Importance of HbA1c Blood Test

Glycated or glycosylated haemoglobin is measured with the HbA1c test. This test determines the average blood sugar levels during the previous three months. This test is a must for everyone with Diabetes.  

This test is also known as a glycohemoglobin test, A1c, or simply A1c. Measuring this combo molecule provides a reasonable approximation of your blood sugar levels over the last 2-3 months. Thus you must regularly check the HbA1c test price and perfect slots to get tested if the need arrives.

Working of the HbA1c Test

Glucose is the name for the sugar in the blood. When blood glucose levels rise, it attaches to haemoglobin in Red blood cells, generating glycated haemoglobin. The glucose that binds to haemoglobin is proportional to the overall amount of sugar in the body.

As RBCs (red blood cells) in the human body only last 8-12 weeks before they need a replacement, glycated haemoglobin (or HbA1c) helps reflect the average blood glucose levels over that period, offering a helpful longer-term assessment of blood glucose control. The more the blood glucose level, the higher haemoglobin A1c on red blood cells can be detected.

HbA1c Blood Test's Importance

Everyone today understands the need for health exams. We come across a wide range of diseases and problems in our daily lives, some of which can become fatal after some time. The most alarming aspect is that most of these diseases are nearly impossible to identify early on. 

It is usually incurable when it reaches the final stage, but it can also be fatal in certain situations. Hence, having a health exam at least once a month is extremely useful to everyone.

HbA1c blood test is undoubtedly one of those tests that most doctors presently recommend. Diabetes is a disease that begins when blood sugar levels are more significant than usual. Therefore, people who have a lot of diabetes symptoms should get this test. Men with diminished sex desire, inadequate muscle strength, or women with urinary tract infection or dry, itchy skin, for example, should take this test to acquire a bird's eye perspective of their exact physical condition. In a nutshell, the significance of this test cannot be overstated, particularly for people with diabetes.

Do you track your fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels to keep an eye on your diabetes? Do you think that's it? Actually, no! Though fasting and post-meal blood glucose monitoring are crucial, these tests can only assess your blood sugar at a specific period.

Their outcomes may differ based on what you ate the night before or the preceding meal. The HbA1c test, on the other hand, is based on 3-month data and cannot be skewed.

HbA1c values provide a good indication of how well an individual controls their diabetes. According to scientific research, having a lower HbA1c number signifies a lower risk of developing diabetic problems. Conversely, in people with and without diabetes, a high HbA1c level indicates an independent risk factor fo heart disease and stroke.

The Need for an HbA1c Test

Adults over 45 should check for diabetes and prediabetes, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your results are normal, you must repeat the test every three years. However, if you have prediabetes, you should get your blood sugar tested every 1-2 years. You should also consult your doctor to understand how to lower your diabetes risk.

You may need this test if you're under 45 and have specific risk factors. Among them are:

• Being overweight or obese
• High blood pressure
• History of heart disease
• Physical inactivity

If your results show signs of prediabetes, you should get your blood sugar tested every three years and more regularly if your results reveal you have diabetes. If you have diabetes symptoms, you may also need an HbA1c test. These are some of them:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

The Purpose of the HbA1c test

You can use the HbA1c test for both diagnosis and monitoring. Your doctor may recommend an HbA1c test to determine whether or not your diabetes is under control. Pre-diabetics, or persons on the verge of developing diabetes, should also be tested to see how stable their blood sugar levels are.

Results of the HbA1c test

You get the A1c test results as a percentage. The test result indicates how much glucose is bound to your blood's haemoglobin.

The following are possible test findings for diagnostic purposes:

• Normal/ Healthy: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or more

Specific variables and medical situations can cause a modest variation in the HbA1c result, even leading to a higher value. The following are some of the conditions that can result in a misleading A1c number:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Recent blood loss or transfusion
• Low iron levels
• Certain blood-related conditions

How to Lower HbA1c Glucose Levels?

It's natural to be concerned if your levels have risen above your target since your last check. Even a modestly elevated HbA1c level increases your chances of having major health issues. However, understanding your statistics and what they indicate is a crucial and beneficial first step; now, you must figure out how to reduce them.

Your HbA1c levels might change for a variety of reasons, but there are steps you and your healthcare team can take to get them back to where they should be:

• Your diabetic team may need to reevaluate your medication, increase the amount, or switch to a different one.
• Inquire about local diabetes education courses; there's always more to learn about diabetes, and a course can help you take action to lower your HbA1c.
• Increase your physical activity — the more you walk, the better it gets for you. In addition, it can significantly reduce your HbA1c levels.
• Get tips on how to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
• Stop smoking - Smoking restricts Blood tests flow throughout your body.

Conclusion

The primary purpose of the HbA1c test is to reflect average blood glucose levels, which can help you determine if you are at risk or not. In addition, this test aids in generating final reports that can assist you in moving on with your treatment and cure. 

There's no need to fast before the test because it's one of the simplest blood tests ever. However, you can discuss with your doctor how often you should have your health condition tested and note the HbA1c test price.