Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and is a major contributor to global mortality. If you are living in India, there is a 57% chance that you have diabetes and you don’t even know it. This is why regular health check-ups are important, especially if you are at risk.
One of the most important tests to understand your long-term blood sugar level is the HbA1c test, also known as A1C, glycohemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin or glycosylated hemoglobin.
Whether you have just taken a test or are planning to, this guide will help you understand what the HbA1c test means, how to read your report, and what your result says about your health.
Let’s get started.
What is the haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test?
Your red blood cells carry a protein called hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout your body. When your blood glucose level rises, glucose attaches to hemoglobin and forms glycated hemoglobin.
The HbA1c test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have glucose attached, reflecting your average blood sugar over the last 2 to 3 months. The higher your blood sugar, the more glycated hemoglobin is present.
What is glucose?
Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the primary source of energy and it comes from the food you eat. When the food is digested, it gets converted into glucose and is released into the bloodstream.
In response, the body signals the pancreas to release insulin to manage the blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to produce energy.
If your body does not make enough insulin or your cells stop responding to it, your glucose levels can stay high, which can lead to diabetes.
How does glucose affect your blood sugar?
When your blood sugar remains high for a long period, more glucose binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of red blood cells that have glucose attached to them. It gives a clear picture of how well you have been managing your blood sugar.
If you want to know more about the positive impact of reducing sugar in your diet, check out how it impacts your body.
What is the HbA1c test used for?
The HbA1c test is used for:
- Diagnosing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
- Monitoring blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
- Evaluating the risk of complications like cardiovascular disease.
Why do I need an HbA1c test?
You can get HbA1c tested if your doctor recommends it. Further, you should consider taking this test if:
- You have diabetes or are being monitored for it.
- You have been diagnosed with prediabetes
- You have obesity, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
- You have heart disease.
- You have had gestational diabetes.
- You have a family history of diabetes.
- You have PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
The other symptoms for which you may get tested include:
- Excessive thirst
- Constant hunger
- Frequent urination
- Unusual weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Diabetic foot
- Slow healing wound
- Frequent infection
What are the risks associated with the HbA1c test?
There is no major risk associated with this test. However, you might feel a slight discomfort at the time of taking the blood sample
How do I prepare for HbA1c?
The A1c test tells the percentage of red blood cells that are coated with glucose.
The normal range of HbA1c varies from person to person depending on age and other factors. Here is how you can check if you are prediabetic or diabetic.
Hemoglobin A1c(%) | HbA1c mmol/mol | Interpretation |
5.7% to 6.4% | 39-46 mmol/mol | Prediabetic |
Below 5.7% | Below 39 mmol/mol | Normal (non-diabetic) |
6.5% or higher | 48 mmol/mol or higher | Diabetic |
If your result shows you’re prediabetic, consult your doctor about lifestyle changes and possibly start a structured diet plan.
What are the limitations of the HbA1c test?
While the HbA1c test is used for the diagnosis of diabetes, it has certain limitations. It may not give accurate results in certain conditions, such as:
- Anemia: Conditions like iron deficiency can falsely elevate HbA1c levels.
- Hemoglobin Variants: Genetic variants such as HbS and HbC can interfere with some HbA1c assays.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: HbA1c may underestimate the glycaemic control in patients on dialysis.
Always inform your doctor of any condition, such as anemia or kidney disease.
What are the alternative testing methods?
In situations when HbA1c is not reliable, your doctor may recommend alternate tests such as:
- Fructosamine test: This test measures average blood glucose over the past 2-3 weeks and is useful during pregnancy or when rapid change in glucose control occurs.
- Glycated Albumin: This test provides the short-term average and may be a better indicator in patients with kidney disease.
Conclusion
Your HbA1c test is a powerful indicator of how well your body is managing blood sugar over time.
If your levels are high, don’t panic; diabetes and prediabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing complications like heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
So, if you are at risk of experiencing symptoms, get tested, read your results carefully and take actions early. Your future self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HbA1c full form?
HbA1c stands for glycated hemoglobin. It is also known as hemoglobin A1c.
What is the HbA1c test price?
The cost of an HbA1c test may vary from 200 to 500 INR depending on area and laboratory.
Do I need to fast before the test?
No fasting is required for the test.
What is the normal range for the HbA1c test?
The normal range for HbA1c lies below 5.7%.
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