HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
Understanding HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
What is HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)?
An HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test, also known as a glycosylated hemoglobin test, measures the average amount of sugar in the blood over 2-3 months. This test helps diagnose diabetes and monitor its treatment. It is typically done as part of routine health checkups.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to process blood sugar properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. The signs and symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow healing of wounds. However, some individuals with diabetes may not experience any symptoms at all. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, carries oxygen throughout the body. When glucose (sugar) molecules in your bloodstream attach to hemoglobin, a process called glycation occurs that causes the formation of glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c.
An HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test provides an overall picture of your long-term blood sugar control, making it essential for managing diabetes. This test can help diagnose and monitor prediabetes and diabetes, allowing for early intervention and treatment to prevent or delay the onset of complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an HbA1c target of less than 7% to reduce the risk of complications. Individual targets may vary based on factors such as age, duration of diabetes, and the presence of other health conditions.
No special preparation is required before taking an HbA1c test. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, recommend lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medications are required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.
What is HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) used for?
- As part of routine health check-ups to estimate average blood glucose levels.
- If you have symptoms of altered blood glucose levels such as weight gain, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent urge to urinate, or confusion.
- For assessing risk for diabetes and prediabetes and for monitoring diabetes treatment.
- To screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes.
What does HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) measure?
An HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test precisely measures the percentage of sugar-coated or glycated hemoglobin in your blood. The test results represent the proportion of hemoglobin in your blood that has been glycated.
Hemoglobin, a vital protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin A is the most abundant form of hemoglobin, and when blood sugar levels increase, a higher proportion of hemoglobin A becomes glycated. As red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, the sugar molecules remain attached to the hemoglobin for the duration of the cell's life. Consequently, the HbA1c test offers insight into your average blood sugar levels over the past 8 to 12 weeks.
Interpreting HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) results
Interpretations
Normal: Below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol approx.)
Prediabetic: 5.7% - 6.4% (39 to 46 mmol/mol approx.)
Diabetic: Above 6.5% (above 48 mmol/mol approx.)
Less than 5.7% Glycated Hemoglobin indicates normal levels of blood sugar. Increased risk of developing Diabetes is found in Prediabetic patients with blood sugar levels between 5.7% and 6.4%. Patients with a HbA1c level greater than 6.5% are usually diagnosed with Diabetes.