Learn everything about the HbA1C Test, before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.
What Does HbA1c Test Measure?
Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When glucose in the blood attaches to it, the haemoglobin becomes glycated.
Although everybody's haemoglobin has some sugar linked to it, the ones with higher blood glucose levels have a greater amount of glycated hemoglobin present in their red blood cells.
Haemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of your red blood cells with sugar-coated (or glycated) haemoglobin2
What Happens When HbA1C Levels are Low?
Low HbA1C levels can have various implications, especially for individuals with diabetes. Let’s explore the consequences of low HbA1C:
- Low HbA1C is often associated with tight glucose control.
- However, overly aggressive management can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) 3.
- Symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, unusual behaviour, loss of coordination, slurred speech, blurry vision, and nightmares
- Low HbA1c levels can cause 4:
- Increased risk of dementia, especially in older adults
- Mental health issues
- Dizziness and weakness
- Seizure
Conducting an effective 3 months sugar test by healthcare professionals is crucial for avoiding hypoglycemia and ensuring optimal management of diabetes.
What Happens When HbA1C Levels Are High?
High HbA1C levels can have significant implications, especially for individuals with diabetes. Let’s explore the consequences of elevated HbA1C:
- A high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) indicates poor blood sugar control over the past few months.
- Complications associated with high HbA1C include 5:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Kidney Failure: Elevated HbA1C can damage the kidneys over time.
- Vision Complications: Glaucoma, cataracts, retinopathy, and macular edema.
- Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy): Commonly affects hands, feet, arms, and legs.
- Gum Disease: Elevated blood glucose levels lead to increased sugar in saliva, exposing the mouth, teeth, and gums to higher levels of sugar, germs, and plaque. This heightened exposure can irritate the gums, potentially leading to gum disease.
The Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test emphasises the need for immediate intervention, including a combination of treatment plans, medications, and lifestyle changes to achieve improved blood sugar management and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Regular monitoring of HbA1C Levels is crucial to optimise diabetes care and prevent related health problems.
Why do Doctors Recommend HbA1c Tests?
Doctors recommend the HbA1c test or Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test for diabetes management because it provides insights into long-term blood sugar control, assesses your risk of developing diabetes, and helps maintain glycated hemoglobin within the normal range. By diagnosing glycated haemoglobin levels, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment plans, drug adjustments, and lifestyle changes. It is mainly recommended for individuals over 45 and those with risk factors for diabetes. You may also need an A1C test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as:6
- Feeling very thirsty
- Urinating (peeing) a lot
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very hungry
- Blurred vision
- Numb or tingling hands or feet
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Sores that heal slowly
- Having more infections than usual
To avoid complications and live a low-risk life, one must keep glycated hemoglobin in the normal range.
How To Prepare For HbA1C Test?
The steps below help you ensure that your glycated hemoglobin test (HbA1C) provides the most accurate information about your health.
- Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before testing.
- Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing health conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.
What Happens During HbA1CTesting?
A Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1C) only takes a few minutes.
- As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
- A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
- The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
- The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
- They place a small bandage on the arm
- This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the percentage of hemoglobin that has glycated (attached to sugar molecules).
Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.
How Often Is the Test Required?
The frequency of HbA1c tests depends on various factors, including the type of diabetes, treatment plan, and individual health.
You should get glycated hemoglobin test annually as a standard measure. However, if your HbA1c levels are elevated or require closer monitoring, it may be conducted every three to six months. It's crucial not to overlook these tests, so if it's been over a year since your last one, reach out to your healthcare team 7.
If you take insulin or struggle to maintain blood sugar within the target range, aim for four HbA1c tests per year, which corresponds to the 3 months average sugar test.
Remember, regular 3 months sugar testing and monitoring is essential for effective diabetes management. Discuss with your healthcare provider to establish the right testing schedule for you.
