HbA1c is also known as glycated hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin or simply hemoglobin A1c. It is type of hemoglobin where sugar in the blood stream get linked to hemoglobin non-enzymatically.
What is HbA1c test?
HbA1c is also known as glycated hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin or simply hemoglobin A1c. It is type of hemoglobin where sugar in the blood stream get linked to hemoglobin non-enzymatically. Usually, monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose and galactose get attached to hemoglobin spontaneously by a process known as glycation.
HbA1c test is used to evaluate the average blood sugar level usually over the span of 3 months. Hemoglobin is present inside the RBCs and the average life span of RBCs is around 120 days (4 months). After 120 days, the macrophages of the MPS (mononuclear phagocytic system) engulf the RBCs while passing through the splenic sinusoids. Also, the life span of individual RBCs varies. This is the reason why HbA1c test estimates average blood sugar level over a limited span of 3 months.
Why do I need HbA1c test?
HbA1c is easy to detect and provide information about the average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. The higher the value of HbA1c, greater is the risk of complications. It is commonly performed for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Prediabetes
- To differentiate Gestational diabetes from Chronic diabetes in pregnancy.
- Monitoring of glycemic control in Diabetes patients
- Metabolic syndrome
- Monitoring in patients with high risk of vascular complication of diabetes such as:
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Coronary artery disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Heart failure
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Gastroparesis
- Delayed wound healing
- Gangrene
- Diabetic foot ulcers etc.
- Monitoring in patients with:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic microangiopathy
- Diabetic macrovascular disease
- Diabetic nephropathy.
Is OGTT better than HbA1c?
OGTT is a gold standard test that is used for evaluation and diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes. OGTT has more sensitivity than HbA1c in diagnosing diabetes and it requires fasting and repeated blood sample collection which may be discomforting to some. However, HbA1c is a more specific test in the diagnosis of diabetes. HbA1c does not require fasting and thus can be performed on random blood sample, making it convenient to patients.
How do I prepare for HbA1c test?
Follow these simple steps if you are going for a HbA1c test:
- Book an appointment: Fix your appointment in a diagnostic lab to avoid waiting on the day of the test.
- Food and medications: You can take your daily meals and medications unless otherwise specified.
- Fasting: HbA1c can be performed on random blood sample or fasting blood sample. If you are going for a fasting blood sugar analysis along with HbA1c then fasting is required. If you need only HbA1c test then fasting is not required.
What is the procedure for HbA1C test?
The procedure of HbA1c test includes the following steps:
- First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
- Then a cotton soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
- Then a small needle will be inserted in your vein and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube.
- Then needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
Hba1c Report analysis?
|
HbA1c |
Normal |
Pre-diabetes |
Diabetes |
|
Range |
<5.7% |
5.7-6.4% |
6.5% or more |
Interpretation for known cases of diabetes:
- <6.5%: Good control
- 6.5-7%: Fair control
- 7-8%: Unsatisfactory control
- >8%: Poor control
What is normal HbA1c level by age?
HbA1c level increases with age, irrespective of whether you are diabetic or not. Given below table summarizes the normal HbA1c level variation with age.
|
Age (in years) |
HbA1c (in %) |
HbA1c (in mg/dl) |
|
20-39 |
6% |
126 |
|
40-59 |
6.1% |
140 |
|
>60 |
6.5% |
160 |
How to lower HbA1c?
HbA1c level can be lowered by lifestyle modifications and some other measures including:
- Diet modification: Restrict carbohydrate intake as per your body requirement.
- Avoid junk foods
- Exercise: It plays a key role in glucose utilization and helps in decreasing HbA1c levels.
- Anti-diabetic drugs: Drugs that lower blood sugar level also has a significant impact on HbA1c level
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar level also helps to keep HbA1c level in normal range
- Follow a heathy routine: Have your meals on time. Do not skip meals and don’t take meals just before sleeping.
- Walking: Develop a habit of walking daily for at least 20-30 minutes.
What is the difference between HbA1c and blood sugar level?
HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar level over the span of past 3 months where as blood sugar level indicates the sugar level currently present in your blood. Both the tests have different purpose in the screening, diagnosis, monitoring and management of Diabetes and related conditions. Blood sugar level can be estimated in many ways such as:
- Fasting blood sugar
- Post prandial blood sugar
- Random blood sugar.
HbA1c test cost in Delhi?
Price of HbA1c test depends upon many factors such as with city and locality. Different diagnostic centers charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre, Rohini also known as GDIC is currently offering discounts on various tests including HbA1c test. We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri. Our centers are NABH and NABL accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.
We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections. We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.
You can avail Glycated Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test at just
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