The HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) test is a blood test that evaluates a person's blood sugar or glucose management. It quantifies average blood sugar levels by analysing the glucose coating on haemoglobin within red blood cells (RBCs). Monitoring blood sugar levels at home or in a lab offers short term observations, highlighting the significance of recognising your body's usual blood glucose levels amid their changing nature. Thus, managing diabetes involves regular blood glucose measurement, and the HbA1c test complements this by offering insights into the average blood sugar level over the past 90 days.

In Delhi, the HbA1c test plays a crucial role in the diabetes management toolkit of individuals. Elevated HbA1c levels are indicative of high blood glucose levels and may signal heart disease, kidney disease, or nerve damage. Therefore, individuals with diabetes are advised to undergo an HbA1c test in Delhi to evaluate their blood sugar control.

The below-mentioned points need to be considered before an HbA1c blood test:

Prerequisites

The HbA1c test does not necessitate fasting or any specific pre-test preparations.

Best Time to Get Tested

This blood test can be taken at any time during the day. An eMedic will draw a blood sample from your arm vein, which will then be analysed by a laboratory. The American Diabetes Association recommends testing frequency based on diabetes management: twice a year for well-controlled cases and every 3 months for those requiring stricter control.

Who Should Get an HbA1c Test

Anyone who presents with diabetic symptoms or wants to monitor their control over diabetes can take the HbA1c test.

Cautions Before Taking HbA1c Test

People with kidney failure, liver disease, anaemia, thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, or those undergoing blood transfusions may see altered HbA1c results. Haemoglobin variants can also affect HbA1c results, necessitating more advanced tests.

Please keep in mind that the HbA1c test alone is insufficient for diagnosing type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes; other tests are required for a complete assessment.

The HbA1c test is crucial for both diabetes management and its diagnosis. Here is why it is requested:

• For screening of people at risk for type 2 diabetes, such as those with family history, history of gestational diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or over 35 years old.

• For regular testing for individuals aged 45 and above monitor blood sugar levels, typically every 3 years if results are normal.

• For undiagnosed individuals experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, or persistent fatigue (suggestive of diabetes).

• For prediabetic individuals to undergo testing every 1 to 2 years to analyse progression.

• For diabetic people to get tested at least twice yearly to evaluate treatment effectiveness.

• For monitoring blood sugar control, minimising the risk of complications such as diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy (eye damage due to diabetes), and neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes).

The HbA1c test findings indicate the proportion of haemoglobin affected by glucose coating, with these percentages subject to change depending on individual factors like age and health condition. Commonly applied thresholds for diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes are:

Below mentioned are the therapeutic glycaemic targets:

Please note: Personalised goals may be determined based on different factors mentioned in the provided details.

It is also worth noting that the findings from the HbA1c test should not be directly associated or contrasted with fasting, random, or postprandial blood sugar levels, as these measurements capture blood glucose levels at the time of testing. In contrast, the HbA1c test portrays the average blood glucose concentration over the past 12 weeks.