What is HbA1c and What does it test?
What is the HbA1c test?
The HbA1c test is a useful and simple blood test that can be used to diagnose diabetes and also to monitor blood glucose control in people with known diabetes.
This test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It’s also called haemoglobin A1c, glycated haemoglobin, and glycosylated haemoglobin.
Understanding and managing the HbA1c levels is an essential part of overall diabetes management.
What does the HbA1c test measure?
As we all know, glucose is the sugar present in the blood. When the amount of glucose is more in the blood, the more it binds to haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
The HbA1c test measures how much glucose is bound to the haemoglobin.
HbA1c normal range is less than 5.7%. HbA1c readings are reported as a percentage and can be interpreted as below:
| HbA1c Level | Indication |
| Less than 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7% to 6.4% | Prediabetes |
| >= 6.5% | Diabetes |
How does the HbA1c test work?
When glucose builds up in the blood, it binds to the hemoglobin present in red blood cells forming glycated hemoglobin. The amount of glucose that combines with hemoglobin is directly proportional to the total amount of sugar that is in the system at that time.
As red blood cells in the human body survive for 8-12 weeks before renewal, measuring glycated hemoglobin (or HbA1c) can be used to reflect average blood glucose levels over that duration, providing a useful longer-term gauge of blood glucose control.
The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the higher the level of hemoglobin A1c is detectable on red blood cells.
Why should I do the HbA1c test?
Your doctor will recommend you to take the HbA1c test, if you suffer from some specific symptoms. The common symptoms are:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
How is the HbA1c test done?
The HbA1c test is a simple blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the doctor or at a pathology lab.
How does HbA1c differ from a blood glucose level?
HbA1c provides a longer-term trend, similar to an average, of how high the blood sugar levels have been over a period of time whereas blood glucose level is the concentration of glucose in the blood at a single point in time.
How often HbA1c levels should be checked?
HbA1c levels may be checked every three months until a person with diabetes reaches the treatment goals.
People with diabetes who are meeting treatment goals and have stable blood control are recommended to check their HbA1c levels every six months.
You can also speak to your doctor to get more details on why HbA1c test is done and how often HbA1c levels should be measured.
What are the tips to lower HbA1c levels?
Here are some tips to help lower HbA1c levels:
- Lose extra weight. Excess weight is the single most important cause of type 2 diabetes.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet
- Get more physical activity. Exercise can help to lose weight, lower blood sugar and boost sensitivity to insulin
- Limit alcohol intake
- Quit smoking
