HbA1c
The HbA1c test, also known as Hemoglobin A1c or glycated hemoglobin test, is a blood test that measures the average level of blood sugar (glucose) over the past two to three months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
Key Points:
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What It Measures:
- HbA1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) that is coated with sugar (glycated).
- The higher the blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin becomes glycated.
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Purpose:
- Diagnosis of Diabetes: HbA1c can help in diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes.
- Monitoring: It helps in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes treatment over time.
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Normal and Abnormal Ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
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Advantages:
- Reflects long-term blood sugar levels rather than day-to-day fluctuations.
- No need for fasting, making it more convenient than some other tests.
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Limitations:
- Conditions like anemia or certain hemoglobin variants can affect the accuracy of the test.
- Not suitable for monitoring recent changes in blood sugar control.
Would you like additional information on how to interpret specific HbA1c results?
