Haemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The term HbA1C describes the combination of glucose and hemoglobin (sometimes known as “glycated” hemoglobin). The amount of HbA1c produced is directly related to the amount of glucose in your blood.

Red blood cells have an average lifespan of 120 days, so HbA1C provides a measure of the amount of sugar that has been in your blood over the past few months. It is not the same as a blood glucose test, which measures the current level of sugar in the blood.

The HbA1C test can be used to diagnose:

The HbA1C test can be used to diagnose:

• Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, your blood glucose is too high because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin to transfer blood sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, or your cells stop reacting to insulin.
• Prediabetes: Prediabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise, can help delay or prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes cannot be diagnosed with the HbA1C test.

Who should get tested for HbA1C Test?

The HbA1C test is usually recommended for people with diabetes, particularly if their blood sugar level is unstable or out of control. As a preventive measures, it is suggested that diabetic patients should get this test every 3 to 6 months.

Why is the HbA1C Test essential?

The HbA1C test is a reliable screening that measures chronic hyperglycemia accurately and is essential for preventing long-term complications and risks related to diabetes. With HbA1C, doctors can get the proper protocol for the treatment and prescribe essential measures to keep blood sugar levels within acceptable limits.

What do the results mean?

HbA1C results tell you what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with glucose in your blood. For diagnosis, the test results may be as follows:

• Normal: HbA1C below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: HbA1C between 5.7% and 6.4%
• Diabetes: HbA1C of 6.5% or higher

Doctors often suggests more than one test to diagnose diabetes. Therefore, if your test result is higher than normal, you may have another HbA1C test or another type of diabetes test, usually a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

What happens during an HbA1C test?

Using a small needle, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. After inserting the needle, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting as the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.