HbA1c typically means glycated haemoglobin. It is the form of haemoglobin after getting attached to the glucose units in the body. It is commonly used in people having diabetes because the measure of HbA1c is directly related to the risk of developing complications associated with diabetes.
A1C is used to measure the amount of haemoglobin, which is attached to glucose. Haemoglobin is present in the red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen in the body. An average lifespan of haemoglobin cells in three months. Since a normal fasting blood sugar may not always indicate the exact situation, therefore it has now replaced HbA1C testing for diagnosis and screening of prediabetes and diabetes.
How Is It Done?
HbA1c testing can be done just like any other blood test. The blood sample is taken from a finger or from a vein in the forearm. This blood is used to measure the fasting plasma glucose test.
Can HbA1c Be Wrong?
- In the past, the HbA1c test results were not very accurate. The results would vary greatly depending upon the lab conditions. However, National Glycohemoglobin Program was developed later, to improve the accuracy of the tests. After following the guidelines, the results started coming accuracy in a consistent manner.
- Accuracy is a relative term when it comes to A1C or blood glucose tests. There may be a 0.5 per cent change in the actual value. For example, if your HbA1c is 6, the results may indicate a range from 5.5 from 6.5.
- In some cases, the blood glucose level test indicates that the patient is diabetic, but Hb1Ac levels are normal. In such cases, the doctors need to repeat the test to confirm the diagnosis.
- Sometimes, there may be a false report caused by conditions such as kidney failure, liver disease or severe anaemia.
- Other than this, people with African, Mediterranean or Southeast Asian origin sometimes have a rare type of haemoglobin that may cause interference with A1c tests.
- A drop in the red blood cells may also lead to a change in HbA1c.
To have further insight into the understanding of results, click here.
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What Happens if HbA1c is High?
Uncontrolled levels of diabetes may be associated with the following conditions:
- Kidney failure
- Damage to the nerves
- Heart disorders such as stroke
- Damage to the eyes
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Late healing of wound and infection
In the case of type 2 diabetes, that is just at its initial stage can be improved significantly with lifestyle changes. However, if you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you would need insulin injections regularly.
What are Normal HbA1c Levels?
- For a normal healthy person, who does not have diabetes, HbA1C levels lie between 4 per cent to 5.6 per cent.
- If the levels are more than 5.6 up to 6.4 per cent, this indicates that there are high chances of getting diabetes.
- If the HbA1c levels are above 6.5 per cent or more than that, it indicates that the patient is diabetic.
The HbA1c values may be used to indicate the condition of a diabetic patient over a period of 3-4 months. This is because it does not get changed frequently.
How Can I Lower My HbA1c Quickly?
Since the normal range of Hba1 is less than 7 per cent. It is important to maintain the levels within the normal range. Living a healthy lifestyle is the prime key in lowering the HbA1c levels. Just by making the following changes, the HbA1c levels can be lowered:
- Physical Activity - It is significant to do exercise of at least 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. The motive should be to increase your physical activity, which does not need to involve formal exercise. One may do walking, dancing, or play any sports.
- Watch Your Diet - Diet plays a significant role in maintaining the sugar levels in the body. Eat more leafy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins in your dinner. If you are taking any form of fats or complex carbohydrates like potatoes, bread etc, you must take a measured amount. It is crucial to avoid processed and packaged foods as much as possible. This also includes preservative drinks or juices containing artificial sweeteners. It is better to consult a dietician who can guide you according to your own body’s demands.
- Follow a Fixed Routine - When it comes to having a proper diet, it is important to have a fixed time for each meal. Avoid skipping meals or over-munching in between the meals. Consult your doctor to decide the best time for your meals and medication.
- Follow the advised treatment plan - Each patient has a distinct treatment plan for diabetes. The treatment advised by the doctor is helpful in taking the small steps towards curing diabetes.
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly - Keep monitoring the blood sugar levels regularly and plan your diet accordingly.
Is Fasting Required Before the HbA1C Test?
No. There is no need to do fasting before the test because the results do not get fluctuated by eating or not eating as it takes an average value for blood sugar levels over a period of 3 months or so.
Insight About HbA1c Molecule
Let's have a look at some details about HbA1c.
HbA1c or Glycated hemoglobin is another form of hemoglobin, which is attached to a sugar molecule. The presence of this sugar-Hb link directly indicates that there is excess sugar in the bloodstream or the person has diabetes. The process by which the sugar gets attached to the hemoglobin molecule is known as glycation.
Hemoglobin is a protein molecule which is made of one globin and four hemes. Heme is composed of protoporphyrin IX and ferrous iron. The overall iron content in the body is 0.338 % having a molecular weight of 16, 520.
Glycated hemoglobin is the most important measure for long-term analysis of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Since the average lifespan of red blood cells is approximately 4 months, the test values are limited to a period of only three months. If the amount of glucose is normal in the body, it will lead to a normal amount of glycated hemoglobin. Increase in the plasma glucose levels leads to an increase in the production of glycated hemoglobin.
Can You Replace Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels with HbA1c Test?
HbA1c is a crucial test, but it cannot be a replacement for everyday monitoring at home. Self-monitoring includes a regular check on the food, exercise, medication, and stress management at regular intervals. HbA1c cannot provide you with the exact values as it provides an average value for a longer time period. Both types of analysis provide us with different types of results. Neither of them can be replaced with each other.
HbA1c Test Cost in India
India is known as the medical hub across the globe. Hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world prefer to visit India to get medical treatment. This is because the doctors here are highly qualified with rich experience in their respective fields. Not only this, the infrastructure is well-equipped with world-class technologies. These modern technologies ensure that the medical condition is diagnosed with utmost accuracy and the treatment is done with precision. Despite all this, the good news is that the prices for all types of surgeries or radio-imaging tests are much lesser as compared to that in other countries.
The cost of HbA1c is around 500 to 1000 INR. The exact cost may vary with the type of city you are getting the test, fees of the doctor, the reputation of the hospital, the cost of living in the city and many more factors.
How Does Vaidam Health Help You Get the Right Diagnosis and Treatment in India?
As for international patients, everything is new and different as soon as they land in India. In such cases, it is important to have a guide that can help in planning your medical journey. That’s why a medical travel assistant company like Vaidam Health comes into the scene. Contacting a medical tourism company is a smart decision. They help in arranging everything from budget-friendly treatment to travel to accommodation including choosing the best doctors in India, assistance in money exchange matters, arranging language interpreters, etc. Vaidam Health is accredited with NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare providers) and ISO certified.
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