Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Test
Booked 3159 timesAlso known as:
Glycohemoglobin Test, Glycosylated Haemoglobin Test, Glycated Haemoglobin Test, Haemoglobin A1C Test
Blood
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Edta
- HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) Test
- Average Blood Glucose
Description
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Overview
The HbA1C test measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) that gets attached to the haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein present in your blood that carries oxygen from your lungs to the other organs and cells in your body. The haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test measures the average amount of glucose that gets attached to the haemoglobin over three months. This test gives you an average of three months because red blood cells live for about three months or 120 days.
Why is an HbA1C test prescribed?
The HbA1C test helps diagnose diabetes or prediabetes in adults. It helps you identify if you are on the edge of developing diabetes.
If you already have diabetes mellitus, the HbA1C test results help monitor your blood sugar levels. The three-month average gives an update on the status of your condition. Based on the values of the test, your doctor will assess your progress.
Other Names of HbA1C Test
- Glycohemoglobin Test
- Glycosylated Haemoglobin Test
- Glycated Haemoglobin Test
- Haemoglobin A1C Test
What does the HbA1C test measure?
The HbA1C test measures the average blood sugar levels in your body over three months. It measures the percentage of haemoglobin A1C in your blood to which glucose gets attached.
The more the amount of glucose in your blood, the higher the chances of it getting attached to haemoglobin.
Who is the HbA1C test prescribed for?
The HbA1C test is advised for all age groups and genders. It is used to identify the following health conditions:
- Prediabetes: A condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes mellitus.
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A genetic disorder where your pancreas does not produce insulin leading to high blood sugar levels.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A chronic condition where your body does not produce enough insulin or is resistant to insulin.
The HbA1C test is suggested for people who are more prone to developing diabetes. These groups include those who are:
- Above 40 years of age.
- Have a family history of diabetes.
- Have prediabetes.
- Obese or overweight.
- Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who has weighed more than 4 kgs.
- Not much physically active (less than three times a week).
Sample Type
The glycosylated haemoglobin test is done by taking a blood sample. This test can be combined with your other regular tests or can be done separately.
Test Preparation
The glycosylated haemoglobin test requires you to give a sample of your blood. When performed, the technician will take the blood sample from your vein. The blood sample is taken by pricking the finger with a needle.
Before the HbA1C test
This test does not require any specific preparations from your end. You can take the test at any time during the day before or after meals. But if your doctor prescribes a series of other tests, along with the HbA1C test, then you may need to prepare accordingly.
During the HbA1C test
You do not need to prepare for anything during the HbA1C test. It is a simple blood test that takes about 5-10 minutes.
After the HbA1C test
There are no restrictions after taking this test. You can return to your usual activities after the HbA1C test.
Test inclusions: What parameters are included?
The HbA1C test report gives you a reading of the following:
- HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin)
- Average Blood Glucose
Test Result Interpretation
HbA1c test results are in the form of percentages. You can see the reference ranges to interpret your test results. Based on these reference ranges, you can understand if you are in the HbA1c test normal range or if you are in the prediabetes phase or have diabetes.
Normal | Below 5.7% |
Prediabetes | 5.7 - 6.4% |
Diabetes | At or above 6.5% |
The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.
Your doctor will not rely on the HbA1c test results alone to diagnose diabetes. You may have to undergo a series of other tests and examinations to confirm your diabetes situation. To understand what your test results mean, consult your doctor and get all your queries solved. HbA1c target goals may vary for different patients undergoing treatment for type 2 diabetes. Discuss this with your doctor.
Risk Assessment
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Prediabetes
Price/Cost
The price of an HbA1c Test can fluctuate based on the location and chosen laboratory. Generally, the cost of an HbA1c test falls within the range of INR 349 to 769. Let's take a look at the average cost of a HbA1c test in some major cities in India:
City | Min Price | Average Price | Max Price |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 | |
339 | 554 | 769 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal HbA1c level?
The normal HbA1c levels are below 5.7%. HbA1c levels between 5.7-6.4% are prediabetic. Anything above 6.4% means you have diabetes.
What is the glycosylated haemoglobin test used for?
The glycosylated haemoglobin test measures your average blood sugar levels. This test is also known as the HbA1c test or haemoglobin A1C test. It helps detect diabetes or prediabetes. This is a good test to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatment in people taking medicines for diabetes.
Is HbA1c at 6.3 normal?
An HbA1c level below 5.7% is considered normal. If your HbA1c level is between 5.7 - 6.4%, it is considered prediabetes. Consider making lifestyle changes concerning diet and exercise to get your HbA1C levels normal, i.e., below 5.7%.
What happens if glycosylated haemoglobin is high?
If your glycosylated haemoglobin levels are high, then it means you have diabetes or prediabetes.
What is the fastest way to reduce HbA1c?
The fastest way to reduce your HbA1c levels is through diet and exercise and adherence to your diabetes medicines. Leading a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercising daily, along with taking the prescribed medicines, can help.
How quickly can HbA1c change?
HbA1c measures your average blood sugar levels over 3 months. Changes in your HbA1c levels occur over six weeks. The test can be repeated only after 3 months to notice the changes.
How can I lower my HbA1c in a week?
If your blood sugar levels are abnormally high, your doctor may change the dose of your medicines or add a few more medicines. Along with the medicines, a strict diet rich in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and lean proteins will help reduce your HbA1c levels. Exercising regularly will also help lower your HbA1c quickly as it increases insulin sensitivity. However, the results may not show in a week as HbA1c reflects the average blood sugar control over the past 3 months.
What are the symptoms of high A1C?
Symptoms of diabetes or high A1C are frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive hunger, lack of energy, fatigue, blurred vision, and tingling or numbness in palms and feet.
How frequently should you take the HbA1C test?
The HbA1C test is repeated based on the following parameters: The type of diabetes one has. Your blood sugar management. Your blood sugar treatment plan. The frequency of testing for each of these parameters differs as follows: If you have type 2 diabetes, repeat the test every three to six months. If you have type 1 diabetes, repeat the test every three months. If you have prediabetes, repeat the test every year. You may need to repeat your HbA1C test more frequently if: You are on insulin. Your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. Your doctor needs to change your treatment plan.
What is the price of the HbA1c test?
The HbA1c test price is not fixed; it may range from Rs 339 to Rs 769, depending on factors like your chosen location, diagnostic laboratory and potential discount opportunities.
