The HbA1c is a helpful and cost-effective blood test employed to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar glucose control in individuals who have diabetes. HbA1c refers to glycosylated or glycated hemoglobin.
This blood test signals whether the levels of blood glucose are greater than normal for a few months. It does it by seeing the amount of sugar in a person’s red blood cells.
Today, you can book an HbA1c test for diabetes from your home without having to go to a pathology lab or standing in a hospital queue. You can then improve your condition according to the test results. Thus, you’ll get to know whether your diabetes is in control or not.
The Suitable Time to Test HbA1c
This test is a simple blood test, and you do not require to fast or prepare for it, especially beforehand. Since HbA1c is stable throughout the day and night, you can take the test at any time. It won’t make much difference.
But it can make a 0.3% difference in the time of the year you test HbA1c. HbA1c cycles up and down two times a year. It tends to be more in April, March, and May in the tests in the northern hemisphere.
Its because the glucose levels peak during the winter months. You can use this test along with others for diagnosing diabetes.
Does a Greater HbA1c Always Point to Diabetes?
Contrary to the widespread assumption, a greater HbA1c does not always point to diabetes. Other factors also impact a person’s HbA1c levels. Most people have HbA (adult hemoglobin) or type A hemoglobin.
However, some people also have another form of hemoglobin. It is called hemoglobinopathy. It can result in low or high HbA1c results that are not right.
Apart from this, iron deficiency or anemia can also give a false HbA1c level. On the other hand, conditions like chronic liver disease, hemolytic anemia, chronic kidney disease, and blood loss will result in a false low HbA1c test.
Some supplements and drugs also interfere with the test results. These include the following:
- Aspirin treatment
- Supplements of vitamin B12, iron, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E
- Erythropoietin therapy
- Specific antimicrobial and antiviral medicines
Understanding the Results for HbA1c
The typical result of this test is between 3.5 to 6 percent. It is 15 to 42mmol/mol. You might wonder about a bad HbA1c level. Abnormal results are more than the normal range.
They signal a probable diabetes diagnosis. Abnormal results also indicate poor diabetes control. If you have this test to diagnose diabetes, note that a 6.5 percent or higher result is a sign of diabetes.
To confirm this result, a doctor recommends repeating the test. You should repeat it, particularly if you harbor no symptoms of diabetes. If you already have diabetes and your HbA1c comes out to be 6.5 to 7 percent, it means your blood glucose control has been good in the last few months.
Apart from that, if you have abnormal results, your physician will discuss your current lifestyle. They will ask questions about your diet and the amount of physical activity you engage in every day. You should always aim for the results to be in this range for yourself.
This test is perfect for inspecting your worsening diabetes problem. You can easily find if you are taking control of your diabetes or not. Today, you can find the HbA1c test price to be as little as Rs. 300. So you can quickly book it online and diagnose and monitor your diabetic conditions efficiently.