Glycated haemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin that is formed in a non-enzymatic glycation pathway by exposure to plasma glucose. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It combines with glucose in the bloodstream to form HbA1c. The more glucose in the blood, the higher the fraction of HbA1c.
Measuring Hba1c Levels
HbA1c level reflects average plasma glucose over the previous 8-12 weeks before the test, which corresponds to the lifespan of red blood cells. A glycated haemoglobin test measures the percentage of HbA1c in the blood and is expressed as a ratio or percentage, for example 6.0% or 42 mmol/mol. The test is usually performed every 3-6 months on people with diabetes to monitor their long-term blood sugar control.
Diagnosing And Monitoring Diabetes
HbA1c testing is commonly used for diagnosis of diabetes as well as prediabetes. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes, according to recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. An HbA1c between 5.7-6.4% suggests prediabetes or increased risk of diabetes. Monitoring HbA1c levels every 3 months helps healthcare providers see if treatment plans for diabetes are working or if any adjustments need to be made.
Correlation With Average Blood Glucose
Various studies have shown that Glycated Haemoglobin Testing levels directly correlate with average blood glucose levels over the previous 2-3 months. According to research, each 1% increase in HbA1c level corresponds to around a 30 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/l) rise in average blood glucose. For example, an HbA1c of 7% reflects an average blood glucose of 154 mg/dl (8.5 mmol/l). This relationship helps healthcare providers interpret HbA1c results and manage patients' diabetes treatment goals.
Target Hba1c Levels
The American Diabetes Association recommends target HbA1c levels of below 7% for many non-pregnant adults. Lower HbA1c levels such as below 6.5% are encouraged for selected individual patients if achievable without significant hypoglycemia or other adverse effects of treatment. For pregnant women with diabetes, maintaining HbA1c levels between 6-6.5% is advised. Achieving targets can help reduce risk of diabetes complications such as eye, kidney and nerve disease.
Factors Affecting HbA1c Results
Several factors can influence HbA1c test results other than average blood glucose itself. Factors which may result in HbA1c readings that are not a true reflection of average blood sugar include conditions affecting red blood cell turnover such as anemia, blood loss or transfusion. Some medications like aspirin, vitamins C and E are thought to potentially interfere with the test as well. It is important for healthcare providers to consider such factors when interpreting HbA1c results.
Role Of Hba1c In Diabetes Management
HbA1c testing plays a pivotal role in both diagnosing and managing diabetes. It provides clinicians with valuable long-term information about a patient's glycemic control over the preceding weeks and months. Along with self-monitoring of blood glucose and symptoms, HbA1c guides diabetes treatment decisions like medications, lifestyle modifications and nutritional therapies needed to achieve target blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications by ensuring continuous optimization of glycemic management. Overall, Glycated Haemoglobin Testing is a crucial tool for diabetes care.
Glycated haemoglobin or hba1c testing is an important medical test used to diagnose diabetes as well as monitor long-term blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. It reflects average plasma glucose over the past 2-3 months and helps healthcare providers guide treatments to achieve blood glucose targets and reduce risks of diabetes complications. While several non-glycemic factors can also influence HbA1c results, it remains a fundamental component of diabetes assessment and management.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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