What is glycosylated/glycated hemoglobin?
The form of hemoglobin that is attached chemically to the sugar is called glycated or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Most monosaccharides (simple sugars) which include glucose, galactose & fructose, bond spontaneously with hemoglobin (protein molecule in red blood cells) in human bloodstream.
What is HbA1C Lab test?
This is a test which evaluates average concentration of glucose present in blood over the last two to three months & measures the percentage of HbA1C in blood. The human blood contains several normal hemoglobin types of which predominant is hemoglobin A (A1C is predominant here), to which glucose in circulating blood gets attached. Therefore, the increase in concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) indicates high level of glucose in blood.
Why is HbA1C lab test done?
As mentioned above HbA1C concentration rises when there is increased concentration of glucose in blood, therefore, this test can be done:
- To screen for & diagnose diabetes
- To detect risks of developing diabetes (prediabetes)
- To monitor treatment in individuals diagnosed with diabetes i.e. to evaluate how well their glucose levels have controlled by the treatment given over time
- Which range is considered normal HbA1C level?
In people without diabetes, hemoglobin A1C levels should be between 4% & 5.6%.
- What is the purpose of glycosylated hemoglobin test?
Its purpose is to check diabetes & prediabetes in adults. Prediabetes is considered when blood sugar levels are at risk of going towards diabetes.
- What will happen if HbA1C comes high?
High HbA1C means that there is too much sugar in blood. Which increases chances of developing diabetes complications like serious problems with eye & feet.
- Which ways can reduce HbA1C levels?
Diet tips which can be helpful include eating regularly (every 3-5 hours); eating similar sized portions at meals; keeping check of food, medication & exercise; and spreading out carbohydrate rich-food throughout the day
- Can banana be good to eat during diabetes?
Bananas though contain sugar & carbs, but they are rich in fibre & have low glycemic index (GI). Therefore, they are appropriate choice for diabetics.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Its results are given in percentages:
- “Normal” HbA1C: below 5.7%
- “Prediabetes” HbA1C: between 5.7% - 6.4%
- “Diabetes” HbA1C: 6.5% or higher
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests that if you have diabetes, you should try to keep your HbA1C levels below 7%.
The reason for getting tested is to determine if you are at risk of developing diabetes, to diagnose diabetes & prediabetes, or to monitor diabetes & help in treatment decisions. Symptoms which indicate need for HbA1C test include:
- Increase in thirst
- Increase in urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- High blood pressure, overweight, heart disease history, & physical inactivity
