HbA1c Test: HbA1c test for accurate information about diabetes, know who should get this test done

The way the risk of many types of serious diseases is increasing all over the world is definitely a matter of concern. Health experts say that it is important for everyone to know their risks and take continuous measures for protection. Some types of tests at regular intervals can be helpful in protecting you from many serious health problems.

Health experts say that people above the age of 30 should get their sugar checked every six months on the advice of a doctor. If you have diabetes or are showing symptoms of it, then the doctor often prescribes a test called the HbA1c test. This is not a simple blood test, but a test that tells the whole story of your blood sugar control for the last 2-3 months. It is also called the glycated hemoglobin test.

It is considered the most reliable method for the diagnosis and management of diabetes, as it helps in finding out the average of sugar in a few months.

What is its normal range?

According to the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association, if your HbA1c is between 5.7% and 6.4% then it is a sign of prediabetes. A report of 6.5% or more confirms diabetes. That is, if your report is less than 5.7% then it is a good sign.

What do the experts say?

Talking to Amar Ujala, Dr Abhishek Sahayak, an endocrinologist at a Delhi-based hospital, says, people who are overweight, have high blood pressure or cholesterol problems, have a family history of diabetes, or have developed diabetes during pregnancy should get this test done regularly on the advice of their doctor. By getting this test done on time, complications of diabetes, such as its effect on the heart, kidney failure, and its effect on eyesight, can be prevented to a great extent.

Dr Abhishek says, only a blood sample is taken for this test, and your average blood sugar percentage is known in the report. This test gives you a blood sugar score so that you can take the right steps in time and reduce other risks to the body due to diabetes.

How does this test work?

Our blood contains a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. When the amount of sugar in the blood increases, some of it sticks to the hemoglobin. This test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin is attached to sugar. Since red blood cells live for about 3 months, this test tells the average sugar level for 2–3 months.

Keep these things in mind, too

Doctors say, if you are already a diabetic patient, then the doctor can advise you to get this test done 2-4 times a year. Keeping the HbA1c report under control reduces the risk of heart, kidney, eye, and nerve diseases.

However, people who already have conditions like iron deficiency, blood disease or recent blood transfusion, their HbA1c test report may appear wrong. Do take advice from your doctor in this regard.

Note: This article has been prepared on the basis of information collected from medical reports.

Disclaimer: The related article has been prepared to increase the knowledge and awareness of the reader. NewsCrab does not make any claim regarding the information and information provided in the article, nor does it take responsibility. Consult your doctor for more details about the respective disease mentioned in the above article.

PC:AmarUjala