The HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) test, is a blood test that checks an individual's control over blood sugar and glucose levels. It determines average blood sugar levels by evaluating glucose attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs). Whether through home monitoring or lab tests, tracking blood sugar offers only temporary insights, underscoring the importance of understanding your body's typical glucose levels amidst their continuous changes. Therefore, in addition to routine blood glucose tests, the HbA1c test is integral to the comprehensive monitoring of diabetic health, providing insight into the average blood sugar levels over a 90-day period.

In Hyderabad, the HbA1c test is an invaluable tool for individuals managing diabetes. High HbA1c levels signify elevated blood glucose levels, which can indicate underlying kidney disease, heart disease, or nerve damage. Hence, individuals with diabetes are encouraged to undergo an HbA1c test in Hyderabad to assess their blood sugar control.

Basic guidelines for the HbA1c blood test include:

Prerequisites

There is no need for fasting or special preparations.

Best Time to Get Tested

This test can be taken at any time of day. An eMedic will use a needle to puncture a vein in your arm to draw blood. After that, this sample is transported to a lab for analysis. The American Diabetes Association recommends the HbA1c test twice yearly for those with well-managed diabetes and every 3 months for those with poorly managed diabetes.

Who Should Get an HbA1c Test

The HbA1c test is for anyone who exhibits diabetic symptoms or wants to monitor their diabetes management.

Cautions Before Taking HbA1c Test

Individuals with conditions like kidney failure, liver disease, anaemia, sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, or those who have received blood transfusions may have altered HbA1c results. Variants of haemoglobin can also impact HbA1c results, requiring advanced testing.

Please note: The HbA1c test cannot diagnose type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes on its own; other tests are necessary for a full diagnosis.

The HbA1c test is essential for aiding in diagnosis and managing diabetes. Here are the reasons for ordering this test:

• Screening for type 2 diabetes risk factors, such as family history, previous gestational diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or being over 35 years old.

• Routine testing for individuals aged 45 and older to monitor blood sugar levels, typically every 3 years if results are normal.

• Testing undiagnosed individuals exhibiting symptoms of diabetes like:

• • Excessive thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Blurry vision

  • Persistent fatigue

• Testing prediabetic individuals every 1 to 2 years to track progression.

• Testing diabetic individuals at least twice yearly to assess the effectiveness of their treatment plan.

• Monitoring blood sugar control to mitigate risks such as retinopathy (eye damage due to diabetes), diabetic kidney disease, and neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes).

The results of the HbA1c test reveal the percentage of haemoglobin bound to glucose, though these percentages can vary due to factors like age and health status. Typical thresholds used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes include:

Additionally, below are the therapeutic glycaemic targets:

Please note: Targets tailored to the individual may be established according to various factors detailed in the provided information.

It should also be noted that the results of the HbA1c test should not be correlated or compared with fasting, random, or postprandial blood sugar levels, which measure blood glucose levels at specific testing time. In contrast, the HbA1c test reflects the average blood glucose concentration over the preceding 12 weeks.