The HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) test determines a person's blood sugar or glucose control. This test measures average blood sugar levels by assessing glucose adhered to haemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs). Monitoring blood sugar, whether through home tests or lab assessments, offers only momentary insights. This underscores the importance of comprehending the body's typical blood glucose levels, considering their ongoing fluctuations. Therefore, in conjunction with routine blood glucose tests, the HbA1c test forms an integral part of long-term health monitoring, offering an indication of average blood sugar levels over a period of 90 days.

For those in Noida managing diabetes, the HbA1c test is an essential aspect of their diabetes management toolkit. Elevated HbA1c levels suggest high blood glucose levels, which can be associated with kidney disease, heart disease, or nerve damage. Thus, people with diabetes are recommended to undergo an HbA1c test in Noida to assess their blood sugar control.

Keep the following in mind before an HbA1c blood test:

Prerequisites

No special preparations or fasting is required.

Best Time to Get Tested

The test is available at any time during the day. A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by an eMedic using a needle. The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing. The American Diabetes Association advises conducting the HbA1c test biannually for patients with controlled diabetes and every 3 months for those with poorly controlled diabetes.

Who Should Get an HbA1c Test

An HbA1c test can be obtained by anyone exhibiting diabetic symptoms or wanting to track their diabetes control.

Cautions Before Taking HbA1c Test

It is important to note that certain factors can influence test accuracy. These factors include pre-existing medical conditions such as anaemia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, kidney dysfunction, and liver disease. Recent blood transfusions and haemoglobin variants can also impact test results. It is also important to note that the HbA1c test alone is not sufficient for diagnosing type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes. For a comprehensive diagnosis, additional testing modalities may be necessary.

The HbA1c test serves a critical role in diabetes management and diagnosis. Here are the reasons for its recommendation:

• Regular testing for individuals aged 45 and above to monitor blood sugar levels, typically every 3 years if results are within the normal range.

• Monitoring blood sugar control to reduce the risk of complications such as diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy (damage to the eye due to diabetes), and neuropathy (damage to the nerves due to diabetes).

• Screening individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes, including those with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, history of gestational diabetes, or over 35 years old.

• Testing undiagnosed individuals with symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, or persistent fatigue suggestive of diabetes.

• Testing prediabetic individuals every 1 to 2 years to evaluate progression.

• Testing diabetics at least twice yearly to evaluate the efficacy of treatment.

While the HbA1c test results reflect the percentage of haemoglobin molecules bound to glucose, it is important to acknowledge that individual factors like age and overall health can influence these values. Standardised HbA1c thresholds used for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes typically involve:

The table below provides the therapeutic glycaemic targets:

It is crucial to remember that HbA1c targets may be individualised based on several factors mentioned previously.

Additionally, HbA1c results should not be directly compared with fasting, random, or postprandial blood sugar levels. While the latter provides a snapshot of blood sugar levels at the time of testing, the HbA1c test offers a more comprehensive picture by reflecting the average blood glucose concentration over the preceding 3 months.