a pretty big difference.

[@jedwil55]

Great information. Thanks for posting.

[@mariafernandez6537]

Great info, thanks a lot.

[@dougberrett8094]

Thanks for the video. I think all of us who struggle with sugar levels share a common bond. It was a high A1c number that got me started down the path of paying attention and doing things to manage my blood sugar. A comment by my ophthalmologist, a visit to a quack, and advice from a clinical pharmacist led me away from A1c. The ophthalmologist mentioned that A1c was not the best indicator because it is an average, the problem being the fluctuations between high and low. My previous PCP obtained an A1c test which was 10.5. She prescribed a CGM, which I use, but she also prescribed a VERY expensive medicine, before even trying the most common one for type 2. Plus she gave the pharmacy no codes to use, so I got no insurance coverage. My local pharmacist found a coupon for the CGM, and I elected not to go with the expensive medicine. I know a clinical pharmacist who manages diabetics at his hospital. He was surprised that I was not put on first line meds. He suggested that I use insulin. A prescription is NOT required. I used a formula he provided to work out the dose. Diet change and the insulin dropped my glucose from the mid 300 mg/dL to about 150. I switched to a new PCP. She put me on Metformin. Now the struggle is to keep the readings from going too low. I am phasing out the insulin. The variation on the reading is in a much tighter range. A surprising benefit of struggling to keep the numbers up, is the chance to actually eat or drink non diet stuff. I know this was rather long, but I thought it might help others fighting a similar fight. Best wishes on your struggle!

[@cybersal7]

Good. even Stevia makes your body crave sugar so it’s best to do without any sweeteners.

[@hornet224]

Your advisers are giving you misinformation. This youtube video by Dr. Stren Ekberg will explain T2D treatment on the right track. I myself went from 8.2 to 5.9 in one year and have stayed down 2 years later. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZOsda2jaap8qck

[@donwinston]

Losing significant weight on any diet will lower your blood sugar levels to a safe range assuming your pancreas is not permanently damaged. The A1C test is the second best test. The gold standard is the glucose tolerance test but it takes several hours to conduct.

[@dougberrett8094]

For anyone who cares. After 3 months on Metformin and diet control, I am down 35 pounds and A1c is 4.7. Metformin dose is now half. Will see how things go.

[@Gurovski]

Thank you for explain A1c and demonstrating the test kit 🤩

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbsdee3831]

Thank goodness I live in the uk and can have an hba1c test every 3 months as a type 2 diabetic by our wonderful nhs 🇬🇧🙏🏻

[@1992DJP]

I am in the US and I get tested every three months.

[@lumina1104]

I have my A1C done 3 times a year before each endo appointment. I don't really see the need for it at home. They could be helpful if I was still using a glucometer rather than a CGM, but with a CGM I don't have any gaps between tests. Granted, an A1C test wouldn't fill in the gaps, but it would still offer some insight as to trends that could be occurring between tests. Using the G6 and now G7 has allowed me to keep my A1C between 5.3 and 5.8 for the last 3yrs. I don't pay much mind to the GMI, though. If my glucose is in the range I need and want for the vast majority of the time, generally between 85-90% of the time, then both the A1C and GMI will take care of themselves.

[@marielosc.gladden2164]

Thank you for the information ❤ ❤

[@itsgettingold]

Informative, concise, well-done video. Thank-you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joesmith7427]

Even doctors today dont have that conversion chart!! I got it at USF in Tampa,Florida 20 years ago!

[@MountainFisher]

I was diagnosed as Type2 in 2010 and I stopped eating carbs and I haven't had an A1C above 6 except a couple of times after the holidays as I'm fond of dressing and real turkey gravy.

[@recuerdos2457]

I thought type 1 basically don’t have insulin🤔 so that it’s not reversible…

[@MountainFisher]

@@recuerdos2457 I changed it to Type 2, thank you for pointing that out.

[@garygone5234]

Thank you for all you do

[@djjammindave]

Because of the content of this video I subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

• My A1C was 5.7 a few months ago at the laboratory. My fasting insulin was 2. I may try this kit for convenience . Thank you for doing this. Good information. 👌

[@jl22545]

You’re results are similar to mine, are you concerned about the low insulin level? I can’t find info on if this is good or an indicator that pancreas is shutting down

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@jill22545 🤔❓️ I don't know what to think. Some say " excellent," and others suggest further testing. Most laboratory tests show 2 to 5 as normal. I am low carbohydrate, have lost 40 lbs., all blood tests improved. When I do fasting, BG stays around 70. My doctor says " A- ok."

[@crabbypaddy5549]

I went from 6 to 3.9 in a few weeks. Best medication is simply to cut out all products with sugars, fruit sugars, sugar replacements and stop eating the pesky carbs or stick to a very small amount of carbs. Eat meat, animal fats and butter.

[@leboonleboon1638]

As always my wife and I love your videos. We purchased the Amazon test with facilitate our test today so my number didn’t budge from last from LabCorp so I’m still like 7.2 so tomorrow I’m gonna get my lab Corps test and see if how. How close they really are but thank you so much because I never knew this existed. You are awesome!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you 😊

[@andrewamandaturner3850]

If I may can I ask how close is inaccurate the test is with the Amazon device I'm currently trying to get my A1C down from 12.3 and I would love to monitor it as I go

[@leboonleboon1638]

@@andrewamandaturner3850 it was one point difference that’s it. It was awesome very accurate.

[@testos2701]

Godsend, thanks so much, excellent video!

[@DiabetesStrong]

You're very welcome!

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Good info. Thanks.

[@jerrychristensen9219]

Good information thanks!!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@biolabiola85]

I like you the way you explain A1C. Thank you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you, I'm glad it made sense

[@Trevtron24]

I've been a type 1 diabetic since 1977 and am 64 years old now being in the UK I get mine checked at the clinic twice a year so I don't think I'd waste my money on this I do use however a Libre 2 sensor that has been a God send in helping me keep my blood sugars under control

[@jackschitt6235]

My last A1C was 5.3 which is not even considered to be "pre" diabetic. Am I bragging? I guess so but if you knew what I went through over the years with our "sickcare" system you would appreciate where I am now compared to where I was at one time. I finally decided it was up to me to study and TELL the doctors how to do their job. Yes, I did get discharged by the last Endocrinologist's office but it turned out to be a good thing for me because the newer and current guy has done so much more for me.

[@pM-sh4ep]

As long as you’re not having lows, that’s really good. For years mine was around there but now it’s up to around 6. I think because I have LADA and was in the “honeymoon phase” for many years, still producing insulin.

[@jackschitt6235]

@@pM-sh4ep I've had some lows but fortunately I get Baqsimi which is the glucagon powder you spray up your nose. It's very expensive but my Endo prescribed it and my insurance pays for it. My diagnosis was type 2 in 1998. My current endocrinologist changed my diagnosis to type 1 on my first appointment with him when he saw the c-peptide test result that the last Endocrinologist ordered only because I read about it and asked for it to be done. I might really be more of a type ONE.5 but I guess that's more of an unofficial term at this point. In other words a type 2 who needs to be treated like a type ONE even though they are not obese but can't control the diabetes well enough with only pills etc. My low remaining endogenous insulin production might be from beta cell burnout though versus the autoimmune malfunction that causes textbook type 1 diabetes. I finally got the Antibodies and GAD65 tests done because the diabetes educator who worked with the last Endocrinologist was a type ONE diabetic herself and wanted to rule out the possibility that I was a LADA. I was negative and normal for the antibodies and GAD65 but despite that my official diagnosis is now type 1 diabetes and I've been on the Medtronic system for 3+ years. The last Endocrinologist didn't even try to get me a CGM even after I asked for one. He just assumed that my insurance wouldn't pay for it because I was a type 2 diabetic. But they were paying $800+ monthly for the Trulicity he put me on and I got VERY sick from that 🐁🐀🐀🐁 poison! I know this is more like an article than a comment but this is what I mean by what I've been through with our lousy sickcare system. I know now that I should have been referred to the ophthalmologist much sooner in my diabetes life too. And on a final sad note the PCP I saw in 1998 after the diabetes was picked up on a pre-employment physical screening committed suicide about 4 years after I saw him. He started me on the sulfonylurea glyburide pills and I passed out in a grocery store and had my first ambulance ride to the hospital. He/they never even explained to me that those pills could cause severe hypoglycemia. Then when I started reading up on diabetes and discovered Dr Bernstein the famous type 1 diabetic since 11 who is now 88 I learned that he said the sulfonylurea pills probably accelerate the beta cell burnout process in type 2 diabetics leading to them becoming in effect insulin dependent. Thee end, good luck

[@pM-sh4ep]

Thanks for the detailed reply! I think the type 2 and type 1 have become muddled and it’s not as clear cut as it was once made out to be. Type 2 is essentially insulin resistance and Type 1 is essentially an autoimmune destructions of insulin producing cells, but people can have elements of both. I think anyone diagnosed with diabetes should have the blood tests for the autoimmune markers. My guess is there are a lot of people out there being told they are type two when they could have an immune component as well.

[@jackschitt6235]

@@pM-sh4ep I used to have a high opinion of doctors but not so much anymore based on my experience. I know they like to blame the insurance companies and it is a valid point in some respects. It's inexcusable though that I had diabetes for as long as I did without getting a c-peptide test done and without getting a referral to ophthalmology etc. When I was diagnosed in 1998 I was a union employee with a major employer with what was supposed to be excellent health insurance etc. The doctor I saw after a pre-employment physical for a new job picked up the glucose in the urine just put me on glyburide the sulfonylurea and sent me on my way. I passed out in a grocery store presumably from severe hypoglycemia and had my first ambulance ride to the hospital. He committed suicide about 4 years later. Then when I started taking books out from the library about diabetes I discovered Dr Bernstein. He wrote that the sulfonylurea pills probably accelerate the process of beta cell burnout in type 2 diabetics leading to becoming in effect insulin dependent. The c-peptide test gives you a valuable piece of information and it's not like it is some expensive or unpleasant thing to undergo. I only finally got it because I read about it and TOLD the Endocrinologist I wanted it done. Pathetic really if you ask me. This guy was with a major university medical center and teaching hospital where you would expect to get first class healthcare.

[@pamelakoretsky9909]

@@pM-sh4ep there is more and more evidence that type 2 also has an auto immune component. Type 2 starts with beta cell failure and dysregulation of carb metabolism ... this leads to insulin resistance as a it slowly progresses. LADA will test for the known type 1 antibodies...GAD in particular. There are unknown antibodies at play in type 2 but more and more evidence of auto immune being behind the wide spread inflammation that is a hallmark of type 2. More needs to be ccx worked out before clinical tests can be done to help with diagnosis. And BTW type 1 can have insulin resistance, LADA always has it . But for insurance and treatment purposes if c Peptide is low then the official diagnosis is given as type 1 for now.

[@jatinderpalsinghchahal961]

Good video helping others in a very simple way. Easy to understand 👍🏽👏🏽

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad you think so!

[@bretyoung1869]

Very interesting 🤔 Thanks 👍🏽

[@AG0024]

Love the video. Thanks! :)

[@Fishflorida59]

I have had diabetes for 15 years or more and I found if you test before meals and two hours after meals and write down the result for three months. Then use a percentage calculator ( available online) it will give you an average that you can use to look at a A1C chart online and get a very close A1C when compared to actual labs from doctor. It takes a bit of work but if you compare this to buying a test kit or doctor/ lab copay it’s a much cheaper way to go 🙂

[@Strathom1]

Thank you very much for this informative video.❤❤❤

[@DiabetesStrong]

You are so welcome!

[@gotmama2]

For me 6.0 is too high. >150 mg/dL is high enough that there is still a lot of damage to your organs. As a T1 diabetic you might feel safer keeping it that high, but as a T2, I want to get it down below 5.7, i.e. where my diabetes is in remission. I started out at an a1c of 13% three years ago, when I was in the ER for ketoacidosis. I'm at 6.1% now. I've also lost 45lbs over the past 18 months.

[@marksmith2738]

Thanks for the interesting video. I did not know you could do the A1C test at home. It would be interesting to know how it compares to the A1C estimates in the CGM.

[@terrydillon9323]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulabrown5243]

This is good information to know for those whose insurance doesn't pay. My insurance pays every 3 months.

[@217Seahorse]

I take blood sample every morning prior to breakfast (fasting) at the same time for two weeks then I do an average of the readings. Then I check my A1C reading and is usually: 0.2 more. I get a clinic to do A1C reading once per 3 Months via prescription at no charge.

[@m7j23s53]

Thanks. I didn't know an A!C test kit was available otc

[@74bish]

In Germany diabetics usually are in a diabetes management program which means their doctor has to do that test once every quarter. And it’s paid for by the insurance.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

USA healthcare system is awful ... 😔

[@krollpeter]

Do they measure blood glucose or A1c every 3 month? Measuring blood glucose once every quarter is actually not often enough, because the blood glucose fluctuates wildly.

[@74bish]

@@krollpeter They measure the A1C. Depending on how severe your diabetes is and other factors, you’ll get some kind of glucose monitor or one of a large variety of testing devices so you can monitor your levels yourself.

[@jameskantor0459]

@@krollpeter Use a regular blood glucose meter daily. The AIC will not vary much with a month. It is recommended to do an A1C every three months.

[@alexcarter8807]

Yeah well, Germany is a 1st world country, unlike the US.

[@buckwheat6722]

Well Done! Thank You! 🇺🇸🤠🇺🇸

[@chantalmassin1756]

Wow for someone who has type 1 you look very healthy. I found out I'm type 2 and I am a mess. Also my doctor is leaving so I have no doctor which is so stressing but you are inspiring for me so thank you❤❤❤❤

[@user-jo5vj7zo7v]

Don’t fret it only makes it worst. Eat lots of greens and all the good stuff you will find on line. Then, move your body. I find taking fish oil or olive oil does wonders for your insides. Most of all stay close to God, He is there.

[@chantalmassin1756]

@@user-jo5vj7zo7v thank you for your encouragement. You helped me a lot. I do that also hugs

[@clarkeugene5727]

@@user-jo5vj7zo7v Very kind of you to offer encouragement. And yes, our Father is always available to us.

[@bassboy99091]

Last year at this time I was 15.2 this year I am down to 7.2 but also now on multiple daily injections to get my blood sugar under control

[@dwightl5863]

You are to be applauded for your efforts. Good job!!

[@kristinnunez2702]

I've been there. Was over 14 in beginning of 2022 but after getting on DexcomG6 and using insulin I got it down to 7.6 in about 6 months. Great job! 💜💜💜

[@DiabetesStrong]

I agree with Dwight, well done!

[@suzyq5629]

I was on insulin 70/30 2x daily along w Victoza. I started Ozempic and my blood sugars have never been more perfect! And I’m losing weight too which is a plus. I’m also using the Libre 2 Glucose Monitor and linked to my phone. It’s a great motivator for me and also encourages my choices Good?uckon yourJourney. I’m Type2

[@cybersal7]

Going to saturated fat, grass fed butter, and more red meat and hardly any carbs has reversed my T2D but I still like to keep an eye on it. I still have insulin resistance, but it’s slowly slowly clearing up.

[@CrockSD]

The A1CNow test has a limited shelf life of 120 days when not refrigerated. When I first purchased a 10 pack on Amazon over a year ago, it came in an insulated box with sealed ice blocks. I recently reordered 10 tests from the same vendor and they shipped at room temperature. The problem I have is I don't know if the kits were warehoused at room temperature as well. 120 days really isn't very long when you consider warehousing and shipping time. I believe shipping was via ground transportation due to the lithium battery in the meter. This may be part of the reason users questioned the accuracy of the tests in Amazon reviews. Because of this, I'd only buy 1 or 2 tests at a time.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Hmm, that’s odd. None of the kits I bought were refrigerated. According to the packing on the A1CNow kit I got from Amazon it should be stored at room temperature. It’s sold by SimplyMedical. I wonder if they have more than one type of kit.

[@CrockSD]

@@DiabetesStrong IIRC, the kits have instructions on the box that says that they "may" be stored at room temperature. They also include an area on the box to write down the date they were removed from refrigeration and instructions to discard unused tests 120 days after that date. If one buys, say, 10 tests and intends to test every month, that is way longer than 120 days! I don't recall these instructions on the first tests I received refrigerated, but I distinctly remember the labeling on the second batch I ordered. The Amazon vendor for both purchases was FireflySupply.

[@CrockSD]

@@DiabetesStrong Here's a few copy/paste excerpts from the product insert that I downloaded from PTS Diagnostics: • Pouched test cartridges, A1CNow+ analyzers, and shaker kits may be stored at room temperature at 64-82°F (18-28°C) for up to four months prior to use. Analyzers, test cartridges, and dilution kits stored at room temperature must be thrown away if not used within the four months. • The analyzers, test cartridges, and shaker kits may be used until the expiration date printed on the box and pouches when stored refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Analyzers, test cartridges, and shaker kits stored in the refrigerator must be thrown away if not used by the expiration date. Here are a few more comments on temperature from the introduction section: • Run the test with all parts of the test kit at the same temperature within the specified range. • If the kit has recently been at high temperatures (above 82ºF) or in the refrigerator, keep the kit at room temperature for at least one hour before use. • Avoid running the test in direct sunlight, on hot or cold surfaces, or near sources of heat or cold.

[@BobSmith-wh9hz]

Thank you! 👍👍

[@DiabetesStrong]

You are welcome!

[@ravirawat-be7pi]

Good information

[@abainimarama]

Thank you 😌

[@DiabetesStrong]

You’re welcome 😊

[@fctryoffetsh39]

I'm type 2 your doin great keep it up

[@pamc9723]

Thank you!

[@DiabetesStrong]

You're welcome!

[@songbirds3712]

I am on Medicare, and they sent me a free at home test. It was super easy to do. I poke my finger to get my blood, which is a little difficult since I just don’t bleed🤣🤣 and you need more than just a simple finger prick. But I did it and sent it in Wednesday. I should get the results next week and my PCP will get them also. Easy-Peasy!!

[@songbirds3712]

It was 6.1, and I am happy with that. My family doctor said it isn’t pre-diabetic. He says a pre-diabetic level must be above 6.3. As you can imagine, he is a little difficult to work with. I reminded him that I am taking 2000mg metFORMIN daily (prescribed by him) but still he insists that I am not prediabetic. It is what it is, I guess.

[@tototita413]

thanks great video

[@tclodfelter8789]

In 2019 I went on a strict diet (carbs< 100mg/day) and my A1C dropped from 7.4 to 5.7. I stopped pasta, potatoes and rice, I changed from white bread to wheat. I changed from white sugar to honey and reduced the amount I used. I increased my water and leafy vegetables. My morning glucose was never over 100. During covid my wife's business was shutdown for 8 months... here came the rice, potatoes & bread... my readings are now 160 - 200+!!

[@slomo1716]

Exactly RIGHT- IF people would EAT BETTER this issue would self resolve!

[@metalsteel5631]

My a1c was 18, and seemingly had been for years. the doctors looked at me and told me that I was a dead man walking. they suddenly treated me with extreme care and sympathy, and one of the nurses even started crying like I was about to die. it was crazy. But I felt fine. I NEVER felt dizzy, tired, or thirsty. I only did a check up because I thought my prostate was growing extremely large and could only hold a half cup of piss. they checked my a1c a few times again and it was still 18 and they made me take insulin right away, but I refused because it was expensive. Maybe a1c doesn't really matter all that much? I decided to just go on a keto diet and my a1c went down to 7 a year later.

[@DiabetesStrong]

The reason why a high A1c is concerning often has to do with the risk of complications. You might be able to continue lowering it through diet if you still have an insulin production (which it sounds like you do)

[@whatsup3270]

The doctors and nurses are correct and if you left this drop you will enter and early grave, guaranteed.

[@ukumra]

Great job! Aim for the 5.xx

[@FelitaDaniels]

@diabetestrong (don't know if that will flag you or not). Just saw your video pull up on my feed. I thought it was very good. I'm in this weird spot where I'm retiring from my job (63 years old) but not eligible for the Medicare/Medicaid yet. But I do have my HSA (Health Savings Account) loaded up for this time period and I'm checking into paying for my own insurance. Do you think these test are HSA approved? I read all over the Amazon listing and didn't see anything about HSA approved. If I go this route- I'll be sure to use your affiliate link. Thank you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I don’t know if it would qualify for HSA. If not, you’d problem be able to get a lab test covered. Might be the cheaper option for you

[@merzougsofiane3571]

I'm a field service engineer in HbA1c apparatus. Sorry but the best technique to analyse the HbA1c with a good accuracy is HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) or electrphoresis. Biorad D-10 / Variant II / D-100 Tosoh G8 / G10 Arkray

[@gurianboy]

Thanks!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you

[@Fred_the_Head]

HgA1C is a very imprecise measurement of “average” serum glucose over time. A person’s A1C can be a “normal” 5.7% even when the average serum glucose ranges 110 to 130 mg/dL.

[@tadgmcloughlin6061]

I live in Japan and have a monthly complete blood test including consultation with my doctor this costs about$40!

[@DiabetesStrong]

That’s awesome

[@tadgmcloughlin6061]

We also get back 60% of our cost on medication back which is already cheap and my CGM is FREE. I am thankful and grateful.

[@geraldramsden1318]

@@tadgmcloughlin6061 I live in the uk it is no cost

[@RenegadesGarage]

Diabetes Strong.. The last time I had my A1C checked it was 17. My sugar level today is 276 but the other day it was 399. I just can't seem to get it under control. It can be in the normal range (80-120 is what I was told) and an hour later it could drop to 34 and then an hour or two later it could be in the 2 or 3 hundreds..

[@DiabetesStrong]

It sounds like you should have a conversation with your doctor. You might need different meds or an adjustment to the ones you're taking. You might also benefit from a chat with a diabetes educator, now known as a diabetes care and education specialist (DCES). A DCES can help you understand how different foods, activity and even hormones can impact your blood sugars as well as when and how insulin will impact your blood sugars. This is a complex condition but with the right knowledge it does become easier

[@johnweiland9389]

MD Fuhrman. Gbombs greens beans onions mushrooms berries seeds and nuts. Shopping list and menu.

[@joesmith7427]

My verio meter works well, tracks and gives averages, what it should also do is A1C. Uric Acid should be tested too, gout isnt fun! The 02% and pulse clamp on is good, and cheap. And i have a life source BP meter with travel case, excellent. Now if the doctor would make house calls again, whats old is new again!! Food delivery is worth every nickel to me, walmart, Shipt, Instacart, it sure makes our life alot easier!! Why drive, not me, not anymore! And someone young can cut the grass and trim the bushes, if up north, let someone else shovel tbe snow, get wise to being retired, its great!

[@ledenhimeganidleshitz144]

My sister gets consistent management in the low 5% range. You might want to try Dr. Burenstine's book. Basil Insulin, untra low carb diet, fast acting to cover meals, CGM. She is mostly in dietary ketosis. Her MD can't figure it out and thinks she is suicidal for not eating carbs, all the while admitting she is the best managed patient she has! Ya can't teach an old Doc new tricks!

[@13saber13]

Another great video! 😸 Did you fast 8-12 hours before you did the at home test? 🤔 My Dr. has me fast before the Lab A-1c test.

[@DiabetesStrong]

There shouldn’t be a need to fast before an A1c test as it measures the last 3 months average. Does your doctor also do other tests?

[@13saber13]

@@DiabetesStrong Thank you SO much for getting back to me. Yes, I do a bunch of other tests at the same time. I figure that if I'm getting poked, drain me to check everything. 🤪 I absolutely love your channel! I have learned SO much. You are the best! 😻

[@mehmoodalam5661]

My hba1c 5.7 my fasting blood shuger 96 and my age 60 years old

[@lancelemay6971]

Those look to be exactly the same machine - CVS versus Amazon, with different labels on them. Are the actual tests that you prepare for the machine to read any different? I pay $25 for the local hospital lab to do this test and get results the same day. Since it’s so quick and easy (and nearby) to have professionals analyze my blood I have no need for the test kit but if I lived in a remote area this would be an attractive option.

[@deborahwright8031]

A1C shows average over 90 days . I think if you want to see if your blood sugar is on track the blood glucose moniter is a better way to go .

[@dazone705]

Thanks for sharing. There's another option, you can go to quest health, or labs direct, and get an A1C for 30 to $40 without a doctor's visit. Wish I didn't have to watch this video in another 15 minute 2-year-old video to see how the home test compared to a lab test. One consideration for me is the time going to the lab as well as waiting there, we only have so much time on this earth. Again, thanks

[@BillSmith-ut5li]

They do have home test kits now for a one c

[@PaulC001]

i don't have diabetes but i see it on my labs every year anyway. i guess the test is about right since mine is always about 5.1

[@Strathom1]

Danke!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you so much

[@mikeshay4866]

A1C test are free here in Canada, as are Dr visits

[@joesmith7427]

There are electronic a1c test units that are disposable, that was 25 years ago!!

[@yogibear2k220]

I live in the UK and I am wondering is this test the same as our Blood Glucose Monitoring System kits if you know the answer. Looking at it it does look the same, but this is a lot more long winded. On my one all I have to do is put the blood strip in the machine, prick my finger, put the blood onto the strip and in 5 seconds I get the results. Also, my finger pricky thingy is adjustable so you can have it as deep or as shallow as you need.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I'm not completely sure. However, this is a little different if you're talking about the meter you use to measure your blood sugar (glucometer). I think I do remember once seeing a glucometer that could also measure A1c, but that was many years ago

[@juliagoheen7300]

Ok just watched this and not finding the video says which is the best.

[@texastexas4541]

Nice video. One important question I hope you will answer. Have you compared this number with blood test done in a lab?....they use blood from the vein. Capillary blood contains glucose but it is less than what is in the arteries. Vein should contain even less sugar than capillary blood. I wonder if these numbers really mean anything because it is the blood in your arteries that do damage by glycosylation of arterial blood vessel wall cells. Hope to hear from you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, I did that comparison in a previous video. I found the 5-minute at-home test to be similar. This is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4a8inVngZ5jprs

[@hcwbw3]

I am not a Dr. I just play one on TV. Joke. Actually I am a Medical Technologist (lab tech.) since 1985 and worked in the lab since 1980. So the A1C came about when the started doing electrophoresis, the sample, serum, whole blood or urine is placed on a gel membrane and electricity, a positive on one side and a negative on the other side is turned on. The analyte (fancy word for thing being measured), protein or glycoprotein will migrate (move) according to its own electrical charge as it relates to the electricity on the membrane, think magnets attracting or repelling. When they do Hemoglobin (Hgb.) it identified different types like the abnormal Hgb see in Sickle cell anemia or Hgb S. The Hgb, A1C, or glycosylated Hgb was identified because it was saturated (made heavier with glucose) and would be the first fraction or the A"1"C because it was the slowest and when you read it from start to finish it was the one that moved the least so it was closest to the beginning or first. The test evolved to easier standard chemistry test as years later started gaining favor as a long term marker of how people were managing their B.S. blood sugar levels. Hemoglobin is the red stuff inside the red blood cell that makes cellular respiration possible and so the trick with the A1C is that when you measure it your getting a look back towards the BS average over around 120 days because that is the average life span of a RBC(which is full of Hgb) red blood cell that are constantly being replaced (not all at once) little by little. That is a little bit on the history and the why. Now regarding accuracy and precision (reproducibility) or a true good value. In the lab we have very sophisticated instruments and we run quality controls (material where we know the expected values via statistical analysis) 1, 2 or 3 times a day depending on the method, instrument and reagent systems requirement. these controls usually 2 or 3 levels must recover values that are within 2 standard deviation (I know bla bla WHAT?, think bell curve) and meet certain rules called Westgard rules in addition we have programs that compare controls performances between various different labs and we have unknown Challenge samples sent the to lab from an independent medical scientific body like CAP (College of American Pathologist) that we, the lab has to recover the correct results in order to maintain the licensure to preform lab test. That being said the accuracy and reproducibility of the at home kits is something to be concerned about if your accurate that is good that means your close to the bulls eye but can you reproduce that or you can reproduce very well and have a small group but be way off the center of the bulls eye or be "precisely wrong". Since this test is a refection of your glucose BS over 3 months or the life of the RBC running it frequently is not of much value as it won't change day to day like your glucose or BS level would. So I would ask you Doctor what value running the A1C frequently has and what he or she is wanting you to keep track of. I saw one of the comment saying that in Germany they run the test once every quarter or every 3 months which makes perfect sense since it is a refection of your average BS over 120 day or the avg. live of the red blood cell where in the Hgb is found . Hope this helps and is interesting,

[@whynot16384]

good video

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thanks

[@kristinurban5734]

Are you concerned that the consistent a1c of the Amazon test might be a ‘built in’ reading or have you had different readings at times? I am considering buying & trying it for myself. Thanks so much for your videos-super helpful as I have been looking for these at home tests. 😁

[@DiabetesStrong]

Not really. I did more than one test and have used other similar kits in the past. First video I did about home tests were about 2 years ago, and I found it accurate back then as well

[@whatsup3270]

I buy from the local big box discounter ( walmart) and I buy the Relion brand. I do it every time I am to get blood work and many times between blood work. So here is the skinny: The cheapy matches the doctor's inhouse test and saves 90% of cost. IMPORTANT note: high quality medial lab work is typically slightly higher often about 0.3-0.4 higher so if you see a 6.7 the would likely test you at 7.0-7.1. So do the cheapy testing and add 0.4

[@matthewstolmeier752]

I was hoping to see links to purchasing this equipment. Did I miss it somewhere?

[@DiabetesStrong]

The links to Amazon are down in the video description. KZbin doesn't offer them so couldn't link directly in the video

[@ProfessorB.]

Suppose I am healthy, not overweight and exercise a lot. I have not been told I might be diabetic, but I am getting older and am curious about it. Do I really need the 4 test pack? How many time, and how often should I take the test to make sure I get an accurate reading?

[@DiabetesStrong]

You could ask your doctor to add the test to your annual physical exam. You probably don’t need frequent tests if you don’t have symptoms or a diagnosis, but for peace of mind, you could do one a year

[@Ribanski]

It’s a bit absolute now because if you use the Freestyle Libre or simular devices you can directly see what your A1c values are. Most of the diabetics now use devices like the Freestyle Libere.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I think it depends on the type of diabetes and country. According to the stats I've seen (US only) CGM adoption rates are around 70% for type 1 and 3-4% for type 2

[@JoseOrtiz-nw1rk]

My goal is 5.5 and I been there. Good job.

[@DiabetesStrong]

🙌

[@richardsittel4194]

Health care costs in the US are extremely high and so are those test kits. Here in Honduras, Central America, I can walk into the lab and have it professionally done for $6.40 and they email me the results in about an hour. To equal that price the CVS kit would have to lower its price to $12.80. Am I doing the math right?

[@DiabetesStrong]

You got that right

[@tomchristian9932]

How about A1C and Insulin level together! Too see if you have hyper-insulinemia!

[@bothornton4150]

So since the A1C is an average over 3 months, must one wait every 3 months to test? Would a monthly test be worth it to show trending up or down or no?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Since it's a 3-month average every month will impact the total. So if you manage to reduce your blood sugars one month, the 3-month average will go down

[@user-if9vu9sj3g]

There is an app. that calculates your A1C. Easy to use.

[@jeffhorn6678]

Good information, thanks! My Dr wants an A1C a few times per year but since I wear a Dexcom G6 I'm not sure I find the A1C useful. I have the whole year's BG right there on a chart. And more importantly I have my TIR which an A1C can't tell you. What do you think, if we wear a sensor do we really need to get an A1C test? Cheers

[@DiabetesStrong]

No, I agree. I don’t get an “official” A1c done that often anymore. Maybe 1-2 times a year since I wear a CGM. But I do these tests occasionally to just check in as the GMI doesn’t translate directly to A1c

[@richardforster4429]

@@DiabetesStrong I've been pushing all my appointments and tests down the road cause everything seems OK. And the Dexcom data seems to support the A1C pretty close. But when I do go for blood work I like to get the the full test. Potassium ect.

[@pM-sh4ep]

Do you find the CGM is always higher than the A1c? That’s what I’ve found.

[@richardforster4429]

I'd have to go back and investigate. I think thats true in my case also if I remember correctly? But quite close. Within .3.

[@jeffhorn6678]

Yeah, I find the CGM to be a little higher as well, but not much, usually like .2 or .3

[@stevesmith7839]

A1C meters are at walmart for $35.

[@Itwasme5071]

Do you have to buy a new kit each time to use all the tests?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, I haven't seen anyone selling the parts separately

[@bcerliano]

My experience with the test your are showing was that of the 2-pack, one always worked well and gave pretty accurate results, but the other somehow gave unreliable results or completely failed. After about three experiences with those results, I just gave up. Those tests are what they use at my doctor’s office when she doesn’t order full blood tests.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing

[@cybersal7]

Some products like that you can return and they’ll give you another one if one doesn’t work

[@whatsup3270]

Old units had to refrigerated. Most units have a self life. Don't give up this is too important and others are not having that issue.