Monitoring Diabetes: The Importance of Regular HbA1c Testing

Globally, the prevalence of diabetes is rising, and after China, India has the highest proportion of diabetic patients. India, in fact, has millions of diabetes cases, and is increasing year by year. People must take control of their health by scheduling regular diabetes testing to improve the situation.

One of the most useful blood tests to monitor blood sugar levels is the HbA1C test, also known as the Glycosylated Haemoglobin, Glycated Haemoglobin, and Haemoglobin A1C Test. It aids in the diagnosis of Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes, and prediabetes. When you type for a full body checkup in Bangalore, you will find labs that also help you with the HbA1c testing.

This article presents you with a complete picture of the importance of undergoing HbA1c testing and how you can monitor diabetes.

What is HbA1C Testing?

HbA1C is created when glucose binds to the hemoglobin present in our blood’s red blood cells (RBC). The amount of hemoglobin with glucose attached depends on the average blood sugar levels the RBC was exposed to during its lifecycle, which is typically 120 days. As a result, the HbA1c level is a reliable indicator of blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months.

Signs that you may need HbA1C testing.

There are different signs connected to diabetes and the need for HbA1c testing. Some of these are-

• Weight Loss Without Trying
• Periodic Infections at Different Sites in the Body
• Vision Issues or Blurry Vision
• Regular Numbness in Feet or Hand

Diabetes can affect anyone due to the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, family history, and junk food consumption. So, it’s time to have the HbA1C Diabetes Test if you experience any strange symptoms or observe any of the preceding physical symptoms.

Importance of HbA1C Testing for Diabetes Management

Diabetes patients who have a HbA1c level greater than 8% should adjust their treatment strategy. The treatment is effective, and the blood sugar is in good control when the HbA1c level is less than 7%.

Some of the reasons are-

Evaluating Blood Sugar: HbA1c testing offers a thorough and trustworthy evaluation of a person’s typical blood glucose levels throughout time. Compared to a single blood glucose level taken at a specified time, it provides a more complete picture.

• Helps to Monitor Diabetes

HbA1c is a crucial diagnostic marker for diabetes. It is employed to verify a diabetes diagnosis and track a diabetic’s blood sugar management. With regular testing, the doctor can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

• Long-Term Risk Assessment:

High HbA1c values are linked to an increased risk of complications from diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. Assessing long-term hazards and developing methods to prevent them is made easier by keeping an eye on HbA1c levels.

• Education and Motivation:

HbA1c testing can push people to take an active role in managing their diabetes issues. There will be an increase in a person’s motivation to follow their treatment plan, which can enhance blood sugar control and other health outcomes.

What is the Frequency of getting HbA1C testing?

In general, an individual must undergo HbA1c tests every three months if having diabetes and pre-diabetes. You should have a HbA1c test every six months if you are healthy but have a family history of diabetes or believe your lifestyle predisposes you to becoming diabetes. On how regularly you should be tested for health issues.

Measuring HbA1C levels

If strict quality assurance checks are in place, assays are standardised to criteria linked to the international reference values, and there are no factors present that impede its correct measurement, HbA1c can be used as a diagnostic test for diabetes.

The A1c test results are displayed as a percentage. The test outcome reveals how much haemoglobin glucose has bonded to your blood.

The following test findings may be used for diagnostic purposes:

• Healthy/Normal: Below 5.7%
• Diabetes risk: 5.7–6.4%
• 5% or more have diabetes.

HbA1c has also been approved by the WHO for use in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) devices to diagnose diabetes. As long as the test is conducted by a qualified expert using a suitable External Quality Assurance (EQA) process and using a technique that can be traced back to the IFCC reference method, it is acceptable.

What is the Target Levels of HbA1c testing?

A healthy individual without diabetes should aim for a HbA1c level under 5.7 percent.

A person is most likely to have diabetes if their HbA1c level is 6.5 percent or higher. Depending on their age and the medications they are taking, various diabetic patients will have varied goals during therapy. Generally speaking, diabetics may be asked to maintain a HbA1c level below 7%. It is suggested that older persons with diabetes and diabetics who may potentially be at risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) have a HbA1c level of about 8%.

Conclusion

HbA1c is certainly an essential tool in managing diabetes and preventing its consequences. Individuals and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions and enhance long-term health outcomes. If you are looking to undergo the test, the best is to check out Orange Health Lab, which offers home blood sample collection and report delivery service. Just type the hba1c test price near me, and you will find OHL at your service.