HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, is a blood test providing insights into blood glucose levels over the past three months. It proves invaluable for both diagnosing and managing diabetes and prediabetes. Unlike other tests, HbA1c doesn’t require fasting and remains unaffected by recent meals, making it less prone to variations. Elevated HbA1c levels in diabetic individuals indicate the need for adjustments in their treatment or dietary plans.

The correlation between glucose levels and HbA1c is direct—the higher the glucose levels, the more glucose attaches to hemoglobin, resulting in elevated HbA1c levels. A heightened HbA1c reading signifies consistently elevated glucose levels over the preceding 2 to 3 months.

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) refers to the natural binding of glucose to the hemoglobin molecules present in red blood cells. As blood sugar rises, hemoglobin becomes more glycosylated. The glucose binds to hemoglobin for the lifespan of the red blood cell, approximately two to three months. The HbA1c test effectively measures the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood.

The HbA1c-Glycated Hemoglobin test is recommended for:

1. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes, to be conducted at least three or four times a year or as advised by their healthcare provider.
2. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes, requiring the test at least twice a year or following the doctor’s guidance.
3. Individuals at risk for diabetes or with prediabetes, enabling risk assessment and lifestyle adjustments to prevent diabetes, if necessary.
4. Individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms associated with diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, tingling or numbness in extremities, fatigue, slow-healing sores, and increased susceptibility to illness.