HbA1c Test: Purpose, Procedure, and Why Do you Need It?

Diabetes is a growing and serious health concern around the world, impacting individuals of all age groups. Even when it comes to managing this chronic condition, it doesn't just require frequent check-ups; you may also need a complete understanding of long-term glucose levels in your blood, and that is when your doctor may suggest an HbA1c test.

What is an HbA1c, or haemoglobin A1C test?

It is a blood test that examines the average blood glucose levels (blood sugar) of over the past 90 days. It also gives a bigger picture of how well increased glucose levels can be managed, focusing on long-term management.

Basically, glucose is a type of sugar that is obtained from the food you eat.  Your cells use this glucose for energy, and a hormone called insulin helps the glucose to easily get inside of your cells. If your blood sugar level is high, or diabetes has been detected, your body fails to produce enough insulin, or your cells do not use it appropriately. As a result, glucose fails to get into your cells, and blood sugar levels increase.

The glucose present in your blood sticks to the haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells). The higher your blood glucose levels, the more haemoglobin gets coated with glucose. The HbA1c test calculates the percentage of red blood cells that have glucose coated. 

The reasons why this test shows the average glucose levels over the past three months include:

• Red blood cells can live for about three months.
• Glucose combines with the haemoglobin as long as the red blood cells are alive.

Importance of this test 

The HbA1c test is not just about the examination but also about how you can take preventive steps to manage diabetes for a long time. Hence, knowing its importance becomes equally important.

Monitors long-term blood sugar control: For individuals with diabetes, this test can help determine how well glucose levels have been managed over time, so further risks can be identified at the right time.

Early detection of pre-diabetes and diabetes: This blood test helps identify pre diabetes and diabetes early, before symptoms appear. This early detection allows for timely management and medical intervention to avoid any serious complications.

Supports personalised treatment plans: This test aids your doctor in planning the treatment as per your blood glucose levels, whether it is making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medical intervention.

Who should take this test?

The HbA1c blood test is suggested by doctors for those who are at risk of living with diabetes, such as:

• Having a family history of diabetes: If diabetes has been running in your family or you have a close relative with it, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
• Individuals detected with pre diabetes: For those having pre diabetes, this test helps to monitor the condition and prevent it from progressing to type 2 diabetes through timely detection.
• Those who are experiencing symptoms: Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, unexpected weight loss, frequent urination, excessive thirst, and more can be signs of increased blood sugar levels. On the other hand, signs of low glucose levels include dizziness, sudden weakness, or sweating.
• Individuals who are already diagnosed with diabetes: This test is also essential for those who are managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as it can track long-term blood sugar control and also assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatment, if any.
• Pregnant women: Women in their pregnancy with other risk factors such as obesity, a family history, or who have had previous gestational diabetes should consider this test for the better health of mother and baby.
• You are over the age of 45: As type 2 diabetes can develop slowly over years without any noticeable signs, aging also causes the body to produce glucose less efficiently.

Procedure and preparation

No special preparation is required, unless suggested by your doctor. However, make sure you inform the healthcare professional about the medications you are on if you are pregnant or have any other health condition.

During the HbA1c test, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, with the help of a small needle. After it is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into the vial or test tube, during which you may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out, but it usually goes away within a few minutes.

What to expect?

The hbA1c blood test plays a vital role in monitoring, assessing, and managing the chronic health condition, diabetes.   By providing a long-term overview of glucose levels, it helps in early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and reducing the risk of serious health concerns. Hence, if your healthcare provider has asked you to get tested, it's better to do it today and take preventive measures towards your health.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a sugar test and HbA1c?

HbA1c examines the average sugar without needing a fast, while blood glucose checks for exact sugar levels at one point of time after an 8-hour fast of 8 hours.

2. Is 200 blood sugar considered normal after eating sugar?

A blood glucose reading of 200 after eating is not normal for a healthy individual without diabetes.

3. Does fruit affect blood sugar levels?

Eating whole fruit is usually fine; however, taking it in the form of juice can result in a rapid sugar spike in the blood.

4. What should I not eat in diabetes? 

You should not eat sugary drinks, white bread, sweets, pastries, fruit juice, refined grains, and processed food.