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HbA1C Test- Glycated Haemoglobin

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HbA1C Test or Glycated Haemoglobin Test Overview

HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is a blood test that reflect blood glucose levels in last three months. It is useful for diagnosis and management of diabetes and prediabetes. This test does not require fasting and is not affected by meals consumed immediately before the test (less prone to variation). In diabetic patients a high HbA1c levels means need for change in treatment/ diet plan

The higher the glucose levels, the more the glucose is attached to haemoglobin and the higher the HbA1C results. A higher HbA1C result indicates that the glucose levels that have been higher than normal for the past 2 to 3 months.

What is Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C)?

The component of red blood cells called haemoglobin transports oxygen to the cells of the body. Haemoglobin has been glycosylated when glucose, a form of sugar, in the blood naturally binds to haemoglobin molecules (also referred to as haemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c).

A person's haemoglobin becomes more glycosylated as their blood sugar level rises. For the duration of the red blood cell or roughly two to three months, the glucose is bound to the haemoglobin.

The amount of glycosylated haemoglobin in the blood can be determined using an HbA1C- Glycated Haemoglobin test.

Who should do the HbA1C- Glycated Haemoglobin test?

The following individuals should take an HbA1C- Glycated Haemoglobin test:

  • People with Type 1 diabetes: People with type 1 should get tested for HbA1c test at least three or four times a year or as per the doctor's recommendation.
  • People with Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes should have an HbA1c test at least twice a year or as per the doctor's recommendation.
  • People at risk for diabetes: People with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes should take an HbA1c test. This can help in assessing the risk and making lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes if necessary.
  • People with unexplained symptoms: People with the following symptoms of diabetes should be tested for the HbA1c test:
  • Excessive thirst or hunger.
  • Frequent urination (pee) at night.
  • Weight loss without trying.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Tingling or numb hands or feet.
  • Extreme fatigue and dry skin.
  • Slow healing sores.
  • Sickness more frequently than normal.

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs

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HbA1C Test- Glycated Haemoglobin Price

Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the HbA1C Test- Glycated Haemoglobin with a clear pricing structure.

The HbA1C Test- Glycated Haemoglobin Price in Mumbai is ₹ 620 .

We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glycated haemoglobin test is done to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes in patients. Prediabetes indicates the risk of developing diabetes. 
In cases of known diabetics, HbA1c is used to monitor the condition. 
This test may not be suitable in case of abnormal haemoglobin (hemoglobinopathy) and in haemolytic anaemia. In case your HbA1c is not reported due to haemoglobin disorders then a fructosamine test is advised

The HbA1C- Glycated Haemoglobin test is simple to do and only requires a small blood sample. It is done:

  • To measure average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months, helping to detect diabetes or monitor its progress.
  • To identify if a patient is at risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
  • To enable better management of diabetes through evaluation of treatment progress and optimisation.

Glycated Haemoglobin Test measures the average blood glucose levels in last three months.

The HbA1C- Glycated Haemoglobin test measures the amount of glucose attached to haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells over the last two to three months.

During glycated haemoglobin test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

A small blood sample will be taken from the vein of our arm using a tiny needle during the test. The process usually takes just 5 minutes. You may feel a little sting during the process. The test results are usually available within a few days.

HbA1c results are given in percentages.  
Normal: HbA1c below 5.7%
Prediabetes: HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
Diabetes: HbA1c of 6.5% or higher

High HbA1C level are seen in prediabetes and diabetes. In a patient with pre-existing diabetes it shows effectiveness of treatment and diet control. HbA1c levels below 7% are considered excellent and above 8% are considered as unsatisfactory control.

It is essential to follow our doctor’s instructions for preparing for the test. Typically, we should avoid food and drinks containing sugar for 12 hours before the test and drink lots of water.

The following are some of the other tests that may be ordered with the HbA1c test:

  • Glucose Tolerance Test: This test measures the body’s ability to process glucose. It involves taking a baseline blood sample, drinking a glucose solution, and then taking another blood sample two hours later.
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This measures the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This test is similar to the glucose tolerance test. Instead of taking a baseline blood sample, the patient drinks a glucose solution, followed by a blood test two hours later.
  • Glycated Albumin Test: This test measures the albumin in the patient's blood that has become glycated.
  • Fructosamine Test: This test measures the glycated proteins in the blood.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304271/

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/glycated-hemoglobin-test-hba1c

A1C test

Glycated Hemoglobin test

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test

• Glycohaemoglobin test

• Haemoglobin A1C test

• HbA1C test

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