HbA1C Test: Range by Age, Normal Level, And Price!

11.4% of Indians contribute to diabetes alone. A balanced diet, exercise, and early detection might help prevent the risk of diabetes. The HbA1C test, or hemoglobin A1C test, might also help detect and prevent diabetes. 

Blood contains three major components: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells contain several proteins that are needed for overall functioning. Hemoglobin is one protein present in RBCs. It carries oxygen and delivers it around the body. Also, it supplies carbon dioxide to the lungs. HbA1C levels regulate blood sugar levels. They are essential in preventing diabetes. A normal HbA1C level is below 5.7%. However, age, health, & family history affect the range. What is the HbA1C test? Let’s begin with understanding the test, its normal range, and price.

What is HbA1C?

HbA1C full form is hemoglobin A1C. The HbA1C levels provide insights for doctors to monitor and diagnose diabetes. A normal range of HbA1C is below 5.7%. Any number above or below showcases abnormalities. Some doctors label it as an important biomarker. Glucose and HbA1C are interconnected. An analysis of the average blood sugar level of 90 days is done. 

What is The HbA1C Test?

The HbA1C test checks the average blood sugar level in 90 days. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin present in the blood. For people with diabetes, doctors recommend taking the test ‌every three months to detect the sugar level. The HbA1C test requires blood samples for testing. A doctor might recommend taking the tests on the grounds of: 

• Obesity 
• reactions of certain medications
• No reactions to medicines 
• Screening tests for prediabetes 
• Diagnosing type 2 diabetes 
• Monitor the treatment functioning 
• Check the performance of blood sugar levels 
• Check signs of improvement in diabetes

If you see signs of diabetes or your doctor has recommended taking the test, get the HbA1C test from Redcliffe Labs. They provide a home sample collection service at INR 299. 

Our phlebotomists follow a smooth test procedure. Check out https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/procedure-for-hba1c-test-a-step-by-step-guide-for-patients/ to know the HbA1C test procedure followed by our DMLT-certified phlebotomists. 

Symptoms of HbA1C 

HbA1C, hemoglobin A1C, or glycated hemoglobin measures the blood levels. If you see the following signs, consult a doctor. Symptoms of HbA1C include: 

• Dry skin 
• Sores 
• Frequent infections 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Feeling hungry 
• Fatigued or extreme weakness
• Sudden urge to pee
• Excessive thirst 
• Blurred vision
• Loss of sensations in the hands or feet 
• Feeling of tingling

Also, read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/recognizing-symptoms-for-hba1c-testing-when-to-check-your-blood-sugar-levels/ 

At What Age Should You Check The HbA1C?

Diabetes can occur to anybody. Family medical history is a prior reason for diabetes or abnormal HbA1C. The doctor may recommend taking the HbA1C test if you: 

• Are above or below 45
• Are overweight 
• Have a risk for prediabetes or type-2 diabetes 
• Have prediabetes 
• Have a family history of type-2 diabetes
• Less physically active 
• Gestational diabetes 
• Certain native reasons like African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders. 

Tip: But what’s the best time for the HbA1C test? Check out to know more: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/what-is-the-best-time-for-hba1c-test-when-to-measure-hemoglobin-a1c-levels/ 

What is the Normal Range of HbA1C?

The normal range of HbA1C comprises the sugar or glucose levels over 90 days. Age, medical history, BMI, sex, gender, family history, and heredity are some factors that affect HbA1C levels. The normal range in an adult is less than 5.7%, i.e., 36 millimoles per mole (mmol/mol). However, in people with diabetes, the HbA1C normal range is 6.5%, i.e., 48 mmol/mol. The normal range of HbA1C in females and males may differ because of hormones and hormone growth. 

Adults in the 6.5% range lie in the pre-diabetes stage, indicating a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Limiting the consumption of high-fat foods, junk foods, and alcohol and indulging in exercising and a healthy diet can help prevent the risk of diabetes. 

Age is an important factor affecting the HbA1C or sugar levels in the blood. An increase in sugar level is normal with aging. Doctors say, ‘There is no specific reason the blood sugar levels increase with age.’ Here is the HbA1C normal range chart, representing the HbA1C levels by age in India. 

Normal range of HbA1C by age in India

mg/l- milligrams per liter 

Age	In Mg/L	HbA1C levels
Below 18 years	117	5.7%
20-39 years	126	6%
40-59 years	140	6.1%
60 years and above	160	6.5%

Tips to Lower Your HbA1C Levels 

The HbA1C normal range is below 5.7%. Range higher than this shows signs of prediabetes and diabetes. Whether you are on the verge or avoiding diabetes, here are tips to lower your HbA1C levels. 

1. Indulge yourself in any physical activity, such as gymming, walking, cycling, or swimming. 
2. Have a healthy diet that includes fiber, fruits, and vegetables. 
3. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and other harmful substances 
4. Focus on maintaining a stable, healthy weight. 
5. Manage your Body Mass Index (BMI). 
6. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. 
7. Indulge in regular testing. 
8. Make and follow a schedule and monitor your intake. 
9. Regulate your daily intake. 
10. Add food with low-carb. 

Also, read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/blood-test/importance-significance-of-hba1c-test-diagnosis-and-prognosis/ 

Does HbA1C Increase With Age?

Yes, HbA1C increases with age. However, there is no apparent reason for it. Several studies show reasons for the increase. One study found that an aged person (80 years) has a higher HbA1C level of 3.82 mmol/mol (0.35%) than an adult (30 years). 

Another study shows that HbA1C levels differ based on gender. It shows that men in the age group between 20 and 59 have higher HbA1C levels than women. A report from the National Institute of Health shows higher diabetes in men than women. 

Key Takeaways 

The HbA1C test is not a new theory. For decades, doctors and common people have trusted the hemoglobin A1C test for diabetes. The normal range for the HbA1C test is below 5.7%. If the reports indicate a range higher or lower than this, seek medical consultation. You may be at risk of prediabetes or type-2 diabetes. 

If you see symptoms of high sugar levels, take the HbA1C test from Redcliffe Labs. They offer 3600+ at an affordable price. Additionally, their labs follow NABL and ISO guidelines, ensuring 100% report correctness. You can manage HbA1C levels by combining a healthy diet, exercise, early detection, and the right treatment.