If you have a sweet tooth and you keep adding extra doses of sugar to your drinks or desserts, then you need to stop right there! The real danger of diabetes lies in its silence. Half of all the cases go unnoticed until they start affecting your overall health.
Better safe than sorry! Take control of your diabetes before it takes control of you with the HbA1c Test. Want to know more about this test in detail? Read this article till the end.
What Is the HbA1c Test?
HbA1c, also known as the haemoglobin A1C test, is a simple blood test that diagnoses diabetes. The other common name for this test is the glycated haemoglobin test. This test measures the average levels of your blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. Here’s why it’s convenient:
– You don’t need to fast before the test.
– You don’t need to drink any special liquids.
Now, let’s understand the basics of glucose and its role in triggering diabetes.
What is Glucose? How Does Glucose Work?
Glucose is a type of sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and your body uses it for energy. When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which is then absorbed into your blood. A hormone called insulin helps glucose get into your cells. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly. This means glucose isn’t able to enter your cells, so it builds up in your blood.
Why is the HbA1c Test Done?
Your HbA1c results help your doctor understand three important things. They are as follows-
• To check for prediabetes:
If your levels are slightly high, it means you’re at a greater risk of developing diabetes and heart-related issues. Catching it early helps you make the right lifestyle choices.
• To diagnose diabetes:
Doctors usually confirm diabetes with two test readings. This could be two HbA1c tests or one HbA1c test, along with another test, such as a fasting blood sugar test.
• To monitor ongoing treatment:
Your first HbA1c result acts as a baseline. Every test after that shows whether your diet, medication, or lifestyle changes are actually helping to manage your sugar levels.
Who Needs An HbA1c Test?
The HbA1c test is recommended for anyone who needs to keep an eye on their blood sugar levels. It could be for early detection or ongoing monitoring.
You should consider getting this test if:
• You’re 45 or older:
At this age, doctors recommend a routine HbA1c test even if you feel healthy. If your results are normal, your doctor will guide you on how often you need to repeat tests.
• You’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes:
In this case, you’ll usually need the test every 1–2 years to see how your levels are changing and what you can do to prevent diabetes.
• You already have diabetes:
Doctors recommend getting regular HbA1c testing, at least twice a year, as it helps track how well your treatment plan is working.
• You’re under 45 but have risk factors, such as:
- Being overweight
- A parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Heart disease or history of stroke
- Low physical activity (less than 3 times a week)
- PCOS
- A history of gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing over 9 pounds
- Being part of a higher-risk ethnic group
• You have symptoms that could indicate high blood sugar, like:
- Constant thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Tingling or numb hands and feet
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent infections
What Happens During an HbA1c Test?
A healthcare professional will take a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a thin needle. You might feel a quick pinch or sting when the needle goes in, but it’s over in just a few seconds. The blood is then collected in a small tube for testing. This whole process usually takes less than five minutes.
Are There Any Risks To The Test?
The HbA1c test is very safe. At most, you might feel a little pain or notice slight bruising where the needle was inserted. These minor effects usually disappear quickly.
What Do The Results Mean?
Your HbA1C result shows what percentage of your haemoglobin is coated with sugar. These numbers help you understand how well your body has been managing blood sugar.
The ranges below are commonly used to identify your risk level:
| Result | A1C |
| Normal | Less than 5.7% |
| Prediabetes | 5.7% – 6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or higher |
Everyone’s “healthy range” can be a little different based on age, health conditions, or ongoing medications. So it’s always best to check with your doctor about what’s right for you.
Conclusion
Understanding your blood sugar patterns is one of the smartest ways to protect your long-term health. An HbA1c test gives you a clear picture of how your glucose levels have been behaving over the last few months, helping you spot early warning signs.
With LifeCell Diagnostics’ Ayushmann Diabetes Care package, you get a trusted, lab-quality screening that includes the HbA1c test. Besides this, it screens for other key diabetes markers like serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose and uric acid (serum). With these three essential markers tested together, you get a complete view of your metabolic health in one go.
So, if you’re serious about keeping diabetes in check or want a thorough screening, this package gives you exactly what you need. Take charge today. Your future self will thank you.
