What is the Best Time for HbA1c Test? When to Measure Hemoglobin A1c Levels

Diabetes – The Number Says It All

Diabetes, even the name itself, gives us chills. Nowadays, diabetes cases are skyrocketing due to our sedentary lifestyle or poor dietary choices. According to the National Institute of Health, India is the diabetes capital of the world. 1 in 11 Indians are formally diagnosed with it, and 1 in 6 diabetic patients worldwide is from India. The numbers are rising alarmingly, encouraging us to be proactive and take charge of the condition. Undiagnosed diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to serious problems, and if they come to light later, they can cause organ failures and other related complications. Hence, getting tested in time is the key to tracking the changes in these levels, diagnosing, monitoring & managing diabetes better.

Now the question here is how to monitor blood sugar levels. How often should you check them? What is the right way and right time to do so? If you are too juggling with all these queries, this blog will answer all your questions.

One of the essential tests that helps assess long-term blood glucose control is HbA1c or Hemoglobin A1c Test. While measuring average blood sugar levels over the past two or three months, the test results provide better insights into your diabetes management. Dig into the detail to learn about HbA1c Test, its importance, the best time for HbA1c Test, and why it matters for people with diabetes. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding HbA1c Test & Its Importance:

Before finding the right time for the HbA1c test, it is critical to understand what it is and why it is considered a significant marker for diabetes management. Also called glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c or Hemoglobin A1c is a type of hemoglobin that binds to glucose in the blood. As red blood cells (RBCs) have a lifespan of approximately three months, HbA1c provides an average measure of blood sugar levels during that period, which helps diagnose diabetes, monitor glucose control and assess the effectiveness of the prescribed diabetes management plans.

Also Read: Importance & Significance of Hba1c Test- Diagnosis and Prognosis

When Do You Need HbA1C Test?

While recognizing the symptoms linked with diabetes is not easy, especially at the early stage, as many of them overlap with other health conditions and will disappear sometimes. However, some of the common warning signs that your healthcare provider may look for and suggest an A1c Test includes the following:

• Excessive thirst
• Unceasing tiredness
• Frequent & excess urination
• Blurry vision
• Extreme hunger
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Unexplained drop in the weight

Summary: Not every individual with diabetes may exhibit similar symptoms, and their severity can also vary, depending on individual factors.

Since most people exhibit subtle or no signs early, doctors also recommend an HbA1c Blood Test for people with high-risk factors. Such as:

• Are obese
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Has other chronic illnesses like high blood pressure or heart disease

Summary: Individuals with symptoms or high-risk factors should get themselves routinely screened as suggested by healthcare providers to assess the risk, diagnose the problem and manage the condition better.

Also Read: Recognizing Symptoms for HbA1c Testing: When to Check Your Blood Sugar Levels 

Getting Tested At The Right Time Matters!

HbA1c Test is a vital test that helps measure fluctuations in blood sugar levels, enabling you to manage them in time with appropriate measurements. More than getting tested is required; getting tested appropriately at the right time is essential for accurate diagnosis. So, being aware of the factors that can influence your results and steer clear of them is necessary.

Your diet, exercise, some medication, insulin use, ongoing illness or infection, and stress are some of the major factors that can influence HbA1c levels. Therefore, timing your HbA1c test is essential for accurate diagnosis and making informed diabetes management measures.

What is the ideal time for HbA1c Testing? At what time of the day should one take an HbA1c blood test? Worry not, and scroll down to get all your queries resolved.

Also Read: Procedure for HbA1c Test: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients

Best Time For HbA1c Test:

Generally, HbA1c Test can be taken at any random hour but is mostly preferred in the morning. It is not the time but the stability of a person that matters. So, the ideal time is when an individual’s blood sugar levels are relatively stable, as fluctuations can otherwise influence the results, leading to inaccurate diagnosis.

Getting tested should be avoided during significant changes in diet, exercise, or medication, as these factors can mislead the results. Besides considering these factors, following the instructions of your healthcare practitioner is also essential to avoid discrepancies in the test results.

What is the normal range of the HbA1c Test?

Normal	Less than 5.7%
Prediabetes	5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes	6.5% or above

The range can slightly vary due to laboratory methods & equipment, and the test result interpretation is made considering the normal values with other factors, like current medical status, age, gender, symptoms, and more. Therefore, discuss it with your healthcare practitioner for better clarity.

Also Read: Understanding Your HbA1C Results for Diabetes?

Recommended Frequency Of HbA1c Testing:

How often you may need an HbA1c test varies for multiple factors, including the type of diabetes, blood sugar control levels, age, gender, complications (if any), and other factors. However, individuals with well-controlled diabetes should get themselves tested every three months, and non-diabetic individuals are advised to get tested every six months. The frequency can vary on individual factors and hence, should be done as your healthcare provider suggests.

Routine blood sugar measurement is the key to getting more insights and managing the condition better. Therefore, when it comes to HbA1c testing, delay no more, and get yourself screened at the earliest.

Conclusion:

HbA1c Blood Test can help appropriately measure & monitor blood sugar levels over the past three months, and to ensure that results are accurate, it is essential to get tested at the right time when your levels are stable and not influenced due to any external factor. Your healthcare practitioner may consider different factors, like diet, daily routine, any ongoing prescribed or non-prescribed medicines, health conditions, and other factors, to determine the stable time for testing.

Fluctuating sugar levels can create silent havoc on the body and overall well-being. Remember, being proactive about your blood sugar management is vital to ease symptoms, avoid potential complications, manage diabetes better, and avoid various health hazards.

Book Your HbA1c Test With Redcliffe Labs

Being Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, we, Redcliffe Labs, provide a wide range of diabetes screening packages to help diagnose and monitor this chronic illness. You can book an HbA1c Test with Redcliffe Labs for just Rs 299. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let uncontrolled blood sugar levels create havoc on your health, manage it well with HbA1c Test.