
Glycosylated Hemoglobin
Understanding Glycosylated Hemoglobin
What is Glycosylated Hemoglobin?
A glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a lab test to measure how much sugar has been in your blood over the past 2-3 months. It is used to detect prediabetes, diagnose diabetes as a part of health checkups, and monitor treatment efficacy. HbA1c values are considered normal if <5.7%, while values ≥ 6.5% are indicative of diabetes.
The higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of complications. People having diabetes should take this test regularly to monitor their glucose levels and regulate the treatment decision. A proper schedule of exercise, healthy eating, and medication can assist in bringing down the level.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's processing of blood sugar, thereby increasing blood sugar levels. Some individuals might not ever experience signs and symptoms of this condition, while the common signs and symptoms will include the following:
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Being thirsty often
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Urination in excess
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Blurring of vision
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Weakness
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Slow healing of wounds, etc.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen into various parts of the body. When glucose (sugar) molecules in the bloodstream attach to hemoglobin, a process called glycation takes place, which essentially forms glycosylated hemoglobin, or HbA1c.
An HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) test gives an overall picture of your long-term blood sugar control. Thus, it is an important test for screening and diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes. Once an individual is diagnosed, it helps in monitoring the control of the disease, so that they can undergo timely interventions to prevent or delay the onset of complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends keeping HbA1c levels below 7% to prevent the development of complications. Different goals may be set for specific individuals depending on age, duration of diabetes, and any other medical conditions present.
No special preparations are required for this test. Eat and drink as per your routine. However, inform your doctor about all the current medications or any underlying health conditions to ensure accurate interpretation of your test results.
Test result ranges may vary across the laboratories depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Do not self-medicate; always consult your doctor to understand your test results correctly.
Lifestyle Tips to Manage Your HbA1c Levels:
🥤Hydration: Stay hydrated! Drinking enough water supports overall health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
🍲Eat (Diet): Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Include whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to help manage blood sugar.
🧘Activity (Exercise): Regular physical activity like walking, cycling, or strength training can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control.
😴Lifestyle (Sleep): Prioritize quality sleep, as poor sleep can affect blood sugar levels and insulin response
👩⚕️Talk to Your Doctor (Consult): Regularly consult your doctor to understand your HbA1c results and adjust your diabetes management plan if needed
💊Habits (Supplements): Consider supplements like magnesium, chromium, etc. (if your doctor advises) to support healthy blood sugar levels.
Relation between HbA1c Test and different types of diabetes:
What is Glycosylated Hemoglobin used for?
The Glycosylated Hemoglobin test is performed to:
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Monitor Diabetes treatment efficacy by measuring glycosylated hemoglobin regularly
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Screen for Diabetes as part of regular health checkup, as well as in patients with high risk of developing diabetes
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Diagnose and confirm diabetes with a combination of other tests if blood sugar levels have been high over a long period of time
What does Glycosylated Hemoglobin measure?
Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test measures the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in blood which reflects the average blood glucose over a period of past two to three months (8 - 12 weeks).
Hemoglobin is the protein found in Red Blood Cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen. Of the different types of hemoglobin, Hemoglobin A is predominant. With the elevation of blood sugar levels, some glucose binds spontaneously to Hemoglobin A (this binding is called Glycosylation or Glycation) and remains bound for the complete lifetime of the RBC, which is 120 days normally. Higher the level of glucose in the blood, greater is the amount of it binding to Hemoglobin A. Hemoglobin A1c is the dominant form of Glycated Hemoglobin. As RBCs die and are replaced, Hemoglobin A1c is cleared and slowly replaced with non-glycosylated hemoglobin. Measurement of HbA1c level over a period of time gives an indication of the level of glucose in the blood over the specified period of time. This helps in the diagnosis of Diabetes and is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of measures taken to reduce blood sugar levels.
Interpreting Glycosylated Hemoglobin results
Interpretations
Normal: Below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol approx.)
Prediabetic: 5.7% - 6.4% (39 to 46 mmol/mol approx.)
Diabetic: Above 6.5% (above 48 mmol/mol approx.)
Less than 5.7% Glycated Hemoglobin indicates normal levels of blood sugar. Increased risk of developing Diabetes is found in Prediabetic patients with blood sugar level between 5.7% and 6.4%. Patients with a HbA1c level greater than 6.5% are usually diagnosed with Diabetes.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Glycosylated Hemoglobin
Frequently Asked Questions about Glycosylated Hemoglobin
Q. What are the symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
Q. What are the risk factors for Diabetes?
Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?
Q. Can factors other than hormones and diet affect my blood sugar levels?
Q. When can false results appear in the Glycated Hemoglobin Test?
Q. When is the Hemoglobin A1c Test insufficient to determine elevated blood sugar levels?
Q. What are the common complications of diabetes?
Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal result?
Q. Can the ABG values be same for two people?
Q. How is the HbA1c test different from blood glucose test?
Q. What are the benefits of lowering your HbA1c level?
Q. How is the blood sample taken?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?
Q. What is Hyperglycemia?
Q. What are the symptoms of Hyperglycemia?
Q. What is Hypoglycemia?
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