Importance of HBA1C Test, Procedure, Cost, and Results

Diabetes is the third prominent cause of mortality in India and the rest of the world. With more than one million cases reported each year, it has become a pressing concern of the day to take control of this disease, which can be fatal if not detected early enough. 

Get yourself tested with a simple online search for the "HBA1C test near me" and ensure your health from the influence of Diabetes. 

Hemoglobin A1c - HBA1C Test 

Hemoglobin is a component of RBCs that transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test determines the quantity of blood sugar (glucose) attached to hemoglobin over the previous three months by an HbA1c blood test. It's a three-month average because that's the usual lifespan of a red blood cell. 

Glycated hemoglobin is a kind of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar. When present in the bloodstream of humans, most monosaccharides, such as glucose, galactose, and fructose, spontaneously connect with hemoglobin. 

HBA1C test full form is Hemoglobin A1c. If your HbA1c readings are high, you may have Diabetes, leading to significant health issues like heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. 

Why Is an HBA1C Test Performed? 

The warning symptoms of Diabetes can be so subtle that they go unnoticed. Some people don't realize they have it until they start having problems due to the disease's long-term effects. 

HbA1c test is performed in people who experience the following symptoms: 

• Frequent urination 
• Excessive hunger and thirst 
• Blurred vision 
• Pain or Numbness 
• Tiredness 
• Cuts or bruises that take a longer time to heal 

HbA1c represents sugar levels before and after conception in women in their first three months of pregnancy which will help diagnose undiagnosed Diabetes before pregnancy. This test is also done in people who do not have symptoms but are at a high risk of developing Diabetes. It is also routinely done in pregnant women to identify the risk of Diabetes. 

If you are under 45 years, you may be advised to take the test with these specific risk factors.  

• Obesity or being overweight 
• Blood pressure that is too high 
• Heart disease history 
• Inactivity on the physical level 

This test is recommended for diabetics every 3-6 months to assess the efficiency of their anti-diabetic therapy. In adults, an HBA1c test can also check for Prediabetes. Prediabetes indicates that you are at risk of developing Diabetes with blood sugar levels. If you already have Diabetes, an HBA1C test can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels. 

Preparation 

If you're detected with Diabetes, your doctor will suggest doing the HBA1c test. The test will set a baseline level, allowing you to evaluate your blood sugar management.  

This test does not necessitate any extra preparations or fasting. Regular eating and drinking can be continued before the test because foods and beverages do not affect outcomes. Anemia, for example, can alter the findings of this test. As a result, it is critical to contact your doctor if you have these illnesses. 

Procedure for HBA1C Test 

After swabbing the area with a suitable antiseptic, a tiny tourniquet is placed around the arm, and a needle is inserted into the arm's vein. After that, a blood sample is taken and placed in a sterile tube. After removing the hand, some pressure is applied to the injection site to prevent further bleeding and promote clotting. 

This blood test carries a small risk of bruising at the injection site. Individuals with poor coagulation are more likely to experience bleeding. Some people may have a sense of faintness after the test, and such people should drink additional water and sit for recovery. If you experience any other symptoms, you should notify your doctor. 

What Are Normal Levels of Hemoglobin A1c Tests? 

The HBA1C test normal range is expressed as a percentage. HbA1c readings that are higher suggest that blood glucose levels are more significant. With increased HbA1c levels, complications such as kidney or eye problems arise. 

Normal Results 

An HbA1c reading of less than 5.7 percent shows that Diabetes and Prediabetes are not evident. 

Abnormal Results 

Prediabetes is characterized by an HbA1c level of 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent. In people who have never been detected with Diabetes, an HbA1c score of 6.5 percent or higher indicates Diabetes.

What Is the HBA1C Test Cost in Hyderabad? 

The HBA1C test price in Hyderbad is around 590 rupees.  

How to Manage and Lower Your Sugar Levels? 

If you are diagnosed with Diabetes or at risk of getting Diabetes, here are a few practices to follow to manage your blood sugar levels.  

• Dietary modifications
• Physical activity 
• Medications 
• Combination of these 

Your Diabetes is well under control if your HbA1c test level is average or only slightly increased. Your doctor may propose altering your treatment plan if your HbA1c test level remains high despite following your treatment plan.