Control Diabetes – Easy through HbA1c testing

Why the HbA1c testing?

We are all aware that the main problem faced by patients with diabetes is to keep their blood sugar levels under control, throughout the day and day after day. How do we know that the blood sugar level is under control? The simplest way would be to check the blood sugar levels either in a lab or using a glucose meter. However, blood sugar levels do not remain constant throughout the day and can vary from day to day and between different times of the same day. Therefore, blood sugar levels checked once or twice a day will not give a sufficiently accurate idea of the diabetes control, even if the tests are done frequently. This is why we need a test that will assess diabetes control over a longer period of time.

The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing is an index of diabetes control over the 2 to 3 months preceding the test. It is a simple and effective tool for diabetes monitoring. Higher the HbA1c level the worse has been the control over the preceding 2 to 3 months, and higher the risk of heart, kidney, nerve, and eye damage.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is formed when glucose gets attached to the haemoglobin found in the red blood cells (RBC) of our blood. The proportion of haemoglobin that has glucose attached to it depends on the average blood sugar levels to which the RBC has been exposed to during its lifespan (usually 120 days). Therefore the HbA1c level is an accurate measure of blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.

HbA1c level

Importance of HbA1c Testing

Many large studies from different parts of the world have shown that diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by keeping the blood sugar levels under control. HbA1c is a useful tool to assess whether these targets are being met. For most people with diabetes, the HbA1c target is <7%. For elderly patients or those with other serious illnesses, the target can be relaxed to <8%. Younger individuals and those with recently detected diabetes can strive for more stringent targets (e.g. <6.5%).

People with diabetes who have an HbA1c level higher than 8% need to work with their healthcare provider to change their treatment plan. When the HbA1c level is less than 7%, the treatment plan is probably working, and the blood sugar is likely under reasonable control.

A healthy person usually has an HbA1c level between 4-6%. If you have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes and you happen to find that your HbA1c level is more than 6.5%, further testing is needed to rule out diabetes.

What are the advantages of HbA1c testing?

Long-term picture

As mentioned above, HbA1c level indicates the diabetes control status over the last 2 to 3 months. Unlike the blood sugar level, the HbA1c does not fluctuate from day to day. Therefore, doctors find it easier to determine the long-term effects of therapy based on your HbA1c report.

Fasting not required

One can test  HbA1c anytime. No fasting is required before you give your blood samples.

Not affected by just administered drugs

Unlike a glucose result, the HbA1c result is not affected by medication taken before the test. So there is no need to disturb the daily schedule of medicines.

HbA1c Level is also not affected by

  • Time of meal intake 
  • Exercise
  • Emotional stress

But it should also be remembered that HbA1c is only an adjunct to, and not a replacement for, blood glucose tests.

Should I take HbA1c Testing?

All patients with diabetes should check their HbA1c regularly, preferably once every 3 months. Individuals with stable, well-controlled diabetes can test less frequently as advised by their physician. Regular testing of HbA1c ensures that one is aware of the level of diabetes control and takes the right steps to control diabetes and avoid complications.

ONE CAN LEAD A LONGER AND A HEALTHIER LIFE IF TESTED FOR HBA1C REGULARLY!


Comments

22 responses to “Control Diabetes – Easy through HbA1c testing”

  1. vinod Avatar
    vinod

    Very informative article. Was able to get answers for my questions.

  2. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Learned something today

  4. AVVS KAMARAJU Avatar
    AVVS KAMARAJU

    I ASKED FOR BLLOD & URIN SAMPLE COLLECTION FROM MY RESIDENCE RAJAHMUNDRY ON 20JUL
    WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS TAKEN WHILE SAMPLE COLLECTION
    UNDER THE PRESENT PANDEMIC SITUATION

  5. […] in glycemic control during the lockdown in a subset of 205 participants who were study. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased from 8.2% before lockdown to 7.7% during lockdown individually that despite all […]

  6. […] is usually done using fasting plasma glucose, or glycosylated haemoglobin (commonly referred to as HbA1c), or random plasma glucose (RPG).  Doing this test early in pregnancy will help identify any […]

  7. […] accurate and inexpensive tests for monitoring blood glucose at any time. Most importantly, the glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, that can streamline monitoring the average blood sugar levels for three months) has […]

  8. […] 2 diabetes using eight clinically relevant variables (age at diagnosis, BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and C-peptide fasting and stimulated) and published in BMJ Open […]

  9. […] Helps to keep the post-meal glucose values within range and thereby reducing glycosylated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c). […]

  10. […] 2-3 months. Unlike blood sugars which tend to fluctuate from day to day and even hour to hour, the Hba1c test is a true index of the average blood glucose control during previous 2-3 […]

  11. Thankyou for this post, it’s very helpful for me, Thanks

  12. […] tests include (1) fasting blood glucose; (2) random blood glucose; (3) glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c); and (4) the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Each test has benefits and disadvantages, […]

  13. My question is
    If a person is taking metformin… To check again the Hba1c level, a person has to discontinue the meds ist or go with the routine?

  14. great post! very informative content.
    it helped me lot.
    Thank you.

  15. lovely blog,very helpful
    thanks for sharing

  16. […] and test results. The glucose levels were found to be lower, with significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin […]

  17. […] of blood sugar levels, in response to the same dose and type of insulin. Research shows that their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c test which measures the amount of blood sugar attached to haemoglobin over three months) are […]

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  19. […] diabetic patients should have a haemoglobin A1c drawn to assist in diabetic management and patient […]

  20. […] Fasting / post-prandial blood glucose levels, HbA1c […]

  21. […] of HbA1c depicted the glycemic control over a period of 2 to 3 months. This lead to the inclusion of HbA1c test into routine diabetes treatment in the 1980s. HbA1c levels also correlated well to the […]

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