What if FBS is high but HbA1c is normal?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on February 27, 2026
A1C tests measure average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months. So even if you have a high fasting blood sugar, your overall blood sugar may be normal, or vice versa. A normal fasting blood sugar may not eliminate the possibility of type 2 diabetes.
Which is more accurate HbA1c or FBS?
Generally, FBS was a more accurate predictor for HbA1c compared with HbA1c as a predictor of FBS. Although the optimum cutoff point of HbA1c was >6.15%, its precision was comparable with the conventional cutoff point of >6%.
What is more important fasting glucose or A1C?
Summary: Measurements of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) more accurately identify persons at risk for clinical outcomes than the commonly used measurement of fasting glucose, according to a new study. HbA1c levels accurately predict future diabetes, and they better predict stroke, heart disease and all-cause mortality as well.
Can you have a normal A1C and still be diabetic?
A normal A1C measurement is less than 5.7%, while an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4% could suggest prediabetes, and an A1C of 6.5% or higher usually means diabetes.
Why is FBS high?
High levels of fasting blood sugar suggest that the body has been unable to lower the levels of sugar in the blood. This points to either insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production and, in some cases, both. When blood sugar is very low, diabetes medications may be lowering blood sugar too much.
Does FBS need fasting?
To get a sample, your healthcare provider will insert a needle into your vein and draw blood. Your doctor will ask you to fast for 12 hours before the FBS test. You don’t need to fast before the A1C test.
Should A1C be fasting?
Fasting is not needed for A1C assessment and no acute perturbations (e.g., stress, diet, exercise) affect A1C. Plasma glucose levels are not stable but rather vary throughout the day, mainly in postprandial periods.
How long is FBS fasting?
For a fasting blood glucose test, you can’t eat or drink anything but water for eight hours before your test. You may want to schedule a fasting glucose test first thing in the morning so you don’t have to fast during the day. You may eat and drink before a random glucose test.
What is FBS in blood test?
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS or Fasting Glucose) A test that measures blood sugar levels. Elevated levels are associated with diabetes and insulin resistance, in which the body cannot properly handle sugar (e.g. obesity).
What is the normal range for fasting glucose with high HbA1c?
Normal fasting glucose with high HbA1c. 23. Jonathan’s high HbA1c reflects blood glucose fluctuations over the preceding 60-90 days and can be used to calculate an estimated average glucose (eAG) with the following equation: Jonathan’s HbA1c therefore equates to an eAG of 145.59 mg/dl–yet his fasting glucose value is 85 mg/dl.
What does normal hemoglobin A1C and high blood sugar mean?
Normal hemoglobin “Hgb” A1c and high blood sugar means one or all of these: Your overall blood sugar past 3 months is within the goal level but the day of testing fasting blood sugar you have something wrong including you forgot your pills or taken a high-sugar meal before the fasting sugar test.
Is FBS more accurate than HbA1c as a predictor of FBS?
The association of HbA1c with FBS was relatively strong particularly in diabetic subjects. Generally, FBS was a more accurate predictor for HbA1c compared with HbA1c as a predictor of FBS. Although the optimum cutoff point of HbA1c was >6.15%, its precision was comparable with the conventional cutoff point of >6%.
What does Jonathan’s high HbA1c mean?
Jonathan’s high HbA1c reflects blood glucose fluctuations over the preceding 60-90 days and can be used to calculate an estimated average glucose (eAG)with the following equation: eAG= 28.7 X A1c – 46.7