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Real members of myMPNteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone with PV been told they are pre diabetic.

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
England, AR

Years before diagnosis of PV I was told I was diabetic, then after about five years I was told I’m no longer diabetic
That was five years ago
Then last year I was told I’m pre diabetic.
But when I do a finger prick glucose test it’s always normal readings.
I’ve read that people with PV can have false high Hbc1a blood results.
But when I’ve tried to explain this to my Drs they just say the Hbc1a test can’t be wrong.
I’m very frustrated by this as it’s not the first time I’ve been… read more

November 24, 2025
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A myMPNteam Member

I’ve been told for many years that I was pre-diabetic, based solely on my A1c results. Only ever slightly above normal, never progressed to diabetes and my A1c has actually gone down the past 3 years. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

November 24, 2025
myMPNteam

Can PV affect HbA1c test results and lead to pre-diabetic diagnoses?

Your frustration is completely understandable, especially given your history of misdiagnoses. You're right that PV can affect HbA1c test results.

In PV, the excess production of red blood cells can interfere with HbA1c readings, potentially causing Show Full Answer

Can PV affect HbA1c test results and lead to pre-diabetic diagnoses?

Your frustration is completely understandable, especially given your history of misdiagnoses. You're right that PV can affect HbA1c test results.

In PV, the excess production of red blood cells can interfere with HbA1c readings, potentially causing falsely elevated results. This happens because the test measures glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells, and when you have more red blood cells than normal, it can skew the results.

Your normal finger prick glucose readings support what you're experiencing - if your day-to-day glucose levels are consistently normal, but your HbA1c is elevated, this discrepancy could be related to your PV rather than actual diabetes.

What you might consider:

* Ask your doctor about alternative diabetes screening tests that aren't affected by red blood cell counts, such as fasting glucose tests or glucose tolerance tests
* Request a consultation with an MPN specialist who may better understand how PV affects various lab results
* Consider getting a second opinion from a hematologist who specializes in MPNs

Your experience with multiple misdiagnoses highlights the importance of working with doctors who understand how PV can affect various test results. A myMPNteam member shared a similar frustration about being dismissed by doctors who didn't understand their MPN symptoms.

Don't give up on advocating for yourself - your concerns are valid.

November 24, 2025

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