All about HbA1c - Glycosylated hemoglobin

HbA1c is an advanced test. It detects the presence of glycosylated hemoglobin. This is a form of hemoglobin measured primarily to detect the average plasma glucose concentration over prolonged periods of time. HbA1c is formed by an enzymatic pathway, after prolonged exposure to plasma glucose.

Normal levels of glucose in the blood produce a certain amount of glycated hemoglobin. As the level of glucose in the plasma rises, the amount of glycated hemoglobin also increases. In diabetics, this proves as a better indicator of control over diabetes.

People suffering from diabetes mellitus, who show high levels of glycated hemoglobin, also show poor control over the disease. Along with this, the incidences of cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, and retinopathy are also high in such people.

What is a normal HbA1c test?

For people without diabetes, the normal range for the HbA1c test is between 4% and 5.6%.HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate increased risk of diabetes, and levels of 6.5% or higher, indicate diabetes.

What is the ideal HbA1c test for diabetics?

Poor control of diabetes increases the risk of complications from it. Hence, it is vital for diabetics to have their glycated hemoglobin levels below 7%.

People with diabetes should ideally have this test done every three months. If repeated tests show good control over the disease, then it can be done once in every six months.

Patients with diseases that affect the hemoglobin, may get an abnormal result with this test. Taking supplements like Vitamin C and E, kidney diseases, high cholesterol levels, may also affect the results of this test.