HbA1c, also known as Glycated Haemoglobin, is a form of haemoglobin chemically linked to glucose in the bloodstream. When glucose levels are high, blood produces more glycated haemoglobin, often indicative of diabetes mellitus.
The normal range for the HbA1c level is 4-5.6 percent. HbA1c levels between 5.7- 6.4 percent means you are prediabetic. Levels above 6.5% means you have diabetes.
In individuals suffering from diabetes, their body can’t use the glucose properly, so the blood sugar will be high, causing higher HbA1c levels and showing improper control of blood glucose levels.
HbA1c levels in the blood reflect the three-month average blood glucose level. The reason behind it is that the lifespan of red blood cells is around 2-3 months, so the HbA1c test should be done quarterly.
An elevated HbA1c means an increase in the chances of developing health complications, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and problems related to the eyes, feet, and kidneys.
HbA1c test is a vital check-up and should be performed at least once a year. However, people managing diabetes should get an HbA1c test every three months to check if the results are in order.
In rare cases where the individuals are already suffering from other underlying conditions, such as anaemia, and heart diseases, it may affect your HbA1c results.
To monitor your health, it is essential to conduct the HbA1c test yearly, so if you haven’t done one in over a year, it's high time to get it done. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can be managed with exercise, diet, and proper medication. Losing weight, exercising regularly, choosing foods with low glycaemic index (GI), and avoiding processed foods is the key to lowering the HbA1c levels.
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