Introduction:
Have you ever wondered what your blood sugar levels are doing when you're not looking? Or how well your body is using the insulin it produces? If so, the HbA1c blood test is for you.
HbA1c is a type of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When blood sugar levels are high, glucose molecules attach to hemoglobin molecules. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules that have glucose attached to them.
Why is HbA1c a game-changer?
The HbA1c test is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control. Unlike traditional blood sugar tests, which measure blood sugar levels at a single point in time, the HbA1c test measures blood sugar levels over a period of about three months. This makes it a more accurate indicator of how well your diabetes is being managed.
Second, the HbA1c test is easy to administer. It requires a simple blood draw and can be performed at a laboratory.
Third, the HbA1c test is affordable and accessible.
What does an HbA1c test tell you?
An HbA1c test result is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels have been over the past three months.
A normal HbA1c level is below 5.7%. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% is considered prediabetes. A level of 6.5% or higher is considered diabetes.
How can an HbA1c test help you?
If you have diabetes, the HbA1c test can help you track your blood sugar control and make sure that your treatment plan is working. It can also help you identify any problems early on, so that you can take steps to correct them.
If you have prediabetes, the HbA1c test can help you make lifestyle changes to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
HbA1c beyond diabetes
The HbA1c test is not just for people with diabetes. It can also be used to assess the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in the journal Circulation found that people with high HbA1c levels had a 50% higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, even if they did not have diabetes.
Another study, published in the journal Neurology, found that people with high HbA1c levels had a doubled risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion:
The HbA1c blood test is a game-changer for several reasons. It is an accurate, easy to administer, and affordable test that can provide a long-term view of blood sugar control. It can also be used to assess the risk of developing other chronic diseases.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, or if you are concerned about your risk of developing other chronic diseases, talk to your doctor about getting an HbA1c test. It could save your life.
About Author & Compiler
Sharad Mishra
Clinical Pharmacist, Lab Diagnostic Expert, Lab Franchise Consultant, Diet Psychologist, Believe in Simplicity & on a Mission to Improve Lives
Bsc, B Pharmacy, ICMS- Sydney- Competitive Edge in Management, Professional Diploma in Nutrition, Professional Diploma in Health & Fitness (EQF Level V), Diploma in Sports Nutrition, IIT Madras Certificate in Electrocardiogram- Interpretation & Application in Clinical Practice, IIT Kanpur Diploma in Introduction to Advanced Cognitive Processes, Certificate in ISO 15189-2022- Medical Laboratories Quality Assurance & Competence CPD Certified - Looks after Lab Franchisee Model of Ranbaxy lab
Author is having more than 19 years of experience in Lab Diagnostic, Operations, Lab Equipment OEM & Pharmaceutical Operations, Over the course of his corporate career, Sharad Mishra has written various articles on Lab test interpretation, Sales & Marketing, as well as on Drug Delivery module, apart from such articles and short notes, Sharad Mishra has also started its Youtube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/c/SKMHealthMythology), which talks about various aspects right from Covid 19 pandemic to health & some interesting facts about mythology.
Sharad Mishra is also a licensed pharmacist with experience & interest in infectious disease, metabolic diseases i.e. diabetes, hypertension education & management. He has a passion for personalized patient care and believes that education is essential to living a healthy life. His goal is to motivate individuals to find ways to manage their chronic conditions & also started online learning programs to tackle & reverse metabolic issues i.e. SugarSolve, PcosSolve & FatSolve , these programs are designed to reverse diabetes, PCOS & weight issue without medicines on the principles of Human Physiology.
Work aside, Sharad Mishra is a photographer and lives his passion for nature photography.
