HbA1C Test: Meaning, Importance, Procedure, Preparation, Results and More

Do you know why India is called the Diabetes capital? 

Nearly 17% of people in India have diabetes. In India, at least one person in the family has diabetes. 

According to ICMR, India now has 101 million diabetes patients, with 136 million pre-diabetic people.

According to some studies, India will have more than 135 million diabetics by 2045.

But what is diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifestyle disorder that has been rising alarmingly across all age groups in India. It is a medical condition caused when the body cannot produce and secrete insulin from the pancreas; this is called Type 1 Diabetes, and the defective response of insulin for Type 2 diabetes. 

When blood glucose levels increase after eating, the pancreas releases insulin to neutralize the glucose level. In diabetes patients, the insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia.

However, knowing your HbA1c level can help you take preventive steps early to reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, regular health checkups become vital. Getting your health checkups done regularly from a trusted lab at least once a year is important. However, if you are at high risk of diabetes, then you should pay attention and get your HbA1C test done every three to six months.

In this article, we'll learn about HbA1c from scratch, including its meaning, the importance of the test, why people should take the diabetes test, who should take the test, the importance of the test for diabetes, and much more information about the HbA1C test in detail.

What is the HbA1C Test Meaning?

HbA1C, in its full form, is glycated hemoglobin. It is a diagnostic test used to measure the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. 

Glycated hemoglobin is made when the glucose in your body sticks to your red blood cells. Your body can't use the sugar properly; it sticks to blood cells and builds up in your blood. Red blood cells are active for 2-3 months, to take the reading quarterly. 

A high HbA1C means you have too much sugar in your blood, indicating diabetes. This means you're more likely to develop diabetes complications, like serious issues with your eyes and feet. It may lead to several health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. But with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can take charge of your health and control your blood glucose levels.

Other names of HbA1C Test: HbA1C, A1C, glycohemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin

What is a Hemoglobin A1C Test (HbA1C Test)?

The HbA1C blood test measures the total percentage of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. When glucose binds to hemoglobin, it forms glycated hemoglobin. The HbA1C test helps assess long-term blood sugar control and provides an overall picture of glucose regulation over time.

What is the HbA1C Test Used For?

The HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test helps in diagnosing:

1. Detects Diabetes- The HbA1c test helps detect type 2 diabetes when blood glucose is too high because the body doesn't make enough insulin to move blood sugar from the blood into cells.

2. Prediabetes- Prediabetes indicates that your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal range but not higher enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. 

3. Diabetes Management- Helps monitor long-term blood sugar control in diabetic patients.

4. Assessing Treatment Effectiveness- Shows how well diabetes medications and lifestyle changes are working.

Also Read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/diabetes-whats-the-difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes/

Why Do I Need an HbA1C Test?

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends HbA1C screening to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. You need the test if:

You are over age 45

• If your HbA1C test results are normal, you should repeat the test every 3 years.

• If your result shows diabetes, you should get an HbA1c test at least twice yearly.

• If you are prediabetes, you should get tested at least once a year to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

You are under 45 and at risk of diabetes because

• Have prediabetes

• Are you obese or overweight

• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels

• Have heart disease or have had a stroke

• Are physically active less than 3 times a week

• Have had gestational diabetes

• Sedentary Lifestyle

• Have PCOS

• Are you African American, American Indian, Hispanic or Latino, or an Alaska Native person? 

Symptoms of Diabetes you should notice-

• Feeling thirsty

• Urinating a lot

• Sudden weight loss

• Blurry vision

• Numb or tingling hands or feet

• Fatigue 

• Dry skin

• Slow healing of injuries

• Getting ill frequently

Read more: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/diabetes-diabetes-symptoms-and-how-to-control-diabetes/

What Do You Need to Prepare for the HbA1C Test?

Here are the simple instructions you need to know before getting an HbA1C test done.

• Timing of the Test- you can take the test at any time of the day. 

• Fasting- You don't need to fast before the HbA1C test. 

• Inform your doctor—You should inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some drugs may affect the results.

• Hydration- Stay hydrated before the test.

What Happens During the HbA1C Test?

The HbA1C blood test is a blood test unlike other diagnostic tests. Here is what will happen during the test-

1. First, a healthcare professional or phlebotomist will clean the arm area with an antiseptic wipe.

2. Next, he will find the appropriate nerve and then, using a syringe and needle, collect the blood in the test tube.

3. The sample will be then sent to the lab for analysis.

4. The procedure is quick and takes only a few minutes.

5. You might feel pain or discomfort during the process, but it will disappear over time. After some time, you will be able to resume your daily activities.

6. The report will be available within 10-15 hours of sample collection. 

What Do the HbA1C Test Results Mean?

HbA1C test results are expressed as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher the blood sugar levels. Here is the HbA1c normal range chart- 

HbA1c Level (%)	Blood Sugar Control	What It Means
Below 5.7%	Normal	No risk of diabetes, healthy blood sugar levels.
5.7% - 6.4%	Prediabetes	Higher-than-normal blood sugar levels; increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes.
6.5% or higher	Diabetes	Indicates diabetes; requires medical attention, lifestyle changes, and possible medication.
Above 7.0% (for diabetics)	Poor diabetes control	There is a high risk of complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney issues, and vision problems.

What do the Results Indicate?

• Normal HbA1c levels- This indicates your blood sugar levels are within a healthy range, and there is no sign of diabetes or prediabetes. Consume a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep blood sugar levels stable.

• Prediabetes (5.7%—6.4%): Your glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes indicates the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years if no action is taken. With lifestyle changes like exercise, healthy diet, and weight management, prediabetes can be reversed.

• Diabetes (6.5% or higher)—If the test is repeated and still shows high values, it confirms a diabetes diagnosis. It requires proper medication and lifestyle changes, such as diet control, medication, or insulin therapy. 

• Higher levels (above 7%)- This indicates poorly managed diabetes and a high risk of diabetes complications. 

Also Read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/blood-test/normal-blood-sugar-levels-chart-for-healthy-individuals-and-those-with-diabetes/

Factors That May Influence HbA1C Test Results

Multiple factors can affect your HbA1C levels, including:

• Diet and lifestyle- A poor diet, like fast food daily, and a sedentary lifestyle can raise glucose levels.

• Medications- Certain drugs, such as steroids, may impact your blood glucose results.

• Kidney or liver disease- These conditions may alter hemoglobin function.

• Iron Deficiency- A low red blood cell count or Anemia may also cause wrong results.

• Pregnancy- Being pregnant may increase the risk of gestational diabetes

Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to decrease your risk of diabetes. Even if you are starting today, you can reduce your risk. 

• Lose extra weight—Studies show that losing at least 7% of weight, with regular exercise and diet, can reduce your diabetes risk by 60%. 

• Adopt a physically active lifestyle, Try exercising for at least 30 minutes. You can do brisk walking, swimming, running, or cycling.

• Avoid prolonged sitting hours—If you have a desk job, avoid sitting for long hours. Get up every 40-50 minutes, go for a 2-3 minute walk, or stretch your body to stay active physically and mentally.

• Eat healthy foods—To reduce your risk of diabetes, include high-fiber foods, such as leafy greens, cauliflower, legumes like beans and lentils, and whole grains.

• Avoid outside foods, avoid bad carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, and processed foods with sugar content.

• Eat healthy, Olive, sunflower, and canola oils are good sources. Almonds, flaxseed, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds are also good sources. 

• Regular health checkups- If you are at high risk of diabetes, get an HbA1c Test once every 2-3 months and a fasting blood sugar test every month.

Read more: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/top-4-tests-for-diabetes-diagnosis-and-monitoring-explained/

The Final Words

With increasing cases of diabetes in India, the need for diabetes awareness and screening has also increased. Regular monitoring of HbA1C levels allows people to take preventive steps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent complications. If you suspect you may have diabetes or are at risk, consult a healthcare professional about getting an HbA1C test. You can get your HbA1c test from Redcliffe Labs, with home sample collection. The professionals will provide the best diagnostic experience with discounts and offers. Book your test with Redcliffe Labs to get 100% correct reports. Schedule your appointment today!

FAQs

What is the Purpose of the HbA1C Test?

The HbA1C test evaluates blood sugar levels in 2 to 3 months and detects diabetes or prediabetes.

How Often Should the HbA1C Test Be Done?

If you have diabetes, you should take the test every 3 to 6 months. However, if you are at risk of diabetes, you should consult your doctor and get the test annually.

What is the Best time for the HbA1c test?

The best time for an HbA1c test is when your blood sugar levels are stable at any time of day. 

What is normal HbA1c by age?

A normal HbA1c for adults under 60 is below 5.7%, while for adults over 60, a normal range may extend up to 6.5%.

How serious is an HbA1C of 8%?

An HbA1C level of 8% is considered significantly high and indicates poorly controlled blood sugar levels. It means the risk of diabetes-related complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and more.

What is the HbA1c test price?

The HbA1C test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 299. You can book your test online or call us to book your appointment online.

Does the HbA1C Test Require Fasting?

No, the HbA1C test does not require fasting and can be taken at any time of the day.

How is the HbA1C Test Done?

It is done through a simple blood draw from a vein in the arm.

Can Stress Affect HbA1C Test?

Yes, chronic stress can contribute to higher blood sugar levels, indirectly affecting HbA1C levels.

Can HbA1C Levels Be Lowered Naturally?

Yes, HbA1C levels can be naturally reduced by following a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and proper medication adherence.