HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is a blood test that reflects blood glucose levels in the last three months. It is useful for the diagnosis and management of diabetes and prediabetes. This test does not require fasting and is not affected by meals consumed immediately before the test (less prone to variation). In diabetic patients, high HbA1c levels mean a need for a change in treatment/ diet plan.
The higher the glucose levels, the more the glucose is attached to haemoglobin and the higher the HbA1c results. A higher HbA1c result indicates that the glucose levels have been higher than normal for the past 2 to 3 months.
Reasons for Undergoing the HbA1c Test
The HbA1c test, or HbA1c blood test, is a crucial tool for assessing long-term blood sugar levels, reflecting averages over the past two to three months. Unlike daily glucose tests, it measures the percentage of hemoglobin coated with sugar (glycated), providing valuable insights into blood sugar control.
Doctors recommend the HbA1c test for several reasons:
- Diabetes Screening: It’s commonly used to screen for type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals aged 45 and older or those with the risk factor like family history, even without any noticeable symptoms.
- Diabetes Diagnosis: The hemoglobin A1c test, or the HbA1c test helps confirm a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in individuals with risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes Management: For those already diagnosed, the HbA1c test is essential for tracking blood sugar control and guiding treatment adjustments.
Overall, the HbA1c test plays a vital role in diabetes care and long-term health management.
List of Parameters Considered During the HbA1c Test
The HbA1c test, or HbA1c blood test, measures the percentage of haemoglobin proteins in red blood cells that have glucose attached to them. Here's what the test evaluates:
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This test parameter reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Normal range is below 5.7%, prediabetes is 5.7% to 6.4%, and diabetes is 6.5% or above.