HbA1c Test- Glycated Haemoglobin
Sample Type
Recommended for
Report
HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is a blood test that reflects blood glucose levels in the last three months. It is useful for the diagnosis and management of diabetes and prediabetes. This test does not require fasting and is not affected by meals consumed immediately before the test (less prone to variation). In diabetic patients, high HbA1c levels mean a need for a change in treatment/ diet plan.
The higher the glucose levels, the more the glucose is attached to haemoglobin and the higher the HbA1c results. A higher HbA1c result indicates that the glucose levels have been higher than normal for the past 2 to 3 months.
Price : ₹ 640
- Glycated Haemoglobin Test is done to To measure average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months, helping to detect diabetes or monitor its progress.
- Diagnose prediabetes or diabetes in patients. Prediabetes indicates the risk of developing diabetes.
- In cases of known diabetics, HbA1c is used to monitor the condition.
- To identify if a patient is at risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
- To enable better management of diabetes through evaluation of treatment progress and optimisation.
The HbA1c- Glycated Haemoglobin Test measures the amount of glucose attached to haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells over the last two to three months.
During the glycated haemoglobin test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
HbA1c results are given in percentages.
- Normal: HbA1c below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Diabetes: HbA1c of 6.5% or higher
High HbA1c levels are seen in prediabetes and diabetes.
In a patient with pre-existing diabetes, HbA1c shows the effectiveness of treatment and diet control. HbA1c levels below 7% are considered excellent and above 8% are considered as unsatisfactory control.
