HbA1c is one among the various tests done to measure blood glucose levels. In comparison with other tests done, HbA1c is unique and significant because it reflects the blood glucose levels averaged over the previous 2 to 3 months. The A1c test is the gold standard attestation of how well controlled your diabetes is. Let's delve deeper to figure out this enigma.
The A1C test is also known as glycated haemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin, or glycohemoglobin. Our blood has red blood cells, which contain haemoglobin (Hb), a protein pigment, which binds to oxygen and carries it throughout the body. HbA1C is a component of haemoglobin that binds with oxygen. Factually, haemoglobin is what gives a red colour to the blood. As the blood sugar levels rise, haemoglobin becomes more glycated. Well-controlled glucose levels lead to less sugar-coated haemoglobin.
A Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) test is more likely to give false positives or false negatives as your glucose levels might vary depending on what you eat. On the other hand, an A1C test has been designed based on the chemical and size of the A1C molecule. Since Blood samples can be taken anytime, and fasting is not required, HbA1c always provides a clear and reliable representation of the sugar present inside your body as an average of the glycosylation or average plasma glucose concentration in the last 2 - 3 months.
The range of the A1C determines the control you have over your blood glucose levels. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Normal Ranges across categories, for HbA1c Levels are as shown in the table below.
As an indicator of diabetes control, A1C measures Glycated Haemoglobin which is expressed as a percentage. This is not always easy to understand as it does not intuitively relate to the glucose measurements you see daily through home glucose monitoring for random, fasting and post-meal or lab values, and thus difficult to translate into action.
Reference : eAG/A1C Conversion Calculator by the ADA.
The AIC testing is routinely done along with Fasting Blood Sugar tests in individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Your doctor might recommend taking an A1C test every three months to assess the changes in blood glucose levels and can also compare the values to the previous tests to see the trend of the diabetes control. If the levels are within or close to the normal range, then the frequency of the test can be reduced to once in 6 months.
Persons aged more than 45 and with a family history of diabetes or with profound risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and abnormal lipid profile, etc. are also strongly recommended to undergo an A1C test to identify undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes.
Having learned the significance of A1C, you should try to follow all or most of the below-mentioned tips to manage your diabetes effectively and have well-controlled blood glucose levels, further preventing you from associated complications.
HbA1c tests can be affected by changes in RBCs or hemoglobin. The common factors that can affect the results are -
When you consult your doctor, be sure to reveal all medically relevant information.
To conclude, A1C levels give a measurement of how well managed your sugar levels are, and you should aim to keep the A1C value below 5.6%. If you are at risk, you should get tested as suggested by your doctor. Make healthy lifestyle habits a choice and not compulsion. Eating right, exercising regularly, getting active, and taking medication as prescribed can keep the A1C value in the normal range. It's the willingness to say "I will" that will help set things right. You are in charge of your body, and you understand what is best for you more than anyone else. So gear up and start adding healthy habits to your lifestyle to control your glucose levels better.
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