63: HbA1c Levels Explained: Why They May Be High Without High Blood Sugar

The Primal Shift

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Are you finding that your HbA1c levels are elevated despite being on a low-carb, ketogenic, or even carnivore diet? Recently, my HbA1c test came back at 5.7 (just under the prediabetic range), and I knew something was off; after all, I’ve been following a relatively low-carb lifestyle for years, so there’s no way my blood sugar should be high enough to suggest prediabetes.

In consulting with carnivore diet expert and medical doctor Shawn Baker, I learned that healthy red blood cells that live longer than average can actually skew HbA1c readings, making it appear as though you have higher blood glucose than you do. This happens because the longer your red blood cells live, the more glucose has time to attach to hemoglobin, artificially inflating your HbA1c levels. (Conversely, shorter-lived red blood cells can lead to lower readings, even in those with high blood sugar.)

In this episode, I break down the science of the HbA1c test and explain how factors like red blood cell lifespan, iron deficiency, anemia, and other health conditions can all affect your hemoglobin A1c results.

Even if you have healthy blood sugar and no signs of diabetes, your HbA1c might still be higher due to these factors. In my case, despite my elevated HbA1c, my continuous glucose monitor (CGM) showed average blood glucose levels between 85 and 89 mg/dL — well within the normal range.

In this episode:

00:00:00 - Intro & elevated HBA1C discovery

00:01:15 - Investigating the cause of high HBA1C

00:02:54 - Understanding HBA1C and red blood cells

00:04:19 - Dr. Shawn Baker’s explanation: longer lifespan of RBCs

00:06:28 - Conclusion & next episode sneak peek

Learn more:

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Explained: https://michaelkummer.com/continuous-glucose-monitoring/

Levels vs. Nutrisense: CGM Comparison: https://michaelkummer.com/levels-vs-nutrisense/

Why You Should Wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/44-why-you-should-wear-a-continuous-glucose-monitor-cgm/

How Exercise Influences Your Blood Glucose Response [Coke Challenge]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIiuRoKtq1s

Use the code YOUTUBE10 to get 10% off your order of Grass-Fed Beef Liver supplements at https://shop.michaelkummer.com

Affordable At-Home Blood Testing with SiPhox Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7qRLzBcp94 Get 20% off your SiPhox Health purchase with the code MICHAELKUMMER at: https://michaelkummer.com/go/siphoxhealth

Ultrahuman vs Oura Ring: What’s the BEST Fitness and Sleep Tracker?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-vAgCh22zk

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin!

OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here.

Get 15% off with my discount code PRIMALSHIFT: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop

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[Medical Disclaimer]

The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.

[Affiliate Disclaimer]

I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

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