Importance of HBa1c in Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

HbA1c is glycated haemoglobin, also known as haemoglobin A1c, a test used to measure sugar associated with haemoglobin. It measures the average blood sugar levels for approximately 2 to 3 months. The HbA1C levels will be high if your blood sugar levels were elevated in the previous few weeks or months. The target of HbA1c for diabetes patients is 48 mmol/mol (6.5%).

Higher levels of HbA1C indicate a greater risk of developing diabetes. In this blog, we will know the importance of HbA1C and early diagnosis for diabetes. We will also learn about the causes and risk factors of diabetes and the need for a diagnostic test.

Types of Diabetes and Their Possible Causes

Diabetes is a long-term medical disorder characterized by blood glucose levels that are frequently above normal. There are two types of diabetes, namely:

• Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune reaction in the body where the body’s immune system attacks its immune cells that produce beta cells in the pancreas. Also called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, in type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can produce little to no insulin. Insulin therapy is necessary for Type 1 diabetics to manage their blood glucose levels. It frequently appears in childhood or shortly after that.

• Type 2 diabetes

A common form of diabetes is associated with lifestyle and genetic factors. The pancreas' capacity to generate insulin may gradually decline with time. Insulin is a secret that helps break down the sugar into glucose, converting the food into energy. However, if the inulin level decreases in the bloodstream, the sugar levels increase simultaneously. The primary causes of Type 2 diabetes are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, age, and gestational diabetes history.

What are the risk factors of diabetes?

There are numerous risk factors associated causing diabetes. The HbA1C test is beneficial to confirm the likelihood of diabetes and take effective measures to avoid diabetes complications.

Let’s discuss the main risk factors for diabetes.

• Family history - The major risk of developing diabetes is having family records of this health issue. It is common that this health risk passes from generation to generation. So, if you have type 2 diabetes, it must be that your family record has encountered this disease.

• Excess body weight - Gaining weight above normal is also responsible for developing diabetes in people. Excess deposition of fat near the abdomen region links with insulin resistance.

• Physical inactivity - The lack of physical activity or having a sedentary lifestyle can lead to type 2 diabetes. Exercise enhances the body's use of glucose and insulin.

• Age - The risk of developing type 1 and 2 diabetes begins in childhood. Type 2 diabetes is more common in older adults, but obesity in children also increases its risk in younger ages. Diabetes can occur at any age, and its risk increases after age 45.

When to go for a diagnostic test?

Here are some signs that indicate you should get an HbA1C test to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Unintential weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Constantly feeling hunger
• Excessive thirst
• Blurred vision
• Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet

Women planning to have a child should undergo a diabetes checkup. If you are already pregnant, you should be going for a diabetes test 2 checkup, as it has risk factors. It should be done in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Moreover, HbA1c is suggested for people who have no symptoms of diabetes but have risk factors. The risk factors include age, obesity, family history, and other factors.

List of some other tests for diagnosis of diabetes

Diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes requires several kinds of tests from medical professionals. Your doctor may advise different tests according to your signs and symptoms and consider whether you are pregnant. Here are the other tests that are used for the diagnosis of diabetes.

1. Random Plasma Glucose Test - This test is done when you have symptoms of diabetes and can be done anytime. It doesn't require the person to wait or fats for 8 hours.

2. Glucose Challenge Test - A glucose challenge test is done for pregnant women to check for gestational diabetes tests. The blood sample is taken one hour after drinking a sweet drink. You are not required to fast for this test.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test - This test aids in diagnosing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and pregnancy-related or gestational diabetes. It requires fasting for at least 8 hours before the test. Also, it is considered more expensive than other tests.

Wrapping up,

The HbA1c test is one of the essential tests that should be checked to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes is one of the chronic illnesses which can have drastic consequences if it is kept controlled. High blood glucose levels can cause severe complications, like kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage.

The only way to lead an optimum lifestyle if your family has a history of diabetes is to get an early diagnosis and change the lifestyle accordingly to keep the blood sugar levels normal. At Apollo Diagnostic, you can get your HbA1c test done at nominal rates and in the comfort of your home. We follow strict protocols to ensure safety while handling the samples and tests to derive authentic results. Book today to get an early diagnosis of diabetes.

FAQs

1. What is the HbA1c test?

The term "HbA1C refers to glycated haemoglobin. The haemoglobins combine with the blood's glucose to cause this. Clinical researchers can gain a general understanding of the blood glucose levels during the previous two to three months with this test.

2. Which medical procedures are frequently used to diagnose diabetes?

The common medical tests to diagnose diabetes include HbA1c, oral glucose tests, and others. Pregnant women have to undergo diabetes tests also, and it includes tests like - glucose challenge tests or glucose screening tests.

3. How frequently should I have a diabetes test?

The diabetes test should be done based on your risk factor and family history. Your healthcare practitioner could advise routine screening accordingly. It is often done every one to three years.