HbA1c Test- Glycated Haemoglobin

• Glycated Haemoglobin Test is done to To measure average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months, helping to detect diabetes or monitor its progress.
• Diagnose prediabetes or diabetes in patients. Prediabetes indicates the risk of developing diabetes. 
• In cases of known diabetics, HbA1c is used to monitor the condition. 
• To identify if a patient is at risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
• To enable better management of diabetes through evaluation of treatment progress and optimisation.

The HbA1c- Glycated Haemoglobin Test measures the amount of glucose attached to haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells over the last two to three months.

During the glycated haemoglobin test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

HbA1c results are given in percentages.  

• Normal: HbA1c below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
• Diabetes: HbA1c of 6.5% or higher

High HbA1c levels are seen in prediabetes and diabetes.

In a patient with pre-existing diabetes, HbA1c shows the effectiveness of treatment and diet control. HbA1c levels below 7% are considered excellent and above 8% are considered as unsatisfactory control.

There are no specific preparations required for the test. However, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions for preparing for the test. 

The following are some of the other tests that may be ordered with the HbA1c test:

• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This measures the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This test is similar to the glucose tolerance test. Instead of taking a baseline blood sample, the patient drinks a glucose solution, followed by a blood test two hours later.
• Glycated Albumin Test: This test measures the albumin in the patient's blood that has become glycated.

• A1C test
• Glycated Hemoglobin test
• Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test
• Glycohaemoglobin test
• Haemoglobin A1C test
• HbA1C test

The component of red blood cells called haemoglobin transports oxygen to the cells of the body. Haemoglobin has been glycosylated when glucose, a form of sugar, in the blood naturally binds to haemoglobin molecules (also referred to as haemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c).

A person's haemoglobin becomes more glycosylated as their blood sugar level rises. For the duration of the red blood cell or roughly two to three months, the glucose is bound to the haemoglobin.

The following individuals should take an HbA1c- Glycated Haemoglobin test:

1. People with Type 1 diabetes: People with type 1 should get tested for HbA1c test at least three or four times a year or as per the doctor's recommendation.
2. People with Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes should have an HbA1c test at least twice a year or as per the doctor's recommendation.
3. People at risk for diabetes: People with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes should take an HbA1c test. This can help in assessing the risk and making lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes if necessary.
4. People with unexplained symptoms: People with the following symptoms of diabetes should be tested for the HbA1c test:

• Excessive thirst or hunger.
• Frequent urination (pee) at night.
• Weight loss without trying.
• Blurry vision.
• Tingling or numb hands or feet.
• Extreme fatigue and dry skin.
• Slow healing sores.
• Sickness more frequently than normal.

This test may not be suitable in case of abnormal haemoglobin (hemoglobinopathy) and in haemolytic anaemia. In case your HbA1c is not reported due to haemoglobin disorders then a fructosamine test is advised.