Haemoglobin is an essential component of our bodies found inside red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen to various body cells. In this intricate system of Haemoglobin, the Hba1c test emerges as a critical tool in measuring average levels of blood sugar content. 

Haemoglobin is a type of globular protein found in red blood cells. Globular proteins play an important role in transporting protein, enzymes, hormones and much more to the different parts of the body. Haemoglobin has a vital role in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. It carries oxygen to different organs and tissues and transports CO2 back to the lungs to be expelled from the body. This dual role makes haemoglobin an essential part of our body’s functionality. 

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is a unique form of haemoglobin in the body that is formed when glucose in the bloodstream binds itself to haemoglobin molecules. Glucose is a type of sugar component that our body receives through the food we eat and is an essential energy source for the cells. Glucose is absorbed by the cells with the help of insulin, a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps maintain optimal energy levels and ensure that the body functions properly. However, over time and in patients with diabetes, the pancreas fails to excrete insulin as it should, which can lead glucose to build up in the blood and bind itself to the haemoglobin in the red blood cells.

What is the HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test helps identify the long-term glucose levels in the body by measuring the percentage of red blood cells that have glucose-coated haemoglobin. This percentage serves as an indicator of the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. 

The test is used to screen for:

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the body altogether resists its help in regulating blood sugar.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes, on the other hand, is a health condition where blood sugar levels in the body are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. 

HbA1c is also a helpful marker in diagnosing or ruling out the condition of diabetes.

Symptoms 

Unlike some medical tests, the HbA1c test is not used to diagnose specific symptoms but instead provides valuable information about blood sugar levels. It is recommended if the patient experiences any of these symptoms

• Weight loss

• Constant hunger and thirst pangs

• A regular need for peeing

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

• Sores that heal slowly

• Urinating more than usual

• Frequent headaches

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• Genital yeast infection

• Swollen or bleeding gums

The test is also performed if the person suffers from:

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Gestational diabetes

• PCOS

• A family history of diabetes.

Test Preparation

The test does not require any special fasting or preparation and can be performed at a healthcare facility.

You can also purchase an HbA1c test online at a reasonable price from a reputed healthcare provider's website.

Test Results

The levels for the HbA1c test are:

Normal Range - 4% to 5.6%

Prediabetes - 5.7% to 6.4%

Diabetes - More than 6.5%

These percentage ranges should simply be used as a guide, and further prognosis should be performed by a professional healthcare individual/doctor only. Depending on your age, health, medical history and several other factors, your doctor should be able to determine the further steps.

Regular monitoring, professional consultation, and proactive actions to establish an active lifestyle can all help with diabetes management and ensure a healthy future.