What is HbA1c(A1c)?
HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. sometimes it is also called just A1c or haemoglobin A1c.
It can be performed at any time and doesn't require any preparations. It can be done in fasting or post-meal condition. It is different from a finger prick test. A finger prick test is a snapshot of blood sugar levels at a specific time and on a specific day.
What is its complete form?
HbA1c stands for glycated haemoglobin. Your red blood cells(RBCs) contain haemoglobin which plays important role in the delivery of oxygen. The total life span of RBCs is 90 to 120 days. Haemoglobin remains glycated for about 90 to 120 days and its value is proportional to the average blood glucose level during this period.
What it is used for?
This test is used to diagnose diabetes and monitor diabetic patients for blood sugar control. It is also used to review medications and diet plans. Your doctor decides whether you fall into the normal, prediabetic or diabetic category based on your HbA1c levels.
What is the normal range?
A young healthy person usually has HbA1c between 30 to 33mmol/mol (4.9 to 5.2%).
According to the 2010 American Diabetes Association(ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, a normal HbA1c value is less than 39mmol/mol (<5.7%).
If your HbA1c value is 39 to 46mmol/mol (5.7 to 6.4%) then you fall in the prediabetics category.
HbA1c above 46mmol/mol (>6.4%) is in the diabetic range.
What is the recommended value for diabetic patients?
If you are diabetic, the International Diabetes Federation and the American College of Endocrinology recommend HbA1c values below 48 mmol/mol (<6.5%), while the American Diabetes Association recommends HbA1c below 5.3mmol/mol (<7%).
What is the importance of HbA1c?
If your HbA1c is higher than the recommended values then you must consult your healthcare provider. High HbA1c is directly related to the development of diabetes-associated complications.
How to lower HbA1c?
Lots of things can cause your HbA1c to change. You can visit your local healthcare provider or your diabetic team to review your medications and diet plan. Here are some things that can decrease your HbA1c levels,
- Visit your healthcare provider and review your medications
- Regular exercise
- Follow a diabetes diet plan
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
- Cut down carbohydrate intake
- Keep track of your caloric intake
- Eat a fresh, healthy and balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
How often do I need the test?
It depends on your diet, medications, local health guidelines, and type of your diabetes. Always consult your healthcare provider and diabetes team for consultation and further information.
Usually, this test is done after 3 to 4 months.
It is always advised to consult your healthcare provider. This is information is provided here only for education and awareness purposes.
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