Glycosylated Haemoglobin (Hba1c) Test

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c test)

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c test) measures the sugar level in the blood over 120 Days. It gives an idea that how well diabetic patients controls their glucose levels.

When is Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c test) prescribed?

The Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test is advised by a doctor to diagnose diabetes or determine how well a person with diabetes manages the blood sugar, to detect suspected cases of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Components of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c test)

The blood has Red Blood Cells, which are made of hemoglobin. Glucose sticks to A1, a component of hemoglobin, forming Glycosated hemoglobin or HbA1c.

The more the glucose, the more is HbA1c. HbA1c is an indicator of glycemic control. In patients who have poorly controlled diabetes, Glycosylated Hemoglobin is increased. Thus, glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c test) is a diagnostic and prognostic test.

A glycosylated hemoglobin test helps the physician as it gives immediate indication of the patient’s glucose control. A raised test indicates modification in the treatment plan followed by the physician.

Procedure and prerequisites

3ml of venous blood is collected in an EDTA tube by a trained phlebotomist.

Reference range

HbA1c test results are reported as a percentage. The HbA1c levels vary from person to person and is advised after 3 months. A general range for HbA1c level is-

• Between 5% and 6% -> Nondiabetic
• Between 5.7% and 6.4% -> Prediabetic
• More than 6.5% -> Diabetic.
• Less than 7% -> Controlled Diabetes
• Between 7.1% and 8% -> Unsatisfactory Control of Diabetes
• Above 8% -> Poor Control of Diabetes

The values are only for theoretical reference. The content of this post is to provide general information related to topics relevant to blood diagnostics and can vary depending on altitude.