The HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) test analyses a person's glucose control or blood sugar levels. This test evaluates average blood sugar levels by examining the glucose coating on haemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs). While routine blood sugar checks, whether conducted at home or in a lab, provide temporary data, it is essential to grasp your body's typical blood glucose levels amid their continual variations. Thus, effective diabetes management requires consistent monitoring of blood glucose. The HbA1c test plays a crucial role in this process by contributing to long-term health assessment by indicating the average blood sugar level over the previous 90 days.

In Gurgaon, the HbA1c test holds significant importance for individuals managing diabetes. High HbA1c levels indicate elevated blood glucose levels, which may be indicative of kidney disease, heart disease, or nerve damage. Therefore, individuals with diabetes are encouraged to undergo an HbA1c test in Gurgaon to evaluate their blood sugar control.

Prior to the HbA1c blood test, the following factors should be considered:

Prerequisites

The HbA1c test requires no special preparations or fasting.

Best Time to Get Tested

The test can be taken at any time of day. An eMedic will collect a blood sample by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. This sample will be sent to the lab for testing. The American Diabetes Association recommends performing the HbA1c test twice annually for those with well-controlled diabetes and every 3 months for those with poorly controlled diabetes.

Who Should Get an HbA1c Test

The HbA1c test is suitable for people who wish to monitor diabetes control and those experiencing potential diabetic symptoms.

Cautions Before Taking HbA1c Test

It is critical to understand that conditions such as anaemia, sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, liver illness, renal failure, and blood transfusions might affect HbA1c values. Variants in haemoglobin may potentially affect these outcomes, requiring more thorough testing. Also, type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes cannot be diagnosed with the HbA1c test alone; further testing is necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

The HbA1c test plays a pivotal role in both the management and diagnosis of diabetes. Its recommendation stems from its versatility in various scenarios:

• The HbA1c test can be instrumental in diagnosing undiagnosed individuals exhibiting symptoms suggestive of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurry vision, or persistent fatigue.

• Screening for type 2 diabetes is another key application. This includes individuals with a family history of the disease, a history of gestational diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or those over 35 years old.

• For individuals aged 45 and above, the HbA1c test is recommended for regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, typically every 3 years if results fall within the normal range.

• For prediabetic individuals, the test is recommended every 1 to 2 years to assess their progression towards developing diabetes.

• In diabetic patients, the HbA1c test is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of their treatment regimen. It is typically recommended at least twice yearly.

• Ultimately, monitoring blood sugar control through the HbA1c test helps reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy (damage to the eye due to diabetes), and neuropathy (damage to the nerves due to diabetes).

The outcomes of the HbA1c test indicate the proportion of haemoglobin coated with glucose, but these percentages can vary based on individual factors such as age and health. Standard thresholds for diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes typically involve:

The therapeutic glycaemic targets are given below:

Please note that the specific goals might be decided upon depending on several variables as stated above. It is important to remember that because the HbA1c test measures blood glucose levels only at time of testing, its results should not be connected or compared with those of fasting, random, or postprandial blood sugar levels. The HbA1c test, on the other hand, shows the average blood glucose level over the previous 12 weeks.