What is the HbA1C Test, Normal Range, and Price?

India is termed the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’ because India contributes to 26% of the global diabetes percentage. Diagnostic tests like the HbA1C test help detect blood sugar levels and plan an effective management strategy. An HbA1C test means your blood sugar levels over three months. Doctors normally prescribe the HbA1C test on people with diabetes, prediabetes, or signs of diabetes. In today’s blog, you will learn about the HbA1C test, cost, and the normal range.

What is the HbA1c Test?

A HbA1c test is a Hemoglobin A1c test, also popular as a glycosylated hemoglobin test.

The HbA1c test helps measure the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood over 2-3 months by analyzing the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in your red blood cells (RBCs).

Doctors usually include the HbA1c test in routine health checkups to show your average glucose level for the past three months.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that 77 million people in India over the age of 18 have diabetes, while many are unaware of their condition. Diabetes can cause heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and other serious health problems. The HbA1c test can help diagnose and monitor conditions like prediabetes and diabetes. It also allows for early intervention and treatment to prevent severe complications like kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage, which is common during diabetes.

The HbA1c test requires no fasting unless your doctor advises otherwise, depending on your current medical conditions. The test can provide an overall image of your long-term blood sugar levels, which is important for managing diabetes.

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

Why Do You Need the HbA1c Test?

Diabetes can cause major health complications, and an HbA1c blood test is a routine health check-up that everyone should take to monitor their health and identify underlying health complications irrespective of any factor.

Some signs show signs of diabetes or prediabetes in your blood. If you experience any of the following signs, you must take the HbA1c test to prevent the risk of health complications.

• Fatigue

• Dry skin

• Slow healing of sores

• Feeling very thirsty

• Frequent urination

• Blurred vision

• Numbness or tingling sensations on hands or feet

• Unexplained weight loss

A HbA1c test is essential for monitoring and diagnosing diabetes. You must take the test every three months to get an overview of your average blood sugar levels. However, the CDC recommends that people 45 years of age and older take the test. The test can help detect and diagnose diabetes and monitor its control in diabetic people.

The test allows your doctor to assess how well your diabetes is managed. They check the effectiveness of the treatment, especially when compared with a single blood sugar reading.

A doctor may also recommend the HbA1c test for monitoring, screening, and diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes. They may also recommend the test to pregnant women for detecting gestational diabetes, a medical condition that occurs in a pregnant woman and can later develop into type-2 diabetes.

Preparation for the HbA1C Test

The HbA1c test does not require special preparation. You do not need to fast and can drink normally before the test.

Keep taking your usual prescribed medications unless your doctor instructs otherwise. Also, inform your doctor about recent encounters with disease, lifestyle changes, and supplements.

Understanding the HbA1C Test Results

The HbA1c test results clearly show the glucose percentage in your hemoglobin. The normal range for the HbA1c test is lower than 5.7%; however, it may differ depending on factors such as age, gender, and health status.

HbA1c levels naturally increase as a person gets older, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not. Doctors surmise this is due to multiple factors, such as lifestyle. Here is the HbA1c normal range chart by age. 

Age	HbA1c Levels in Percentage	HbA1c Levels in mg/L
Below 18 years	5.7%	117
20 years to 39 years	6%	126
40 years to 59 years	6.1%	140
60 years and above	6.5%	160

Your healthcare professional can diagnose prediabetes or diabetes through the commonly used percentages, which are:

Level	Range
Normal	Below 5.7%
Prediabetes	Between 5.7% and 6.4%
Diabetes	6.5% or higher

To know more about the HbA1c test normal range, check out https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/hba1c-test-range-by-age-normal-level-and-price/ 

Factors that can affect your HbA1c Test Results

Various key points can affect the lifespan or production of red blood cells, directly hindering your HbA1c test results. These include:

• Blood Disorders

• sickle cell anemia

• iron deficiency anemia

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Chronic kidney failure

• Liver disease

• Pregnancy

• Recent blood loss or transfusions

• Alcoholism

• Stress or diet fluctuations

• Certain medications

HbA1C Test Price

The HbA1c test measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past two to three months. It can help your doctor detect and diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and identify the underlying risk of diabetes-related health complications.

The HbA1c test price ranges from INR 300 to INR 1000. The price differs because of various factors, such as

• Laboratory location

• Reputation of the laboratory

• Services provided

• Quality of the testing equipment

• Packages or discount prices

These factors collectively affect the HbA1c test cost. 

With the onset of advanced technology methods, experts recommend taking the test from a reliable diagnostic service provider. Redcliffe Labs is a leading diagnostic service provider that provides HbA1c test prices at INR 299 with a home sample collection service, making diagnostics affordable and accessible for every Indian. The test measures your average blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels and detects the risk of diabetes or prediabetes.

You can book the HbA1c test from the website or mobile app. Visit the website in the ‘Book a Test’ section; search for the HbA1c test, click on the book now, and follow the instructions.

Key Takeaways

The HbA1c test involves monitoring your blood sugar levels for a regular three-month interval. This test can help detect early diabetes or prediabetes and provide an effective management and treatment plan. Redcliffe Labs is a leading diagnostic service provider that offers diagnostic tests at an affordable price. So, why wait? Book the HbA1c test today to monitor your blood sugar levels and take the required preventive measures.