According to ICMR, there are around 101 million people affected by diabetes in India at present. The number which is set to grow is quite concerning, thanks to the erratic lifestyle people live. Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from this chronic disease. This is why having proper diabetes management at the earliest is important. One way to know if you are under the radar of diabetes is through HbA1c testing.
This test is a cornerstone of diabetes care since it offers important information regarding a person’s long-term blood sugar control. You can get your HbA1c test in Mumbai at any of the reputed labs and get the right report. This article presents you with insight into the role HbA1c testing and its need.
What is HbA1c?
Glycated haemoglobin, often known as HbA1c, is a kind of haemoglobin that has a chemical bond with glucose. Red blood cells include a protein called haemoglobin, which is in charge of transporting oxygen throughout the body. HbA1c is created when haemoglobin and blood sugars bind. HbA1c readings represent the typical blood sugar levels during the previous two to three months.
If your report shows high HbA1c, then you are prone to high sugar levels. As a result, you have a higher risk of developing serious eye and foot complications as a result of your diabetes. Once you are aware of your HbA1c level, it is crucial that you find ways to bring it down so that you comprehend the significance of the findings and how to prevent them from rising too high. In case the report shows a slightly high or negative result of the test, you need to take the right steps quickly.
The Need for HbA1c Test
If there are any symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes, the doctor may suggest you take the test. In order to confirm a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the HbA1c test may also be administered if you exhibit symptoms.
The test is designed to determine how effectively your diabetes is under control. It is recommended that people with diabetes get this test every three months.
Why is the HbA1c test important?
- Reflects Long-Term Blood Sugar Control
The HbA1c test offers a thorough assessment of managing the blood sugar level over a longer time frame, providing information on the efficiency of a diabetes management strategy.
- Screening and Diagnosis
It is used to identify diabetes and prediabetes symptoms. It aids healthcare workers in identifying patients who are at risk and starting the right interventions as soon as possible.
- Helps to Monitor the Treatment
HbA1c testing assists patients who have previously been diagnosed with diabetes in monitoring the efficacy of their treatment plan and making the necessary corrections to obtain the best possible blood sugar control.
- Risk Evaluation
Keeping your HbA1c level under control lowers your risk of long-term problems such as heart disease and nerve damage.
How is HbA1c Test is conducted?
A healthcare expert will perform a straightforward blood test called the HbA1c test. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the normal procedure:
Preparation:
- This test doesn’t require any extra preparation or fasting.
- Before the test, you can eat and drink.
Collecting Blood Sample:
The doctor will apply the antibiotic inside of your elbow by a medical professional before they tie an elastic band around your upper arm to cause blood to enlarge the veins. To collect a blood sample in a vial or syringe, they will put a needle into a vein.
Analyzing the Sample
A laboratory performs an analysis on the blood sample to determine the amount of glycated haemoglobin.
Results and Analysis:
Normally, the results have percentage representing the average blood sugar level for the previous two to three months. An HbA1c of 5.7% or below is typically regarded as normal, whereas readings over this point may signify diabetes or prediabetes.
Tips to Lower Hb1Ac Levels
It makes sense to be concerned if your levels have risen above the last tested result. A slightly elevated HbA1c level increases your risk of experiencing life-threatening bodily problems. The first step is to understand your statistics and what they indicate; however, the next is to figure out how to lower them.
Here is how to lower Hb1Ac Level:
Your diabetic care team might need to reevaluate your prescription, up the dose, or try a different one.
It is important to have discussion with the doctor because there is always more to learn about diabetes, and a course will help you take actionable actions to lower your HbA1c.
Increase your level of activity; while being more active is excellent for everyone, it can help lower your HbA1c levels.
Conclusion
The HbA1c test is a crucial tool to manage diabetes since it offers important information about a person’s long-term blood sugar control. People can take proactive measures to improve their diabetes management and reduce their risk of complications by efficiently regulating their HbA1c levels. The best thing is that you can get your blood test at home by Orange Health Lab. OHL offers a complete home test sample collection service and delivers the report to your doorstep.
Maintaining awareness of your diabetes status with tests like HbA1c is an important first step towards a happier, healthier future.
